About
Karak Castle stands in the town of Al-Karak in Jordan, Asia, and is one of the most striking medieval sites in the country. It is also known as Al-Karak Castle and as Crac des Moabites. Its scale alone makes it worth the trip: this is a massive fortress, built by the Crusaders in the 1140s.
Why the castle was built here
The castle was positioned to control the trade routes that crossed this part of the land, so its walls and towers were placed to watch over movement along the road below. Standing on the high ground, it shows clearly why a commander of the time would have wanted this spot.
What to see
- Towers and defensive walls, which give a clear sense of how the fortress was guarded.
- Underground galleries, a less expected part of the visit and a reminder that much of the castle lay beneath the surface.
- The imposing structure as a whole, best appreciated slowly, walking the lines of the walls and looking out over the surrounding landscape.
Planning your visit
Allow time to walk through the galleries and climb to the upper parts of the site, as the fortress is large and the paths can be uneven. Al-Karak is a small town, so the castle is the natural centre of a day here. For up-to-date visiting information, you can call the site on +962 3 235 1148 before you travel.