This article will lead you to discover the capital Amman and its riches.

Discovering the capital Amman

Would you like to explore the superb archaeological site at Jerash? Here is some information about it.

Jerash's archaeological wonders

Let's follow the traces of the most important biblical sites in Jordan.

Discovering biblical sites in Jordan

With this article you'll discover the Dead Sea... before going there to float!

The mythical Dead Sea

Amman

Umm Qais

Jerash

Madaba

Built by Baldwin I, King of Jerusalem in the 12th century, the Shobak castle is located 60 km south of Tafila, on the Route of the King. Or rather its ruins, quite dilapidated, but are free to visit.

Middle East

Jordan

Shobak

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Oceania

The Shobak castle is located at the top of a hill which dominates the whole of Wadi Araba (Araba Valley). The views during walks in this hilly region and of the landscapes are amazing. The ruins are less spectacular than the Karak or Ajloun castles, because it is difficult to recognise the places with heaps of old rocks everywhere, but it is really worth seeing for its historical interest. 
This castle was built by the Knights of the Cross who wanted to control the trading routes between Egypt and Syria. They fought against the Muslims for almost 70 years until Saladin himself took it over after a year and a half of siege. With a similar history, you can imagine an enormous, amazing fortress.
Local guides are really useful by providing explanations about the remains of churches, chapels and even torture chambers! The secret of the Knights of the Cross was a very deep well (approximately 70m) which allowed the Shobak castle to have very long sieges. Bring a pocket torch to explore the dark corners.

Built by Baldwin I, King of Jerusalem in the 12th century, the Shobak castle is located 60 km south of Tafila, on the Route of the King. Or rather its ruins, quite dilapidated, but are free to visit.

Shobak Holidays

Shobak: What to see nearby?

Jordan: our articles for your holidays