Ajloun Castle

Built between 1184 & 1188 to protect the country from Crusaders, the Ajloun Castle in Northern Jordan is scenic and offers a fantastic 360 degree view of the entire Jordan Valley. While you are visiting Jordan, you must book a day trip to visit this meticulously restored castle. Built over a monastery, it boasts of magnificent doorways and high, arched ceilings. The castle, as well as its surroundings, is absolutely spectacular.
Like all other places of tourist interest in Jordan, placards placed all over the site, explain everything in Arabic and English. Truth be told, no explanations are required to absorb the beauty of this place. Walking through the maze like corridors of the castle was kind of eerie and took us back in time. The cannonballs and other similar displays added to this feeling of witnessing history. It is a great place to learn more about the history of Jordan. That is why it is a great idea to get a guide to explain things to you. Some interesting facts like how Saladin's commanders used pigeons to send mails come up in the guide's stories.

Ajloun Castle is roughly a three kilometre uphill trek from the town centre. The Visitor Centre is around 500 meters below the castle- in case you do not have the Jordan Pass; you would have to stop here to buy the entry ticket. The entire area is quite green and makes for a great getaway from crowded places like Amman.