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The famous Crusader stronghold Karak (or Kerak), later a Mamluk fortress, is an impressive example of military architecture, built on top of a ridge, separated from the old fortified town by a deep moat.
The place was one of the main settlements of the ancient Kingdom of Moab around the 9th century B.C. The Old Testament describes how the King of Israel and his allies besieged Kir Moab (or Kir Heres), as Karak was then known, but King Mesha's sacrifice of his first-born son averted the imminent defeat. After Nabataean domination at the beginning of the Common Era, the city became a regional center in Roman Arabia (under the name Characmoba), and a diocesan town during the Byzantine period. It is featured as a walled city on the Madaba mosaic map.
The imposing castle that visitors can admire today was built by the Crusaders in the mid-12 century A.D., and was the base of lord Raynald of Châtillon's reckless and cruel campaigns. Karak withstood several Muslim sieges, but finally fell into Saladin's hands in 1187. Under the rule of Mamluk sultan Baibars from 1264 on, the castle was substantially renovated with stronger fortifications and additions such as the fortress keep at the north.
Karak Castle and Museum
via King's Highway
approx. 125 km south of Amman
90 km south of Madaba
Location on map
Opening hours:
November - March: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
April and May: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Summer: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
During Ramadan: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Double check opening hours on
Jordan Pass
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Compilation of information, editing, translations, photos: Gerhard Haupt & Pat Binder -Universes in Universe, unless otherwise indicated