Ajlun Castle

An Islamic fortress, built during the period of the Crusades. It's an interesting maze of passages and levels, and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding area, northwestern Jordan, and off into Galilee. The castle was built in 1184-1185 AD and was one of the few fortresses built to protect the country against Crusader attacks from both the west and the north. It also dominated the three main routes leading to the Jordan valley, protected the trade and commercial routes between Jordan and Syria, and controlled the area around itself, including iron mines. The castle is one of the best preserved and most complete examples of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture. The Crusaders unsuccessfully spend decades trying to capture the castle and the nearby village. From the top of the castle, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the highlands of north Jordan. Excavations have identified a church that was built on the castle site in the earlier Byzantine period, while restoration and conservation works have made all areas of the castle accessible and safe for visitors. It is recommended to bring binoculars; the scenery is beautiful and as much a part of the reason to visit as the castle itself.