Karak
An ancient Crusader stronghold, Kerak sits 900m above sea level and lies inside the walls of the old city. The city today is home to around 170,000 people and continues to boast a number of restored 19th century Ottoman buildings, restaurants, places to stay, and the like. But it is undoubtedly Kerak Castle that dominate
This significant landmark is well worth a visit, if only for its legacy. Built in 1142 by Paganus the Butler, the castle was erected to replace Shobak as the heart of TransJordan and was deemed a significant castle in a series of fortresses built between the cities of Jerusalem and Aqaba. Flash forward to post World War I, AlKarak was administered by the British Empire until the Emirate of Transjordan was established in 1921. The castle displays glorious Crusader architecture and design complete with deep vaults, winding passageways, and formidable doorways. With time it further evolved to include Arab additions in white limestone. After a quick stop at the ticket booth, visitors can either take the dark steps leading down to the destination’s vaulted rooms or may choose to walk around the upper courtyard, which includes remains of a Crusader chapel.