The marvels of nature and the genius of medieval Arab military architecture have given northern Jordan two of the most important ecological and historical attractions in the Middle East: the sprawling pine forests of the Ajloun-Dibbine area, and the towering Ayyubid castle at Ajloun, which helped defeat the Crusaders eight centuries ago.
One of Saladin’s generals built Ajloun Castle (Qal’at Ar-Rabad) in 1184 AD in order to control the iron mines of Ajloun and to deter the Franks from invading Ajloun. Ajloun Castle dominated the three main routes leading to the Jordan Valley and protected the trade and commercial routes between Jordan and Syria; it became an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders, who, unsuccessfully spent decades trying to capture the castle and the nearby village.
The original castle had four towers, arrow slits incorporated into the thick walls, and surrounded by a moat averaging 16 m in width and up to 15 m deep. In 1215 AD, the Mameluk officer Aibak ibn Abdullah expanded the castle following Usama’s death, by adding a new tower in the southeast corner and a bridge that can still be seen decorated with pigeon reliefs. The castle was conceded in the 13th century to Salah ed-Din Yousef Ibn Ayoub, ruler of Aleppo and Damascus, who restored the northeastern tower. These expansion efforts were interrupted in 1260 AD when Mongol invaders destroyed the castle, but almost immediately, the Mameluk Sultan Baybars re-conquered and rebuilt the fortress.
Ten Salah ed-Din soldiers are guarding the castle every day of the week. They are placed at the four different gate levels that the castle has. Two are on the roof where the yellow Mameluk is flying. Siege ladders leaning on the wall add to the war-like atmosphere. Today, the castle is well-preserved and becomes a famous essential attraction for foreigners and Jordanians as well. The structures, towers, chambers, galleries, and staircases make Ajloun a very special destination. As well as the fascinating landscape, that surrounds the hills will blow your mind for sure.
Ajloun is just a short journey from Jerash through pine forest and olive groves and boasts scores of ancient sites, including watermills, forts and villages, all in the beautiful hills and valleys of northern Jordan. Nearby is the Ajloun Nature Reserve, a 13 sq. km protected area of outstanding beauty and diverse wildlife. Within the reserve are two nature trails and chalet-style accommodation. The reserve is managed and maintained by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
Memphis Tours offers unique tours that include Ajloun hill in our Jordan travel packages. Memphis Tours provides a wide range of guided outdoor visits and beautiful touristic destinations such as Ajloun hill in Jordan tours packages and Jordan and Egypt combined travel packages. With our professional guides, you will be able to get to the most wonderful spots and the spectacular natural views will stay engraved in your memory forever.
