Crusader Castle with Magnificent Views
Central Jordan, Jordan
The Crusaders built castles every 40 kilometres or so to guard the Holy Land from attack from the east and Kerak is without doubt one of their finest. Perched atop a huge rock and astride the strategic King’s Highway it commands superb views and has a history that could be straight from a schoolboy’s imagination.
Background
Brooding Kerak Castle was built as part of a chain of castles from the Gulf of Aqaba all the way to Turkey, protecting the Crusaders from attack from the east. Completed in 1140 it has since become associated with chivalrous and much regarded Salahadin’s arch-enemy, the heinous Reynald de Chatillon. His constant raids on passing caravans in spite of agreed truces brought him into conflict with Salahadin.
One story relates on one occasion Salahadin only failed to take Kerak because he directed his cannon fire away from Reynald’s marital suite where he was spending the night with his new wife. This didn’t stop Reynald continuing his raids but he eventually got his comeuppance at the Battle of Hattin where Salahadin ensured he was despatched.