Kerak Castle Travel Guide
Travel to Kerak Castle - Crusader Castle with Magnificent Views
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
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.
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.
Attractions in Kerak Castle
The castle is vast, a labyrinth of barracks, kitchens, storerooms, a church and underground vaulted galleries. There are the remains of a later Mameluke Palace and mosque and the small yet interesting Kerak Archaeological Museum. The Ottoman complex to the west of the castle is being turned into a Visitor’s Centre.
Activities in Kerak Castle
Kerak is best visited en route south to Petra or north to Madaba, Mt Nebo and Amman. A day trip from Amman is quite possible for those who wish to visit from there.
Relaxing
It is possible to overnight in Kerak at the resthouse or one of the small and simple hotels in town. Kerak is a quiet town with little organised entertainment after dark.
Getting Around
Buses run to Kerak from Amman and Aqaba along the quick Desert Highway, a journey of around 2 hours from Amman and 31/2 from Aqaba; buses and minibuses travelling north and south along the twisting Kings Highway are slow and tend to be infrequent. The best way of visiting is by taking an organised tour arranged by a local travel expert as part of a trip south to Petra or by having your own transport.
Kerak Castle Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
