Ajloun Castle, a Visitable Attraction with the Jordan Pass

Ajloun Castle is one of the main attractions in northern Jordan. And luckily for tourists visiting the country, it is included in the Jordan Pass, that ‘passport’ that we often talk about in this blog, because it also includes other museums and monuments of interest, such as the Citadel of Amman and many more. This time we dedicate a few lines to this fortress full of history, whose beauty is amplified by its picturesque location.

Where is Ajloun Castle

Ajloun Castle is located next to the city of the same name, Ajloun, being its main tourist monument. Located in northern Jordan, it is relatively close to the other great tourist destination in the region: Jerash, about 20 km away, which takes just half an hour to complete. Therefore, it is common to combine these two destinations on the same day, which are so interesting for different reasons.

The location of the castle is, without a doubt, one of its great attractions: at the top of Mount Auf, about 1250 meters high, this fortress rises above all its surrounding territory, so that every corner of the site offers spectacular panoramic views. These views, by the way, are surprising for many, because we are in the greenest Jordan, with a more Mediterranean climate, with a landscape that could well remind us of the countryside of southern Spain or Italy, full of olive trees, pistachio trees and other trees.

What is Ajloun Castle Like

The defensive architecture of this castle undoubtedly evokes the era in which it arose: the Middle Ages and, more specifically, the period of formation between crusaders and the Ayyubid forces that controlled the Holy Land at the end of the 12th century. In fact, the site was built between 1184 and 1188, by order of a nephew of Saladin. Later, in 1260, it was sacked by the Mongols, which forced a subsequent reconstruction by the Egyptian Mamluks, who then dominated the territory.

A walk through Ajloun Castle will allow you to discover corners as surprising and interesting as its entrance gates, one of them with a drawbridge, watchtowers, numerous passageways and outdoor patios. Especially sophisticated was the system of drainage and collection of water, stored in lower levels for the supply of the fortress in case of siege.

In addition, the castle houses a small museum, with several display cases exhibiting ancient archaeological and military pieces. The pieces on display are not exclusively artifacts found here, but come from all over the region, so it is expected that its collections will continue to expand over time as a humble archaeological museum.

The Cable Car, a New Attraction

In addition to the site itself and the panoramic views it offers to the traveler, there is another attraction in Ajloun Castle that is worth mentioning: the cable car. Given its recent creation and inauguration (2023), it is still being promoted among the general public, but more and more people are traveling here with the intention of riding it.

It has two stations: one at the foot of the castle, but the other is not in the city of Ajloun, so it is not conceived as a means of transport to access the fortress, but as a real tourist attraction, with its 5 km route and about 20 minutes of travel.

Practical information for the visit

Take note of these useful facts to visit Ajloun Castle, in order to optimize your time to the maximum:

• Winter hours (November to March): 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Spring hours (April and May): 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Summer hours (June to October): 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM