This fantastic Crusader stronghold, and later Mamluk fortress, is the reason to visit Karak. Throughout the castle, boards give detailed descriptions of…
Shutterstock / Leonid Andronov
Karak
The ancient Crusader stronghold of Karak (or Kerak) lies within the walls of the old city and is one of the highlights of Jordan. The fortified castle that dominates the town was a place of legend in the battles between the Crusaders (Franks) and the Islamic armies of Saladin (Salah ad Din). Now one of the most famous Crusader castles, in its day Karak was just one in a long line of Frank defences, stretching from Aqaba in the south to Turkey in the north.
In late 2016, Islamist terrorists tried to take hostages at Karak, resulting in 10 deaths. The attack had the effect of galvanising the community, with residents pulling together to refurbish the town's mosques and churches and creating volunteer groups to improve local services.
Explore Karak
- Karak Castle
This fantastic Crusader stronghold, and later Mamluk fortress, is the reason to visit Karak. Throughout the castle, boards give detailed descriptions of…
- SStatue of Saladin
This fine statue of the Muslim hero Saladin (Salah ad Din) sits in the middle of a roundabout at the bottom of the town's main shopping street. Astride a…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Karak.
See
Karak Castle
This fantastic Crusader stronghold, and later Mamluk fortress, is the reason to visit Karak. Throughout the castle, boards give detailed descriptions of…
See
Statue of Saladin
This fine statue of the Muslim hero Saladin (Salah ad Din) sits in the middle of a roundabout at the bottom of the town's main shopping street. Astride a…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Karak
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