Al Karak Things to Do

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This is one of a string of Crusader Castles in the region. While not as impressive as the the Crac Des Chevaliers it should not be missed if you have even the slightest interest in Castles.
The Castle itself is literally next to the city but unlike the Crac you won't be hounded by wanna be guides than thus have plently of time to wander around imagine what the place was like back in the day

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Despite what the guides by the entrance may tell you, the castle is not that big. You can get around it in an hour or two, and if you are careful, you won't miss a thing. You certainly won't get lost. There are a lot of nooks and crannies. The important parts are all explained with English notice boards.

Entrance to the castle is just 1JD.

From the Norther tip, head back in the direction of the Castle ruins. The path leads to an underground passageway, the begining of vaulted rooms, chambers and underground paths.

Tip: Take a headlight or flashlight with you to get the best out of your visit.

After visiting the museum, continue along the old Castle Walls to the Northern tip. Be careful climbing the stairs to the second level. You'll get spectacular views of the valley and surrounding hills of Karak.

Just past the entrance gate where you purchased your ticket, a path leads downhill to it's Museum. A large plaza opens up to the entrance way. The staircase and plaza are restored with new stones. Admission is included in the ticket price. The museum covers the history of Jordan and surrounding area, it's constant invasions, and timelines.

Kerak is amidst a bustling little town, at the top of its steep hill. Pass by the many shops heading uphill. There is a large plaza in front and restaurants across from it. Cross the bridge to the castle, over its moat, and enter through the main gate. Purchase your entrance ticket for 1JD, a sign maps the layout of the Castle, and its small museum on the right lower level.

The castle or fortress is really big. One can easily find it once you're near Karak, as it is in the top of a hill, dominating the whole town. During the byzantin period, the city was the see of a bishopric. And in the year 1140, the building of the fortress began, under the period of the domination of the crusaders. Some years later, the arabs won the christians. In 1840, the fortress was abandoned. You should take about a couple of hours to visit the whole fortress and walk around all the corridors and different levels. Some of the areas of the fortress are quite destroyed, but still most of it is passable. Also, from the terraces of the castle, you have a great view of the valley and the surrounding areas.

The castle is built on two levels, corresponding to the Upper and Lower Courts and an Inner Wall separates two courts. The Upper Court contains many of the main buildings of the castle, suche as the Crusader Church...