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Amman  /  Jerash & Adjlun  /  Bethany & Dead Sea  /  Madaba, Mt Nebo & Kerak  /  Petra  /  Aqaba  /  Wadi Rum

MOUNT NEBO
About 10km West of Madaba is the commanding peak of Mount Nebo. It offers stunning views over the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley and the Holy Land towards Jerusalem. Mount Nebo is believed to be the summit which Moses climbed in order to look over the promised land - and the place where he died. The 6th century Basilica, houses some beautiful mosaics. We can arrange for you to visit other Holy Land and biblical sites in this area.

Kerak Castle lies to the south of Amman on the King's Highway. Kerak is situated on a hilltop about 1000 meters above sea level and is surrounded on three sides by a valley. Kerak commands a magnificent view of the Dead Sea. A city of about 170 000 people has been built up around the castle.

History of Kerak Castle.
Construction of the Crusader castle began in the 1140's. The Crusaders called it Crac des Moabites. Kerak became the centre of power in this region, replacing the weaker castle of Montreal to the south. Because of its position east of the Jordan River, Kerak was able to control Bedouin herders as well as the trade routes from Damascus to Egypt and Mecca. Towers were added to protect the north and south sides, and two deep rock-cut ditches (the southern ditch also serving as a cistern).

The most notable Crusader architectural feature surviving is the north wall, into which are built immense arched halls on two levels. These were used for living quarters and stables, but also served as a fighting gallery overlooking the castle approach and for shelter against missiles from siege engines.

In 1176 Raynald of Chatillon gained possession of Kerak after marrying Stephanie of Milly. From Kerak, Raynald harassed the trade caravans and even attempted an attack on Mecca itself. In 1184 Saladin besieged the castle in response to Raynald's attacks. The siege took place during the marriage of Humphrey IV of Toron and Isabella of Jerusalem, and Saladin, after some negotiations and with a chivalrous intent, agreed not to target their chamber while his siege machines attacked the rest of the castle. The siege was eventually relieved by King Baldwin IV. After the Battle of Hattin in 1187, Saladin besieged Kerak again and finally captured it in 1189.

In AD 1263, the Mamluk ruler, Baybars, enlarged and built a tower on the north-west corner. In AD 1840, Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt captured the castle and destroyed much of its fortifications.

The castle extends over the southern part of the plateau. It is a notable example of Crusader architecture, a mixture of European, Byzantine, and Arab designs. Its walls are strengthened with rectangular projecting towers, long stone vaulted galleries are lighted only by narrow slits, and a contains a deep moat from the west which completely isolates the site. The castle has a museum dedicated to the Crusader period.

Pictures of Kerak Castle

Visiting Madaba, Mount Nebo and Kerak Castle...
Aquatours standard Jordan tour already includes these sites.

If you are not doing one of our tours, but wish to visit Madaba, Mt Nebo or Kerak Castle as an add-on, it can be arranged. These sites are are best visited from Amman, so a night in Amman is usually necessary. Our Jordan holidays can be tailor-made to your requirements. Just ask for a quote.
Contact Aquatours now.