Ajloun Castle

Visitors can freely wander around the open areas of the castle, and climb to the top of several towers to enjoy sweeping views of the Jordan Valley. There’s also a small museum inside the castle that contains artifacts, mosaics, pottery, ceramics, and medieval weaponry. Ajloun Castle is a popular attraction, and is often visited on guided day trips from Amman (whose itineraries also include Jerash and Umm Qais), or as part of a multi-day tour of Jordan.

• Ajloun Castle is a must for visitors with an interest in history and Islamic Ayyubid architecture.

• A visitor center with restrooms can be found downhill from the castle.

• Be aware that it’s a steep walk from the town of Ajloun to the castle.

• Information about the site in English can be found just inside the main gate.

Ajloun Castle is located around 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Amman. From the town center of Ajloun, it’s 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) uphill to reach the castle. Opt for a taxi or a minibus to avoid the tough walk. From Amman, a guided trip is an easy way to visit the castle.

With its desert location, spring and fall are the best times to visit Ajloun Castle. Spring is a particularly picturesque season, when the olive groves to the side of the castle are filled with wildflowers. For summer visits, it’s best to time your arrival for earlier in the day to avoid the heat. If you’re traveling in the winter, it can get cold, so you will want to bundle up.

Located about 20 minutes from Ajloun Castle is the Ajloun Forest Reserve, which spans 5 square miles (13 square kilometers) and is covered with oak, carob, and olive trees. It’s also a designated bird area and is home to numerous wildlife such as wild boar, striped hyenas, jackals, and foxes. There are walking trails, overnight cottages, and a restaurant on-site. The Ajloun Castle Trail connects the castle and the reserve.