Ajlun Castle
Description:
Ajloun Castle (Kalat al-Rabat) was built in 1184 by Emir Izzuddin Osama to protect the trade routes between Syria and Jordan and the nearby iron mines. The castle stands high on the mountain and its towers offer beautiful views of the three roads and the entire Jordan Valley, and in good clear weather even the golden domes of Jerusalem are visible.
The fortress has 4 towers and a deep moat, a loop covering the stronghold. Later, another tower with a suspension bridge and figures of pigeons at the front gate was completed. Despite its defensive purpose, the fortress never experienced attacks. The only battle took place outside the walls of the lake during the First Crusade. The fortress itself was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the XII century and was abandoned.
On the territory of the castle is now a museum, which presents numerous exhibits of the times of the Byzantine emperors, found during excavations on the territory of the fortress.