Ajloun

Ajloun is famous for its lush landscapes and the strategically significant Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ajloun), built in 1184 by Izz al-Din Usama, a nephew of Saladin. The fortress was designed to protect the region's iron mines and to monitor the movements of Crusaders from the Jordan Valley. As a premier example of Islamic military architecture, the castle stands on the site of an old monastery and has survived numerous sieges and earthquakes. The city is tucked away in a mountainous area characterized by dense oak and pine forests, home to the Ajloun Forest Reserve. Historically, Ajloun was a vital center for agriculture and iron production, and today it remains famous for its high-quality olive oil and traditional soap making. The Great Mosque of Ajloun, with its distinct minaret, dates back to the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, marking the city's long-standing religious and political importance.

Nearby cities

Kufranja

Kufranja is one of the green pearls of the Ajloun Mountains.

Al-Mashareq

Al-Mashareq is a predominantly agricultural settlement in northern Jordan.

Deir Abi Saeed

Deir Abi Saeed is the central settlement of the Kourah district.

Al-Husn

Al-Husn is one of the most traditional towns in the north.

Irbid

Irbid is the economic hub of northern Jordan.

As-Salt

As-Salt was once the most important settlement in Jordan.

Ain Basha

Ain Basha is located on the edge of the capital on fertile land.

Fuheis

Fuheis is a picturesque town northwest of Amman, inhabited almost exclusively by Jordanian Christians.

Ash-Shunah ash-Shamaliyah

Ash-Shunah ash-Shamaliyah is located in the fertile Jordan Valley.

Mahis

Mahis is situated on the hills above the Jordan Valley.

Ar-Ramtha

Ar-Ramtha is situated right on the Syrian border.

History & landmarks

Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis dominates from one of the highest points in Jerash.

Qasr al-Abd

A Hellenistic palace near Iraq al-Amir, built from huge stone blocks.

King Abdullah I Mosque

A distinctive landmark of Amman, known for its magnificent blue mosaic dome.

Nature

King Talal Dam

The largest reservoir in the hills of Jerash plays an important role in the irrigation of the Jordan Valley.

Zarqa River

An important river system in northern Jordan that flows through steep valleys and feeds the King Talal Dam.

Yarmouk River

The largest tributary of the Jordan River carves deep into the landscape and separates Jordan from Syria.

Jordan River

The Jordan River is a historically and religiously significant river that flows through the Jordan Valley and empties into the Dead Sea.

More places

Olive Groves of Ajloun

The hilly landscape of Ajloun is famous for its ancient olive trees and the production of high-quality olive oil.

Ajloun Mountains

A densely forested and green mountain region in the north, forming a stark contrast to the desert.

Ajloun Castle

A 12th-century Islamic fortress built by Saladin's nephew to protect the region against the Crusaders.

Ajloun Forest Reserve

A dense forest area of evergreen oaks that provides an important refuge for deer, wild boars, and rare bird species.

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Al-Ma'wa for Nature and Wildlife

This sanctuary in the forests of Jerash provides a safe and natural home for rescued exotic animals, such as lions and bears from conflic…

Dibbeen Forest Reserve

This hilly reserve protects the last remaining stands of the rare Aleppo pine in the region.

Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan protects native flora while offering stunning views of the King Talal Dam.

Sharhabil Bin Hassneh EcoPark

This eco-park in northern Jordan was established to rehabilitate local habitats.