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Shobak Castle

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historical-site
—°4
Shobak Castle (Jordan)

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Shobak Castle, originally known as Krak de Montréal, was constructed in 1115 AD by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem during the Crusades. Strategically perched on a conical mountain in the Edom mountains, it served to control the trade routes between Egypt, Syria, and the Arabian Peninsula. The fortress was the first Christian stronghold in the area east of the Jordan River and played a crucial role in levying taxes on caravans. Despite its massive defensive walls, the castle fell to Saladin's forces in 1189 after a siege lasting nearly two years. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the site was extensively renovated and expanded by the Mamluks, who added many of its current features, such as the monumental inscriptions on the exterior walls. One of the most remarkable architectural details is a secret well with 375 steps leading deep into the rock to secure water supply during sieges. The castle remains a significant example of the fusion between Crusader and Mamluk military architecture in the region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C681115202325252319138
Rain mm453619104000171526

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Crusader castle Shobak is an open ruin accessible without restrictions. The walls and interior rooms can be explored, but are unroofed.
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Typical hours
The castle is usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In winter months, closing time may be earlier; ask on site.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the castle grounds. The mountain location features spectacular panoramic views - use a wide-angle lens.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the castle and surrounding walls. The site is extensive but easily walkable.
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Combine with
Shobak lies on the road to the famous Kerak Castle. Combine both castles in one day; the drive between them takes about an hour.
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Getting there
The castle is best reached by car or taxi from the town of Petra. The road is paved, with the last section on a gravel track.
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Insider tip
Climb the highest tower for an impressive view over Wadi Araba. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
30.53170, 35.56060

Facts

  • Founded in 1115 AD by Baldwin I of Jerusalem.
  • Captured by Saladin in 1189 after a two-year siege.
  • Features a secret passage with 375 steps carved into the rock.
  • Contains two Crusader-era churches and a Mamluk bathhouse.
  • Exterior walls feature inscriptions honoring Mamluk Sultan Lajin.
  • Perched at an elevation of approximately 1,330 meters above sea level.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Wadi GhuweirWadi Ghuweir6 km · SEExplore →
Edom MountainsEdom Mountains10 km · NEExplore →
Dana Biosphere ReserveDana Biosphere Reserve14 km · EExplore →
Wadi Dhana / FeynanWadi Dhana / Feynan14 km · SEExplore →
BusairaBusaira19 km · EExplore →
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)19 km · SWExplore →
Tafilah Wind FarmTafilah Wind Farm20 km · NEExplore →
Sharah MountainsSharah Mountains21 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Shobak Castle (4)

Huleila🏺 historical

Desert ruins of an ancient settlement in the arid landscape near the Shobak fortress.

Al Kur🏺 historical

Historical remains of a defensive or residential outpost in the Shobak region.

Bir Khidad🏺 historical

The remains of an ancient water well and surrounding structures in the arid desert landscape.

Shoubak🏰 castle

An imposing 12th-century Crusader fortress strategically perched atop a cone-shaped hill.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Shobak Castle open to tourists?
Yes, it is open daily and much less crowded than Kerak Castle.
What is the main highlight of the castle?
The secret passage with 375 steps leading down to a water source.
Is there a restaurant nearby?
There is a small visitor center and simple cafes in Shobak village below the castle.
How do you get there from Petra?
The castle is 30 km north of Petra, best reached by rental car or taxi.
When was the castle built?
It was founded in 1115 by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem as a Crusader castle.
Shobak Castle: where is it located?
Shobak Castle is located in Jordan.
Shobak Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Huleila, Al Kur, Bir Khidad.
Shobak Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Shobak Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Shobak Castle, originally known as Krak de Montréal, was constructed in 1115 AD by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem during the Crusades.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

🗺️
Ma'an
Ma'an is the largest city in Jordan's arid south.

History & landmarks

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
This remote site north of Petra once served as a suburb for passing merchants.
Royal Tombs of Petra — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Royal Tombs of Petra
This imposing row of tombs is carved into the rock face of Jabal al-Khubtha.
The Siq — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
The Siq
The narrow canyon is the dramatic main entrance to the ancient city of Petra.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
The famous Treasury is the most iconic monument of Petra.
Great Temple of Petra — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Great Temple of Petra
This vast monumental complex is located in the center of Petra.
Ad-Deir (The Monastery) — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
The Monastery is one of the largest monuments in Petra and requires climbing over 800 steps.
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)
This mountain is the highest peak in the Petra area.

More places

Sharah Mountains — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Sharah Mountains
A striking mountain massif near Petra, characterized by deep valleys and steep cliffs.
Petra — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Petra
The ancient rock city carved from pink sandstone by the Nabataeans is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Jabal al-Madhbah — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Jabal al-Madhbah
A significant mountain in Petra, used by the Nabataeans as a sacred sacrificial site at the summit.
Jabal Harun — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Jabal Harun
The highest peak in the Petra region, traditionally considered the burial site of Moses' brother Aaron.
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant
One of the largest photovoltaic plants in the region, helping to reduce Jordan's energy dependence.
🗺️
Eshidiya Phosphate Mine
Jordan's largest phosphate mine in the Ma'an Governorate, providing large quantities of raw materials for fertilizers.
Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO) — Shobak Castle (Jordan)
Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO)
A joint venture that produces phosphoric acid from local phosphate ores for export to India.