Desert castles
The Desert Castles of Jordan are in the kingdom's Eastern Desert.
Understand
The Desert Castles are a series of buildings (not all castles) built by the Umayyads in the desert, east of Amman. They provide a fascinating glimpse of how the Umayyads controlled the unforgiving desert.
Get in
It is hard to see much of them by public transport.
Get around
The main castles can be seen in a loop, with some near 1 Zarqa on the main road east of Amman, some near 2 Azraq, and some on the southern road from Azraq to near Amman airport.
See
- 1 Qasr Al-Hallabat (the first castle on a clockwise loop, east of Zarqa and just west of Hallabat). A large castle that went through multiple phases of building, showing black rock additions to the original work, plus some large mosaics.
- 2 Hammam as-Sarah (a few kilometres east of Qasr Al-Hallabat). The baths used by the rulers of Hallabat castle, now undergoing some archaeological work. The gate will be closed but unlocked. Free.
- 3 Qasr Ussaykhim (Qasr Assekhin), head east from Azraq - there will be a signposted turnoff, but the sealed road ends 1km before the castle. A ruined castle built from the black desert rock, a few arches standing out against the pile of rubble. This is an amazing peaceful place to look out over the rocky desert. Free.
- 4 Qasr Al-Azraq (Azraq Castle) (5km north of the Azraq t-junction, right next to the road). A large ruined castle in the northern suburbs of Azraq. Good for exploring.
- 5 Qasr Amra (right by highway 40). Bath complex with spectacular frescos.
- 6 Qasr Kharana (right by highway 40). A large rectangular building that was likely a meeting place. It stands out against the desert and, unfortunately, the highway and power lines. The courtyard may be cool enough for a quick picnic.
Do
Buy
Eat & Drink
Larger towns like Zarqa, Hallabat and Azraq will have restaurants but you might want to take your own food and have a picnic.
Sleep
Azraq may be the best place to stay overnight.