Ajloun Castle Trail - Hiking in Jordan

This trail is near the Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ajloun or Qal'at Ar-Rabad) in Jordan and leads through an area that contains remnants of Mediterranean vegetation that was once widespread in this part of Jordan.

Apart from the ubiquitous olive groves, you will find on the trail mostly Evergreen Oak (Quercus calliprinos), a few Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) and wild Pistachio (Pistacia palaestina).

"Inside" the Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ajloun or Qal'at Ar-Rabad) in Jordan - Hiking in Jordan.

You may be able to also spot the famous Black Iris growing on the hillside.

Located near the city center, the castle in Ajloun (Ajlun) can be easily reached by car. The castle is not far from the Ajloun Nature Reserve and Jerash. The castle is also not far from the Wadi Zubia Forest Walk trail that is featured in the hiking book

The castle had four towers when it was erected by one of Saladin's generals in 1184 AD. In 1215 AD, the castle expanded under the Mamelukes' rule and continues to represent Arab and Islamic military architecture in Jordan. Earthquakes have destroyed most of the castle.

It is believed that the castle played an important role in controlling the iron mines in the area and protecting three main routes leading to the Jordan Valley. The castle "was an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders, who, unsuccessfully spent decades trying to capture the castle and the nearby village" as it was instrumental in protecting trading routes between Jordan and Syria (Jordan's Tourism Board).

It is also believed that pigeons and fire/smoke were used to transmit messages from Damascus in Syria to Cairo, Egypt in less than twelve hours as the castle was part of a chain of other castles and sign posts (Jordanbeauty.com).

Soundtrack: Zero-Project - 04 - Album: Earth by Zero Project

Licensed Under: CC BY

Trail Video

The videos are part of the "Hiking in Jordan Collection" by Grant & Maassen published by Wandel Guides. With 3D trail animation and trail statistics. Produced with Nasa World Wind Under NASA Open Source Agreement Version 1.3. The videos are distributed under: CC BY-SA 3.0.

NASA is not affiliated with this project. We use software released under NASA's World Wind program for 3D trail rendering.

Opening title music for videos: Aulendia II, Album: Aulendia By: Terepin. Licensed Under: CC BY-SA 3.0.

See our disclaimer below before hiking in Jordan or elsewhere.

Animation Video