Kerak Castle, Medieval fortress in Al-Karak, Jordan

Kerak Castle rises on a hill about 1000 meters (3280 feet) above sea level and consists of several stacked levels with thick stone walls, arched passages, and underground rooms. The structure extends roughly 220 meters (720 feet) in length and around 125 meters (410 feet) in width, with visitors still able to descend through the different floors today.

Crusaders began building the castle in the 1140s under Pagan the Butler and Fulk, King of Jerusalem, to control trade routes between Damascus, Egypt and Mecca. Saladin besieged it in 1183 and 1184 without success. In 1188 his nephew Sa'd al-Din took it after a months-long blockade, the garrison surrendering for lack of arms rather than food.

The fortress bears the Arabic name Qal'at al-Karak and continues to shape the skyline of the old town with its massive walls of light brown stone. Visitors often see school groups from the region walking through the vaulted passages, learning about the different construction phases.

The castle sits on the southern side of the triangular plateau, measuring 220 meters long and 40 to 125 meters wide. The southern wall overlooks a valley with a water channel, and the ground beneath holds passages leading to fortified rooms. Sturdy footwear helps on the steep stairs and uneven stone floors.

The northern wall holds large vaulted halls that served as living quarters, stables, and fighting gallery at the same time. From these rooms defenders could shoot attackers on the slope through narrow openings.