Montréal Castle, Crusader castle in Shoubak, Jordan
Montréal Castle rises on a cone-shaped hill on the eastern side of Arabah Valley and features three defensive walls with multiple chambers across different levels. The structures show a mix of military fortifications and architectural elements that were expanded over centuries.
Baldwin I of Jerusalem built this fortress in 1115 to control trade routes between Egypt and Syria. Power changed in 1189 when Saladin captured it, and it later continued under Mamluk rule.
The fortress displays architectural features from both Crusader and Mamluk periods, including chapels, carved inscriptions, and military construction methods from different cultures. Visitors can see this layering of building styles clearly when exploring the chambers and walls.
The castle is located about 3 kilometers from the King's Highway and is accessible through transportation services from surrounding towns in Maan Governorate. The path up is steep and requires sturdy footwear, and visitors should bring plenty of water especially in hot weather.
Inside the fortress is a hidden tunnel system leading to spring-fed cisterns that provided defenders with drinking water during sieges. This underground network was a closely guarded strategic advantage that made the fortress significantly more resilient.
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