Tafilah Castle, Medieval castle in Tafilah Governorate, Jordan
Tafilah Castle is a rectangular fortress that stands on an elevated hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley, built from massive stone walls with a central cylindrical water well at its core. The structure is surrounded by eight-meter-high walls and accessed through an eastern entrance that opens into a spacious courtyard paved with large stones.
The fortress was first built during Edomite times and later occupied by Romans who enhanced its structure. In the medieval period, it was reinforced and used as a military stronghold by Mamluk and Ottoman powers.
The fortress served as a protective stronghold for caravans traveling through the region for centuries. Local communities still remember its role in safeguarding trade routes that passed through these lands.
The eastern gate provides the main way to enter and leads directly into the courtyard where you can explore the different sections of the fortress. Wear sturdy shoes because the stone surfaces are uneven and some areas near the walls have steep slopes.
A network of underground tunnels connects the fortress to nearby water springs, revealing sophisticated engineering techniques from medieval times. These hidden passages were essential for supplying the garrison and maintaining defense during prolonged sieges.
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