Kerak Castle was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century and is superb example of mediaeval castle design. The castle is usually visited when you are travelling on the King’s Highway from Amman to Petra and there are a few good places for lunch in the town below. There are some interesting stone-vaulted halls and passageways to explore, as well as walking the battlements. 

The most famous occupant was the bloodthirsty Reynald de Chatillon, who didn’t exactly live up to the religious standards of his Crusader comrades. He generally renaged on all his treaties, robbed trading caravans and stole from passing pilgrims. It was when he decided to attack Hejaz and Mecca, the homeland of Islam that Saladin decided to take him to task. He burned the town to the ground, and after Reynald robbed another caravan in 1177, Saladin defeated him at the Battle of Hattin. Reynald was not so lucky. Saladin personally conducted his execution. Kerak Castle finally fell after an eight-month siege, but Saladin allowed the defenders to walk back to Jerusalem.

As for the castle itself, explore the barracks, kitchens, domestic residences, church, prison cells, keep and Mamluk Palace.