Shobak

Shobak Castle — known to the Crusaders as Montréal, the Royal Mountain — was the first fortress built by the Kingdom of Jerusalem east of the Jordan, raised by King Baldwin I in 1115 to dominate the caravan routes between Syria and Egypt. It served as the administrative heart of Oultrejordain until superseded by Kerak later in the 12th century, withstanding repeated assaults before surrendering to Saladin after an 18-month siege in 1189. The Mamluks took possession in the 14th century, adding a school, towers and inscriptions that layer Islamic history over the Frankish foundations.

Visitors move through interlocking Crusader and Mamluk masonry. Two roofless churches retain carved detail; the second conceals catacombs beneath its floor. The castle's most dramatic feature is a 375-step shaft cut into the living rock, still delivering water to neighbouring villages. Bilingual Arabic and Crusader inscriptions carved into the walls form a rare commentary on the site's successive occupations.

Shobak lies 190km south of Amman — around 2.5 hours by car — and just 40 minutes north of Petra, making it a natural addition to any Petra itinerary. Spring and autumn are ideal; entrance is 1 JD and local guides are available at the gate.