The Desert Castles of Jordan are a remarkable collection of early Islamic architecture built by the Umayyad Caliphs. These castles, made from black basalt rocks found in the region, include palaces, lodges, baths, meeting places, caravanserais, and fortresses.If you're looking to explore, you can start with Qasr Hallabat, which is the most complete of all the Umayyad compounds in Jordan. It boasts ornate frescoes and is situated northeast of Amman.
Another must-see is Qasr Azraq, a nearly square-shaped fortress in Azraq with walls 80 meters long encircling a central courtyard. You'll enter through a small doorway protected by a basalt hinged door and find a mosque and well within.For a glimpse of fascinating history, visit Qasr Amra bathhouse, known for its outstanding frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings, which are considered the earliest example of pictorial art made in the Islamic era.
Qasr Mushatta is extraordinary because of its grandeur, construction, colossal size, and amazing location. Its immense yellow brick walls stretch 144 meters (158 yards) in each direction, with 23 round towers nestled along the walls.
Qasr Kharana is an imposing palace that looks like a castle and is located 55 km (34 miles) east of Amman. Experts think that it was built as a lavish meeting place for Umayyad leaders.
Qasr Ain es Sil was a farming estate with a bathing complex attached, while Qasr Al Qastal is one of the oldest Umayyad palaces with a complete range of buildings and facilities, such as a mosque, central palace, cemetery, small houses, baths, a reservoir, and even a dam.
Explore the Desert Castles of Jordan and be impressed by the impressive early Islamic architecture, the beautiful frescoes, and the intriguing history of the Umayyad Caliphs.