'''Kerak''' (also spelt ''Karak'', Arabic ''al-Kerak'') is a small, Arab city (population 170,000) in southern Jordan. It has a significant Christian population. Kerak is located on the King's Highway, some 124 km south of the capital Amman, and is the site of a magnificently-situated Crusader castle, now an evocative ruin on the skyline above the city.

Understand

Get in

Minibuses to Amman (JD 0.750) and Aqaba (JD 1.750) run roughly hourly.

See

  • '''Citadel of Kerak''' (''Qasr''). A former Crusader stronghold, it was ransacked by Saladin and left to rot for 500 years until restoration started. It would be impressive if it was rebuilt as it once was, but at the moment it's a confusing and entirely undocumented jumble of collapsed ceilings and unlit corridors. Admission JD 1.
  • * The '''museum''' (Karak Archaeological Museum) is situated in the lower court of the castle. This museum introduces the local history and archaeology of Kerak castle, region and city. Detail history of the Crusader and Muslim dynasty at Kerak is introduced in museum, in addition to the exhibition of excavated artifacts from Kerak castle. Open 9 AM to 5 PM daily, no separate admission.
  • Do

    Eat

  • '''Karak Rest House''' (see also Sleep). Conveniently located next to the citadel and with views all the way to the Dead Sea on a good day, but the food is overpriced and mediocre. Beers JD2.
  • '''Delicious Meal''' Walk down the steep hill towards the main road in Karak, turn right and walk down past the Circle and it's on the left hand side, there is a giant sign with its name on it. You can get the best schwarma in Jordan here and it's really cheap too. Much better than the overpriced mediocre food located next to the castle.
  • Drink

    Sleep

  • '''Karak Rest House'''. Tel. 03-2351148. The fanciest digs in town with 3 stars, located 20 meters from the citadel with excellent views. That said, JD27.500/40 (including taxes and breakfast) for comfortable but rather minimal rooms is still a little steep, and you'll be woken up bright and early by the mosque next door.
  • Get out