Desert Castles

There is a wide variety of early Islamic fortresses, towers, caravanserais, farming estates, baths and guesthouses scattered along major trade and military routes throughout the dry, eastern plains of Jordan:

Azraq, for example, an important oasis for migrating birds, is where Lawrence of Arabia made camp during the Arab Revolt. Qasr al Amra, a charming vaulted bath house and banquet hall, is famous for its rare wall paintings. Qasr Kharraneh is believed to have served as a short-term hostel for pilgrims traveling to and from Islam’s holy cities in Hijaz. And also, there is Qasr El Hallabat. This complex was part of a line of Roman fortresses and watchtowers along the Via Nova Traiana - the Roman road which linked Damascus to Aqaba passing through Petra and Amman. This complex started life as a Roman fort and ended as a luxurious country estate under the Omayyads. Two kilometers to the east you will visit Hammam Sarah, a stylish bath house, originally finished with marble mosaics and frescoes. It is similar in design to the bathhouse of Qasr Amra