Ajloun Castle, also known as Qal’at ar-Rabad, is a 12th-century Islamic fortress perched atop a hill in northern Jordan, overlooking the town of Ajloun. It was built in 1184–1185 CE by the general Izz ad-Din Usama, a relative of Saladin (Salah ad-Din), as a strategic military outpost to defend against Crusader incursions and protect vital trade routes between Jordan and Syria. The castle’s elevated position offered a commanding view of the Jordan Valley and was key to controlling movement across the region. Its strong defensive features included thick stone walls, arrow slits, towers, and a moat—hallmarks of Ayyubid military architecture.

Over the centuries, Ajloun Castle was expanded and modified during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, serving as a garrison and administrative centre. Despite damage from earthquakes and conflicts, much of the structure remains impressively intact. Today, visitors can explore its maze of vaulted halls, towers, and corridors while enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding hills and forests. Ajloun Castle is not only a powerful symbol of Islamic resistance during the Crusades but also a testament to Jordan’s layered historical legacy and architectural resilience.