- Location
Eastern Desert, 40 km east of Amman
- Built
8th Century AD
- Admission Fee
Residents – FREE
Non-residents – FREE
- 4 x 4 Required
YES
- GPS
North 31° 48′ 47″
East 36° 18′ 57″
- Google Rating
Rated 4.5 out of 5
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Nature reserveAjloun Forest Biosphere ReserveA leading eco-tourism destination in northern Jordan, protecting rare oak and pistachio forests and the wildlife that lives in them.Read the guide →
Nature reserveAzraq Wetland ReserveA unique oasis near the town of Azraq and its famous castle, in the heart of Jordan’s arid Eastern Desert — a vital stop for migrating birds.Read the guide →
Nature reserveDana Biosphere ReserveJordan’s largest reserve, stretching from mountain ridges down to the desert floor — with hiking trails and ancient sites along the way.Read the guide →
Nature reserveShaumari Wildlife ReserveSee the Arabian oryx brought back from the brink, take a jeep safari and support one of Jordan’s oldest conservation projects.Read the guide →
Nature reserveWadi Rum Protected AreaA World Heritage Site of sandstone mountains and red dunes — jeep tours, camel treks and stargazing under crystal-clear skies.Read the guide →
Nature reserveAjloun Forest Biosphere ReserveA leading eco-tourism destination in northern Jordan, protecting rare oak and pistachio forests and the wildlife that lives in them.Read the guide →Residents – FREE
Non-residents – FREE
North 31° 48′ 47″
East 36° 18′ 57″
Qasr Mshash is an Umayyad-era desert complex located approximately 40 kilometres east of Amman, Jordan. Constructed in the 8th century CE, it functioned as a caravan station along the trade route connecting Amman (then known as Philadelphia) to Wadi Sirhan. The site encompasses two main sections—Qasr Mshash West and Qasr Mshash East—separated by about 1.5 kilometres. The western section features a square-shaped qasr (castle) measuring 26 meters on each side, with a central courtyard surrounded by 13 rooms and a single entrance on the eastern wall. This layout reflects the Umayyad architectural style, emphasising both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Archaeological surveys have identified 18 structures built from locally quarried stone within the complex, indicating a well-developed settlement that supported travellers and trade activities. Ceramic findings suggest that the site was occupied as early as the 3rd century CE, highlighting its long-standing significance in regional commerce and communication. Despite its current state of ruin, Qasr Mshash offers valuable insights into the Umayyad dynasty’s efforts to establish and maintain infrastructure in the arid landscapes of the Middle East, facilitating trade and consolidating their presence across the region.