Al-Habis
The ruins of a Crusader fort on a rocky summit above the centre of Petra
BuiltEarly 12th c. AD
WallsThree rings
LocationInside Petra
Climb10–15 min
Introduction
A short climb from Qasr al-Bint, with one of the best views over the centre of Petra.
Above Qasr al-Bint, at the western end of Petra’s city centre, rises the rocky hill of Jabal al-Habis. On its summit stand the ruins of a small Crusader fort, built in the early 12th century to watch over the inside of the Petra valley.
A path of steps and a plank bridge lead to the top in 10–15 minutes. Few visitors make the climb, and the reward is a quiet summit with views over Qasr al-Bint, the colonnaded street and the Royal Tombs. The fort is included in the Petra ticket.
Best timeMar–May · Oct–Nov
Time needed40 min
TicketPetra ticket
From Amman235 km · 3 hr
Combine withVaux Moise (al-Wu’ayra) · 5 min drive from Petra’s entrance
Google rating4.6 · Reviews
Highlights · A fort above Petra
A climb, a fort and a view
Four things to look for on al-Habis
Al-Habis is a short detour in the centre of Petra. These are the moments that make it.
01 / 0401 · The climb
The plank bridge
The climb
A plank bridge leads up to the summit, as wooden ladders and walkways may once have done.
Look closely
The rock-cut steps on either side.
1 of 4
Step by step
What to see
Three parts of the visit: the climb, the fort on the summit and the views. Pick one to see what to look for.
1 / 601 · From Qasr al-Bint
Climb the hill
From Qasr al-Bint, take the steps beyond the temple, past the old Petra cave museum and the Convent Group of tombs. A plank bridge leads up to the summit; the climb takes 10–15 minutes.
The hill was sacred long before the Crusaders: Nabataean shrines and cult places stand on its slopes.
10–15 minPlank bridgeRock-cut steps
Look for
- The rock-cut steps
- The plank bridge
- Doorways cut into the cliff
1 / 602 · On the summit
Explore the fort
The fort was built in at least two phases. First only the upper keep was built, on the remains of a Byzantine tower. Later a large cistern allowed the fort to expand down the terraces, with three rings of walls below the tower.
The ruins include the main tower with its own wall, a rectangular northern tower with arrow slits, a small vaulted bridge carrying the stairs, and the low walls of a residential quarter on the west.
Two phasesKeepThree rings of walls
Look for
- The upper keep
- Arrow slits in the northern tower
- The small vaulted bridge on the stairs
Dig deeperTwo forts for one valley
The Crusaders called the Petra valley Li Vaux Moïse, the Valley of Moses. Al-Wu’ayra, now known as Vaux Moise, guarded the outer approach, and al-Habis the inside of the valley. Both passed to Saladin in 1188–89, together with Shobak.
1 / 303 · Over the city
Look out over Petra
From the summit the whole centre of Petra lies below: Qasr al-Bint, the colonnaded street, and across the valley the Royal Tombs.
On the way down, look at the foot of the hill for the Unfinished Tomb, which shows how façades were cut from the top down, and the Columbarium, covered in small niches whose purpose is still debated.
Qasr al-BintRoyal TombsUnfinished Tomb
Look for
- Qasr al-Bint below the hill
- The Royal Tombs across the valley
- The Unfinished Tomb on the way down
History & significance
A Crusader fort in Petra
Under King Baldwin I, the Crusaders built two forts in the Petra valley. Al-Habis watched over the city centre for about 75 years before it passed to Saladin.
- c. AD 1107–1116The Crusaders fortify the Petra valley
- AD 1142Part of the Lordship of Oultrejordain
- AD 1188–89Passes to Saladin, with Shobak
- AD 1276The Mamluk sultan Baybars visits
- AD 1996–2008Surveyed by the University of Florence
ProfileAl-Habis: the full storyThe history, the architecture and the Nabataean monuments around the hill.Read the profile →Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before you go
Al-Habis is in the centre of Petra, just west of Qasr al-Bint, about 4 km on foot from the Petra Visitor Centre through the Siq. It is on the way to the start of the trail to the Monastery. Cars are not allowed inside Petra, and Al-Habis cannot be reached by car. Designated parking is at Petra’s main entrance in Wadi Musa.
Good to know: the path is steep, with steps, a plank bridge and unfenced drops. The fort is unrestored.
Opening hoursPetra opening hoursWinter 6:30–17:00 · Summer 6:00–18:00
Entry ticketPetra ticket1 day 50 JOD · Residents 1 JOD · Jordan Pass
Time to visit40 minAbout 40 minutes from Qasr al-Bint and back
From Amman235 kmAbout 3 hours to Petra by the Desert Highway
LocationPetra30.3291° N, 35.4387° EGet directions
Opening hours and prices checked October 2026. Spotted a change? Let us know
On site
What you’ll find at Al-Habis
- Visitor centre
- Ticket office
- Toilets
- Free parking
- Museum
- Guide available
- Food & drinks
- Market / shop
- Viewpoint
Nearby: hotels
Access: no 4x4 needed
When to go
Spring and autumn are best. In summer, climb in the early morning or late afternoon.
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BestGood, cooler or warmVery hot
Tip: climb in the late afternoon, when the light falls on the Royal Tombs across the valley.
Before you go
Cafés and toilets are near Qasr al-Bint.
- Good shoesSteep steps and rock
- WaterLittle shade on the summit
- Sun hat and sunscreenEspecially from May to September
- Petra ticket or Jordan PassAl-Habis is inside Petra
Common questions
Quick answers before you set off.
Do I need a separate ticket?
No. Al-Habis is inside Petra and covered by the Petra ticket or the Jordan Pass.
How hard is the climb?
It is short but steep: 10–15 minutes up steps and a plank bridge, with unfenced drops near the top.
Where does the path start?
Beyond Qasr al-Bint, past the old cave museum. Al-Habis is on the way to the start of the Monastery trail.
How long do I need?
About 40 minutes to climb, explore the summit and come down past the Unfinished Tomb and the Columbarium.
Combine with
Al-Habis is inside Petra. Drive times are from the Petra Visitor Centre.
Explore this site
More from Al-Habis
Panoramas, walk-throughs, photos and stories about this site.
ProfileAl-Habis: history & architecture
Photo albumAl-Habis: A Crusader Fort above Petra in Photos
360°360° panoramaAl-Habis Summit: 360° Panorama
VideoPetra: Full Cinematic Tour of a World WonderNearby
Also around Petra
From guide to visit
Explore Petra and its monuments with a private guide
Tell us when you’d like to go, and we’ll plan a private trip to Petra that includes al-Habis and Vaux Moise.
