Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for the tomb chambers to the back right of the church, and an earlier chapel with plain
white tiles to the south. Water cisterns and bits of masonry dot the rest of the site.
There's no public transport to the site. From Ajloun take a right by the Qalet al-Jabal
Hotel, climb the hill for 1km and take a left at the junction, heading downhill after this for
2.7km. At the junction/army post take a right for another 1.8km until you see a signpost
pointing left (the right branch leads to Ishfateena and the Ajloun Forest Reserve). After
1km take the paved track on the left for 400m up to the site (a total of 8.3km from
Ajloun).
If you're heading on to Ajloun Forest Reserve, take a left when you get back to the
junction, 1.4km from the site, and head towards Ishfateena. After 1.6km you'll reach the
main road; take a right here and after 5km the reserve is signposted to the left, 300m be-
fore the main Irbid-Ajloun highway.
Mar Elias can also be reached by foot along the spectacular Prophet's Trail, which con-
nects the site to the Ajloun Forest Reserve.
Sleeping & Eating
There are two hotels on the road up to the castle, either of which are a good option if you
want to enjoy the sunset from the castle ramparts.
Qalet al-Jabal Hotel$
( 6420202;
www.jabal-hotel.com
;
s/d/tr from JD28/38/48)
About 1km downhill from
Ajloun Castle, this busy little hotel boasts a gorgeous garden of flowering jasmine,
grapevines and roses. The proprietors even make their own wine. The decor is a tad tired
and the furnishings on the minimal side but there are expansive views from many of the
rooms. Ask for a room with a balcony to enjoy the sunset. The highlight of the hotel is the
outdoor terrace (open to non-residents) where slow-cooked meals are served.
HOTEL
Ajloun Hotel$
( 6420524; s/d incl breakfast from JD25/35)
Located just 500m down the road from the
castle, this is a handy option for an early morning visit to the castle. There's a comfortable
lounge area in the foyer but most of the rooms are very basic. Choose a top-floor room for
grand views of the countryside.
There are a few places for a snack and a drink inside Ajloun Castle. For something more
substantial, both
Abu-Alezz Restaurant
(meals JD2-3)
and
Al-Raseed
(meals JD2-3)
near the main roundabout in Ajloun offer standard Jordanian fare, including chicken,
hummus and shwarma. Alternatively, pick up some supplies in the many Ajloun grocery
HOTEL
