Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the keep, find the stairs leading down to the
Mamluk palace
Offline map
Google map
, built for Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad in 1311. The open-air
reception hall
is a variation of the classic Islamic design of four
iwans
(chambers) off the main hall; on
two sides are barrel-vaulted rooms. The
mosque
here, with a clearly visible mihrab
(niche) facing Mecca, was probably reserved for palace notables.
Pause near the top of the stairs for good
views
of Wadi Karak and the alleged site of the
condemned cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (
Click here
)
. Return to the main Crusader
church and you will find two corridors. The left (east) corridor leads past seven
prison
cells
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Google map
and the
prison administration office
. The right (west)
corridor leads from the foot of the stairs through the
Rosettes Gallery
Offline map
Google map
, named after the carved rosette at the bottom of the staircase.
If you're game, take the third passage to the left of the steps, which leads northwest
through the bowels of the castle, roughly underneath the church. The corridor turns right
(north) and emerges into the better-lit areas of the delightful underground
marketplace
Offline map
Google map
with various
shops
and
cellars
.
At the northern end of the market, the path leads back to the entrance (also the exit) or
you can detour down the hill to the
Mamluk ruins
and the excellent
Islamic Museum
Offline map
Google map
( 8am-1 hr before castle closing time).
Sleeping
Karak Rest House$$
( 2351148; moaweyaf@gmail.com; Al-Qala'a St; s/d incl breakfast JD28/47)
You
won't find a more convenient bed for the night than in this characterful hotel, right next
door to the castle. With fantastic sweeping views of Wadi Karak from many of the rooms,
elaborate Middle Eastern-style fixtures and fittings, and an elegant if somewhat faded
lobby, this hotel is a great place to enjoy a cup of Egyptian tea under the pergola and
watch the goings-on of the busy street. The hotel continues to receive letters from satisfied
guests.
HOTEL
Al-Mujeb Hotel$$
HOTEL
