Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A taxi to Dana from Karak costs around JD25 to JD30 one way. The Dana Tower Hotel
will pick up travellers for free from Qadsiyya if you ring in advance and stay at this hotel.
A taxi to Petra costs JD36 or JD12 in a shared taxi from the hotel. The Dana Tower Hotel
also organises a bus from Amman's South Bus Station for JD5 if you book with the hotel
in advance.
If you're driving from Tafila or Karak, the first signpost you'll see off to the right goes
to the Rummana Campground. A few kilometres beyond this turning, pull over by the side
of the highway at a gap in the pines. If you don't have time to visit Dana, you can at least
enjoy the spectacular view from the viewpoint here. It's especially inspiring at sunset. The
turn-off to Dana Biosphere Reserve is signposted, just before the village of Qadsiyya. Be-
ware, it is a steep descent: use low gear instead of relying on your brakes.
To get to Rummana Campground from Dana village, head 4.5km north of Qadsiyya
along the King's Highway and turn left at the signpost. The campground is 6km along a
road partially shared by cement-factory traffic. RSCN can arrange transport from Dana
village for JD10.500 (for one to four people).
Shobak Castle
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Perched in a wild, remote landscape, Shobak Castle (admission free; daylight hr)
wins over even the most castle-weary, despite being less complete than its sister fortifica-
tion at Karak. Formerly called Mons Realis (Mont Real, or Montreal - the Royal Moun-
tain), it was built by the Crusader king Baldwin I in AD 1115. It withstood numerous at-
tacks from the armies of Saladin before succumbing in 1189 (a year after Karak), after an
18-month siege. It was later occupied in the 14th century by the Mamluks, who built over
many of the Crusader buildings.
Built on a small knoll at the edge of a plateau, the castle is especially imposing when
seen from a distance. Restoration work is ongoing and hopefully this will include some
explanatory signs. In the meantime, the caretaker shows visitors around for about JD1 to
JD2. Bring a torch for exploring the castle's many dark corners.
As you climb up from the entrance, there are some wells on the left. Soon after passing
these, you'll see the reconstructed church , one of two in the castle, down to the left. It has
an elegant apse supported by two smaller alcoves. The room leading off to the west was
the baptistery ; on the north wall there are traces of water channels leading from above.
Returning to the main path, turn left. After passing under the arches, a door leads into
the extensive market . Turn left and descend 375 steps into an amazing secret passage-
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