Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
way
that leads to a subterranean spring, finally surfacing via a ladder outside the castle,
beside the road to Shobak town. Tread carefully, use a torch and don't even think about
coming down here if you're claustrophobic. Alternatively, continue past the tunnel for
50m and you'll pass a large two-storey building with archways, built by the Crusaders but
adapted by the Mamluks as a
school
.
At the northern end of the castle is the semicircular
keep
with four arrow slits. Outside,
dark steps lead down to the
prison
. Head to the northeast corner of the castle to see
Qur-
anic inscriptions
, possibly dating from the time of Saladin, carved in Kufic script around
the outside of the keep. Following south along the eastern perimeter, you'll pass the en-
trance to the
court of Baldwin I
, which has been partly reconstructed. The court was later
used as a
Mamluk school
.
Continuing south, you'll pass some
baths
on the right. Off to the left is a reconstructed
Mamluk watchtower
. Just past the tower is the second
church
. On a room to the left as
you enter, you can see above a door in the east wall a weathered carving of a
Crusader
cross
. In the church proper, the arches have been reconstructed.
Beneath the church are
catacombs
, which contain Islamic tablets, Christian carvings,
large spherical rocks used in catapults, and what is said to be Saladin's very simple throne.
From the catacombs, the path leads back to the gate.
A new
visitor centre
( 9am-5pm Nov-Mar, to 7pm Apr-Oct)
has limited facilities
(and no telephone). The caretaker can rustle up a Turkish coffee in the attractive courtyard
with great views of the castle.
Sleeping & Eating
There is limited accommodation in Shobak (properly known as Musallath) village; all op-
tions have fine views of the castle.
Montréal Hotel$
( 077 6951714;
www.jhrc.jo
; r JD20, ste JD38; )
This new hotel, with a
spectacular view of the castle, has some lovely features including a stylish lounge around
a central gas fire. The rooms are simple but comfortable. The hotel takes a sustainable ap-
proach and has solar panels for hot-water heating and electricity. Breakfast costs JD5 and
dinner is available.
HOTEL
Jaya Tourist Camp$
( 079 5958958;
http://jayatouristcamp.yolasite.com
;
JD20)
With 15 tents in a tranquil
spot on high ground opposite Shobak Castle, this friendly campsite has a clean shower
CAMPGROUND
