Known locally as ‘The Fertile Crescent’, thanks to the blanket of lush green hills, valleys and forests that cover the region, Ajloun stands out from its dry, desert neighbours as both an agricultural centre and an area of outstanding natural beauty.
A mountainous area peppered with historical crusader castles, olive farms, charming rural villages, a nature reserve and important biblical churches, Ajloun makes for a fascinating and culturally rich stop on any travel itinerary to Jordan.
One of the iconic archaeological landmarks of the area is the spectacular Ajloun Castle, strategically built atop a mountain high above Ajloun City by Saladin’s nephew during the time of the crusaders in 1184 AD.
To explore the castle’s many crumbling towers, passageways, arches and gates, is to travel back in time to an evocative era of silk trade routes and Holy wars; while the panoramic views from the castle out across the verdant surrounding valleys can only be described as awe-inspiring.
Ajloun City itself is home to a plethora of Christian historical sites including the birthplace of St. Elijah and an interesting church in his memory, complete with a shrine to St. George. The nearby Zubia village is also worth a visit with its Byzantine monastery and surrounding hiking trails.
