Kerak Castle

Built in 1161 by the Crusaders, Kerak is a perfect example of medieval castle design. The castle is a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls and passageways. Its most famous occupant was Reynald de Chatillon, who had a reputation for treachery and brutality.

Kerak Castle
Area

Dead Sea - Jordan Side

Type

Art & Architecture

History

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

1-2 Hours

Reynald de Chatillon was not your perfect example of a Chivalric Knight. He broke all treaties, regularly robbed merchant caravans and pilgrims, raided ports, and even went so far as to attack Hejaz, the homeland of Islam, and threaten Mecca. Unsurprisingly, Saladin, the ruler of Syria and Egypt, was swift to respond. He burned the town of Kerak to the ground and almost conquered the castle itself.

After Reynald robbed a large caravan in 1177, Saladin attacked the Crusader Kingdom again and finally defeated them at the Battle of Hattin. While most of the captives were spared, Saladin executed Reynald himself. The defenders of Kerak Castle were able to hold out under siege for eight months before surrendering and being allowed to walk free.


Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.


Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.


More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your vacation

Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Experiences?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
Unique to you

  • We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are personalized to you.
  • We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Service
Seamless Service
Seamless Service

  • Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
  • We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
     

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Collection
Carefully Curated Collection
Curated Collection

  • We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
  • Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
Luxury in every sense

  • We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
  • Awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.