Qasr al-Azraq (Azraq Castle) is one of the ancient forts of Jordan collectively known as the Desert Castles. Be part of over 1,700 years of history while exploring this striking black basalt landmark. Over the centuries Qasr al-Azraq has been a castle, hunting lodge and military hideout. It’s a major highlight of a town that has the only natural water supply in Jordan’s eastern desert.
The origins of the castle date back to around the 3rd century, when the Romans established a fort. Umayyad ruler Walid II later turned it into a hunting lodge with the idea of taking advantage of the surrounding wildlife-rich wetlands. The Mamaluks and Ottoman Turks also occupied it. In the winter of 1917, T.E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) stationed his troops here before leading a mission to take Damascus from the Ottoman Empire.
As you stroll the castle grounds, admire its thick 262-feet (80-meter) long walls. They encompass a courtyard, in the center of which stands a Mecca-facing mosque built by the Umayyads. Adjacent to the main entrance are paving slabs with notches carved by the Roman gatekeepers while playing a board game. See animal carvings, Greek inscriptions and the remnants of a former prison.
Above the south tower is the room lived in by T.E. Lawrence. He documented the happy memories of his time spent at the castle in his autobiographical book Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
The castle sits 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the north of Azraq town center. Taxis are available if you don’t have your own transport. Guided day tours of the Desert Castles depart regularly from Amman.
Qasr al-Azraq is open daily and there’s an admission fee. The fee also includes entrance to Quseir Amra and Qasr Kharana. Purchase the Jordan Pass to benefit from unlimited access to over 40 tourist attractions in Jordan, including the UNESCO-protected archaeological city of Petra.
