Ajloun | Jordan

Ajloun is the administrative capital of the Ajloun Governorate in northwestern Jordan. It is characterized by high-altitude Mediterranean landscapes, dense oak and pine forests, and its strategic military history.

Historical Timeline

Habitation in the region dates to the Iron Age. The city’s significance peaked in 1184 AD when Izz al-Din Usama, a general under Saladin, constructed the Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad). The fortress was built to control the iron mines of Ajloun and to counter the expansion of the Crusaders, specifically by blocking the route between Karak and Belvoir. It survived the Mongol invasion of 1260 and remained a vital administrative outpost during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.

Geography & Environment

Ajloun is situated in the Ajloun Mountains, with elevations reaching over 1,200 meters. This results in a climate and ecology distinct from the rest of Jordan, featuring significant annual rainfall and the country's most extensive forest cover.

Top Landmarks

Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad): A masterpiece of Islamic military architecture. It features a dry moat, multiple towers, and a labyrinth of internal galleries. It offers strategic views over the Jordan Valley and the mountains of Galilee.

Ajloun Forest Reserve: A 13-square-kilometer protected area established in 1988. It is home to the rare Roe Deer and the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne).

The Ajloun Teleferique (Cable Car): A 2.5 km aerial lift system inaugurated in 2023, connecting the forest reserve area to the castle district, providing panoramic views of the northern highlands.

Great Ajloun Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Jordan, with a minaret dating back to the Ayyubid period (1263 AD).

Mar Elias: Located 9 km northwest of the city, this archaeological site is believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah and contains ruins of two 6th-century Byzantine churches.

Logistics & Transportation

Access: 75 km north of Amman and 20 km west of Jerash.

Travel: Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Amman. The route via the Jerash-Ajloun road is steep and winding.

Public Transit: Minibuses run frequently between Amman’s North Bus Station (Tarbarbour) and the Ajloun city center.

Entry: Ajloun Castle is included in the Jordan Pass; otherwise, a JOD 3 entrance fee applies.

Safety & Environment

The safety level is very high.

Weather: During winter (December–February), Ajloun frequently experiences heavy snow and fog, often leading to road closures.

Terrain: The city and castle are located on steep hills; walking requires moderate physical fitness.

Driving: Roads are narrow and can be hazardous during rain or frost.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

4G/5G coverage is stable in the city and around the castle but can be spotty within the deep valleys of the Forest Reserve. Cash (JOD) is required for local markets and rural guesthouses. ATMs are available in the city center near the Great Mosque.

Climate & Ecology

Summer: Pleasant and cool compared to Amman (16°C–28°C).

Winter: Cold, wet, and snowy (0°C–10°C).

Air Quality: Excellent, the highest in Jordan due to forest filtration and elevation.

Culture & Social Norms

The region is known for its agrarian traditions, specifically olive oil and honey production. Social norms are conservative and rooted in tribal hospitality. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in tourist-facing lodges.

Accommodation Zones

Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins: Eco-friendly wooden cabins managed by the RSCN (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature).

Homestays: Numerous local initiatives offer lodging in traditional stone houses, focusing on "agritourism."

Local Cost Index

Coffee: JOD 1.50–2.50

Teleferique Ticket: JOD 4.00 (Standard)

Standard Lunch: JOD 8.00–12.00

Nearby Day Trips

Jerash: 20 minutes east.

Umm Qais: 1 hour north.

Pella (Tabaqat Fahl): 45 minutes west, featuring ruins from the Neolithic to the Islamic periods.

Facts & Legends

Ajloun Castle was originally built with only four towers; two additional towers were added by the Mamluks after the Mongol siege. A verified historical oddity is that the castle’s name, "Ar-Rabad," refers to its position on the edge of the mountain. Local legend claims the castle was built on the site of a monastery inhabited by a monk named "Ajloun," from whom the city takes its name.