THE FORTRESS OF SHOBAK

Even if the castle is a little dilapidated, it is worth a stop to admire the view offered on the heights of the hill, on the Wadi Araba and on the abandoned Bedouin villages at the foot of the citadel. The arid, wild and isolated atmosphere of this castle exposed to the desert winds gives the place a special character. Given the absence of explanatory signs on the site, don't expect to be able to identify the various ruined buildings. And the guide (who will chase you) will only give you expeditious details if there are other visitors at the same time. Nevertheless, if you want to learn more about the castle, the only solution is to follow him. You will discover the remains of a church (recognizable by its three naves), a small chapel, torture chambers, Mamluk mud roofs, drains, baths and a well with 365 steps. The well is 67 metres deep and was, of course, used to supply the fortress with water. It is undoubtedly thanks to its inexhaustible reserves that the Crusaders were able to withstand Saladin's assaults for a year and a half. According to the guardian, it still produces clear, drinkable water. Archaeologists have also managed to uncover inscriptions left by Saladin's troops on the stones of the building. You may want to bring a flashlight to explore the darker galleries and reveal an impressive collection of cannonballs carved into the stone.