Kerak and Shobak are examples of Crusader castles built in the 12th Century.
Kerak was a massive structure, but over the centuries its stones have been used to build the local town. Little remains of the once mighty castle.
Apparently in 1183 Saladin was besieging the castle while an important dynastic marriage was being celebrated inside. The mistress of the castle sent out some of the wedding dishes to Saladin, who in turn instructed his army not to bombard that part of the castle where the young couple were celebrating their wedding night! Oh for those chivalrous times.
Both castles have commanding views of the surrounding countryside.
Shobak castle is less well preserved than Kerak, but still has an imposing grandeur.
