Shobak Castle

Near Petra, Ma'an Governorate, Jordan

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Shobak Castle, also known as Montreal or Qal’at ash-Shawbak, is a medieval fortress in southern Jordan, built in 1115 by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem during the Crusader period. Positioned on a rocky hilltop near Petra, it was strategically important for controlling key trade routes between Egypt and Syria and overseeing pilgrimage paths.

The castle features a mix of Crusader and later Islamic architectural elements, reflecting its occupation by Crusaders, the Ayyubids, and Mamluks. A significant challenge was its lack of natural water, solved by a tunnel leading to spring-fed cisterns. Shobak saw a major siege by Saladin's forces in 1189, after which it fell to Muslim control and was later expanded by the Mamluks.

It played a crucial military and administrative role through the Ottoman period until it fell into disrepair before restoration efforts in the 20th century. Today, the castle's ruins offer visitors panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and provide insight into the region's medieval military history and cultural heritage. It is accessible from the King's Highway and remains a notable historical landmark near Petra.