Viator.com: Book things to do, sightseeing tours, activities and attractions in more than 70 countries worldwide.

What's so great about Viator?

Jordan Amman
Amman Tours
Things to Do in Amman
Recommended
Nearby Destinations
Get the
Inside Scoop

I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy

Book online or call

Call (888) 651-9785

Qasr Azraq

5 Photos | Add your photo

No reviews, be the first!

  • Address: Qasr Azraq, Amman, Jordan
  • Hours: There are no set visiting hours.

Amman ATTRACTIONS See all

Qasr Azraq Tours

Located about an hour east of Amman, Qasr Azraq is a desert fortress created by the Romans back in 300 AD, although the structure in its current form was built in 1237 by the Mamelukes. The exact location of Qasr Azraq (meaning Blue Fortress) in the center of the Azraq Oasis was chosen strategically; this area is the only water source for over 7,000 miles. One of the fortress’ striking features is its color – the local basalt gives it an atypical black hue, which is where it’s believed the fortress gets its name, as it can appear blueish at certain times. Flanking an expansive courtyard and mosque are long walls with inspiring towers, and the site’s huge door is a sight on its own; the structure is made completely of heavy stone (hinges included) and can be a challenge to open. The whole thing weighs three tons.

While the design is impressive, most visitors head to Qasr Azraq to learn about Thomas Edward Lawrence (also known as Lawrence of Arabia) and Sherif Hussain bin Ali, who stayed in the fortress during the winter of 1917 when the Arab Revolt against the Turks went on. Lawrence wrote about staying at Qasr Azrqa in his book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and more can be learned from the movie, Lawrence of Arabia. Visitors to the fortress can see the room he stayed in here.

Practical Info

There are no set visiting hours for Qasr Azraq, as Nader, the caretaker, is there to escort visitors inside as they arrive. The site doesn’t have much signage, so it’s worthwhile to hire Nader (a blood relative of someone who fought alongside Lawrence of Arabia) as a guide, which can be done for a small negotiable fee. There is also a restaurant at the site serving lunch and dinner.

Tours & Tickets

See all

Private Tour: Desert Castle Tour of Eastern Jordan from Amman, Amman, null
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 3

Private Tour: Desert Castle Tour of Eastern Jordan from Amman

4 star rating: Recommended 10 Reviews

Discover Lawrence of Arabia country on a half-day desert castle tour around the beguiling plains of eastern Jordan. With a private driver, you'll visit three ...  Read more

Location: Amman, Jordan
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

From USD $62.50
1-Day Desert Castle Private Tour from Dead Sea, Amman, Private Sightseeing Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 3

1-Day Desert Castle Private Tour from Dead Sea

Discover the world of medieval Islamic art and architecture on this 1-day tour with private driver of the Eastern Desert castles. Setting out from your Dead ...  Read more

Location: Amman, Jordan
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

From USD $75.00
Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman, Amman, Private Day ... 
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 3

Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 3 Reviews

This 10-hour tour visits several Islamic medieval castles and a number of fortresses with fresco art and zodiac dome. Explore Qasr Amra from the Umayyads era, ...  Read more

Location: Amman, Jordan
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)

From USD $106.25
Daily Tour from Amman to The Desert Castles, Amman, Private Day Trips
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Daily Tour from Amman to The Desert Castles

Jordan's Umayyad desert castles are beautiful examples of early Islamic art and architecture and stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich ...  Read more

Location: Amman, Jordan
Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

From USD $33.50

See all

Customer Care
Company
Partnerships
Sites
Social
Find your next activity!
Top destinations

Some content licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
© 1997–Fri Jun 22 06:32:59 PDT 2018 Viator, Inc. CUR015 - 330225 All rights reserved. Viator is a registered trademark of Viator, Inc.
is a Service Mark of Viator, Inc. Travel with an Insider is a Service Mark of Viator, Inc.
Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Viator's Terms & Conditions.

BBB logo

Viator uses cookies to improve your experience on our website. Learn more about how we use cookies and how to change your cookie settings | Close message