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

Qasr Azraq

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

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Private Tour: Desert Castle Tour of Eastern Jordan from Amman

30 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 $87.50

Private Full Day Tour Desert Castle from Dead Sea

A visit of several Islamic medieval desert castles that offer a number of fortresses with fresco art and zodiac dome like: Qasr Amra from the Umayyads era, ... Read more

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

From USD $106.25

Private Full Day Islamic Castles of Jordan Desert Castles and Ajlun Castle from Amman

8 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

Private Tour: Desert Castles from the Dead Sea

4 Reviews

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

Location: Amman, Jordan
Duration: Flexible

From USD $138.00

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: Flexible

From USD $66.70

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Qasr Azraq

Practical Info

Tours & Tickets

Private Tour: Desert Castle Tour of Eastern Jordan from Amman

Private Full Day Tour Desert Castle from Dead Sea

Private Full Day Islamic Castles of Jordan Desert Castles and Ajlun Castle from Amman

Private Tour: Desert Castles from the Dead Sea

Daily Tour from Amman to The Desert Castles

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