Shobak
©
Shobak

Shobak

King's Highway village below Montreal Castle, a Crusader fortress on a conical hill south of Karak

Shobak lies on the King's Highway between Karak and Petra, about 250 km south of Amman. The reason to come is Montreal Castle — as the Franks called it — built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem around 1115 and captured by Saladin in 1189 after a two-year siege.

The castle sits on a conical hill with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. It is less restored and far less visited than its more famous neighbour at Karak, which is part of the appeal — you may well have it to yourself. What remains includes the outer walls, a keep, a small chapel, and a tunnel with Crusader-era carvings leading down to a spring. Restoration work has been underway in recent years. Shobak makes a natural stop on a drive between Karak and Petra.

Guide

Getting There

Shobak lies on the King's Highway, about 230 km south of Amman and roughly midway between Karak and Petra. Most visitors come on the way between these two sites, either by private car or hired taxi. There is no reliable public transport to the castle itself — buses on the Ma'an route can drop you on the main highway, but the castle is a further 3 km uphill. From Petra, Shobak is about 50 km north and makes a logical morning detour before heading to Karak.

Guide

Things to Do

Shobak's single compelling attraction is Montreal Castle, the Crusader fortress built by Baldwin I in 1115. It is remarkably atmospheric and rarely crowded — a welcome contrast to the more famous castle at Karak. For those driving the King's Highway, the castle and the views it commands over the surrounding valleys make Shobak an essential stop between Karak and Petra.