Google Maps again took us through a lovely scenic, super narrow, and steep road to Shobak Castle, perched in a wild, remote landscape. So we got a few good shots, but on the way back, we used the other “correct road.” We also had to say that the brown signboards led cars to that tiny road. We liked Shobak castle despite being less complete than its sister fortification at Karak. It’s especially imposing when seen from a distance, as it sits on a dramatic hill (formerly called Mons Realis, or the Royal Mountain), imposing its might on the surrounding countryside.
Shobak was built by the Crusader king Baldwin I in 1115. Its defenders withstood numerous attacks from the armies of Saladin (Salah ad Din) before succumbing in 1189 (a year after Karak) after an 18-month siege. It was later occupied in the 14th century by the Mamluks, who built over many of the Crusader buildings.
Parking location – Shobak: 30.532378N 35.558935E (🚻)