The Desert Castles
Witness Ethnographic Wonders
East from Amman lies a captivating series of desert retreats, meticulously crafted by Umayyad princes during the 8th century. Among these retreats are astonishing palaces, bathhouses, and hunting lodges, each bearing testament to the opulence and vision of the Umayyad dynasty. Renowned for their versatile functionality, these 'castles' (known as qusur in Arabic) served myriad purposes, from political and residential to agricultural and commercial. Blending architectural elements from Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and Persian styles, the Umayyad architects created masterpieces of early Islamic art and architecture. Within these structures, visitors can marvel at intricate figurative frescoes and reliefs, each telling a story of the era's grandeur. Notable among these retreats is Qasr al-Hallabat, a sprawling palatial complex boasting a mosque, expansive water reservoir, and agricultural precinct, built upon the remains of a former Roman fort along the Limes Arabicus. Equally fascinating is Qusayr Amra, distinguished by its extensive fresco paintings depicting scenes of bathing, hunting, portraits, trades, animals, and even a zodiac under its majestic dome. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, these Umayyad castles stand as enduring symbols of cultural fusion and architectural brilliance.
