Shobak Castle Montreal
A 12th-century Crusader castle on a hilltop, offering panoramic valley views and a glimpse into medieval history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for birdwatching and pleasant weather
Shobak Castle Montreal
Best Time
Ideal for birdwatching and pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century Crusader castle on a hilltop, offering panoramic valley views and a glimpse into medieval history.
"A beautiful site with so much history to unravel, offering a great viewpoint."
Keep Visits Brief
Plan for about an hour; the site is best for a short exploration. :stopwatch:
Hat for Sun Protection
Most of the walking is outdoors, so a hat is a must. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Valley Views
Throughout the castle grounds
Breathtaking vistas of the Shobak valley from the hilltop ruins. A photographer's dream.
Crusader Architecture
Castle interior
Explore the remains of this 12th-century Crusader castle, a blend of Christian and Islamic influences.
Historic Soap Factory
Within the castle complex
Discover the remnants of an old soap manufacturing facility, adding a unique layer to the history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Time Your Visit Wisely
Prepare for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Keep Visits Brief
Plan for about an hour; the site is best for a short exploration. :stopwatch:
Hat for Sun Protection
Most of the walking is outdoors, so a hat is a must. :sunwithface:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is uneven and ruined; comfortable footwear is key. :athletic_shoe:
Check Renovation Status
Tunnels may be inaccessible due to ongoing construction. :construction_worker:
Tips
from all over the internet
Keep Visits Brief
Plan for about an hour; the site is best for a short exploration. :stopwatch:
Hat for Sun Protection
Most of the walking is outdoors, so a hat is a must. :sunwithface:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is uneven and ruined; comfortable footwear is key. :athletic_shoe:
Check Renovation Status
Tunnels may be inaccessible due to ongoing construction. :construction_worker:
Friendly Staff
The working staff are very kind and cooperative. :smiley:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shobak Castle offers a glimpse into Crusader history with stunning valley views, though it's noted for its ruined state and ongoing renovations. Visitors appreciate the kind staff and the unique historical features like the old soap factory. However, the lack of extensive maintenance and potential inaccessibility of tunnels due to construction are common drawbacks.
"Not bad, but I recommend it for a very short visit, don't plan more than 1 hour visit.
It needs a lot of maintenance, the majority of walking time is outside, so, you need a hat.
There is a visitor center not yet finished (planned to be finished in July 2025).
The working staff are very kind and cooperative."
Khalid Alawadat
"A ruined castle on a hilltop that has a mix of Christian and Islamic touch to it.
Car parking and tickets are at the premises entrance, and then you walk a few 100 meters upwards to arrive at the castle entrance.
At the castle entrance, there are several directions to walk to, and is worth exploring all. There is a church, a soap manufacturing facility, a small museum, and others. Some stones have writings on them.
The views to the Shobak valley are quite a thing. The place is quite ruined, and deserves maintenance and extra care. Make sure you walk with care.
Expect to spend around 30 minutes here."
Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة
"A beautiful site with so much history to unravel, the only reason I'm not rating as 5 is because there is a lot of renovation and construction taking place which meant I couldn't explore any of the tunnels I was reading about! It offers a great viewpoint for some birdwatching with binoculars during the spring and fall."
Talar K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shobak Castle is located on a hilltop. Car parking and tickets are available at the premises entrance, followed by a short walk upwards to the castle. It's a convenient stop when traveling between Dana and Petra.
Yes, car parking is available at the premises entrance before you ascend to the castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket purchase is done at the premises entrance. Specific pricing details are best confirmed on-site.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or upon arrival.
Access to tunnels may be restricted due to ongoing renovations and construction. It's recommended to inquire on-site about current accessibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors recommend a short visit, typically around 30 minutes to an hour, as much of the exploration is outdoors and the site is quite ruined.
You can explore the remains of the castle, including a church, an old soap manufacturing facility, and a small museum. Some stones have historical writings.
While the site has historical significance, it is quite ruined and in need of maintenance. Ongoing renovations are also taking place.
The castle offers incredible views of the surrounding Shobak valley, making it a beautiful scenic spot.
Yes, it's an excellent stop for a brief visit, especially if you're traveling between Dana and Petra.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of the Shobak valley from the hilltop are stunning. The mix of Crusader architecture and the surrounding landscape offers great photographic potential.
Yes, you can take photos as you walk around the site and explore the remains of the castle.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep visits brief to maintain engagement, and remember to bring hats for sun protection as much of the site is exposed. The stunning valley views might also captivate younger visitors. Be aware that ongoing renovations could limit access to certain parts, so manage expectations regarding tunnel exploration.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks, as on-site facilities might be limited. The main costs will be transportation to the castle and the entrance ticket. The short duration of the visit also means you can easily fit it into a day's itinerary without significant time commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Crusader History
Visitors can wander through the remains of what was once a formidable stronghold. Key areas include the remnants of a church, an old soap manufacturing facility, and a small museum that houses artifacts found on-site. Some stones within the castle bear inscriptions, hinting at the stories they could tell. The site's condition, while ruined, allows for imaginative exploration of its former glory.
It's important to note that the castle is undergoing renovations, which may affect access to certain features like its famed hidden tunnels. Despite this, the historical significance and the unique insights into Crusader-era life make it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts.
Navigating the Site and Its Surroundings
Once inside, the castle opens up to various exploration paths. Visitors can discover different sections, including a church, a former soap factory, and areas with historical stone inscriptions. The staff are noted for being kind and cooperative, offering assistance and information. However, be prepared for the outdoor nature of the site; a hat is highly recommended to shield yourself from the sun, especially during warmer months.
The castle's hilltop location provides spectacular views of the Shobak valley. These panoramic vistas are a major draw for visitors and offer excellent opportunities for photography. While the castle itself is in a state of ruin and undergoing maintenance, the overall experience is enhanced by the stunning natural scenery and the historical context.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit