Al-Habis Fortress - Image 1
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Al-Habis Fortress

4.2
·6 reviews·Wadi Musa, Jordan

A Crusader fortress within Petra, featuring ancient caves and offering superb views of the surrounding landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Al-Habis Fortress - Image 1

Al-Habis Fortress

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Crusader fortress within Petra, featuring ancient caves and offering superb views of the surrounding landscape.

4.2
(6 reviews)

"A unique Crusader fortification features caves on the first two levels. Crossing the wooden bridge is an awesome experience!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Al-Habis Fortress and Petra .

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as you explore the site and its surroundings.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crusader Fortification

Crusader Fortification

Within Petra

Explore the unique Crusader fortification with intriguing caves on its lower levels.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Upper levels of the fortress

Enjoy superb panoramic views of the surrounding Petra landscape from the fortress.

The Wooden Bridge Experience

The Wooden Bridge Experience

Access to the fortress

An awesome, though potentially challenging, experience crossing the wooden bridge to reach the site.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Petra Visit

Beat the crowds and the heat by visiting Al-Habis Fortress early in the morning or late afternoon. Consider visiting during the off-season or shoulder months for a more serene experience, as Petra can see significantly lower tourist numbers during certain times.TikTok

Navigating Al-Habis Fortress

While the fortress itself is within Petra, reaching its upper levels might be challenging. Be prepared for uneven terrain and potentially damaged pathways. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the site and its surroundings.Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Abi 𓂆 it’s not that it’s just the off-season or it’s Ramadan, Jordan is seeing devastatingly low tourist numbers and nothing is hit harder than Petra. Several of the vendors we spoke to shared how they can barely make enough sales to support themselves which is heartbreaking 💔 Jordan is incredible and Petra is breathtaking — this is your sign to go to Jordan! #petra #wadirum #wadi...
@snydexplores
42.3K likes • 769.4K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Al-Habis Fortress and Petra.Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as you explore the site and its surroundings.

Di mana lokasi mata air Nabi Musa ‘alaihissalam? Ada di sebuah tempat dua kilo dari Petra jauhnya, namanya wadi musa. Pertanyaannya, benarkah ini betul-betul mata air nabi Musa? Selain makam baginda Nabi Muhammad shalallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, dan tiga tanah suci, tak ada yang tahu persis. Itu cuma perkataan turun temurun.
@risalah_amar
39.2K likes • 702.9K views
The walk to the one of the 7 Wonders of the World… Petra, Jordan🇯🇴 🤩 #petra #petrajordan #ammanjordan #jordan #thetreasurypetra #wadimusa #middleeast #bucketlist #7wondersoftheworld
@rodz_travels
35K likes • 288K views

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Factor in time to explore the fortress and enjoy the views within your Petra itinerary.

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic vistas from Al-Habis Fortress are stunning; bring your camera for memorable shots.Instagram

reddit.com

Moving to Wadi Musa for a couple of months; trying to figure out how to regularly hike Petra without paying the 50JD tourist fee

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Al-Habis Fortress and Petra.Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as you explore the site and its surroundings.

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Factor in time to explore the fortress and enjoy the views within your Petra itinerary.

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic vistas from Al-Habis Fortress are stunning; bring your camera for memorable shots.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(6 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Al-Habis Fortress is a unique Crusader fortification within Petra, appreciated for its historical caves and superb surrounding views. While the upper levels are damaged and access via the wooden bridge can be challenging, it remains an interesting site for those exploring the broader Petra archaeological park.

"A unique Crusader fortification features caves on the first two levels. Unfortunately, the third level was almost completely destroyed, but it is still interesting to visit this site, especially since it is inside Petra. Crossing the wooden bridge is an awesome experience!"

Alex Bezrukov

"The site looks very beautiful and can offer a superb view of the surrounding area. Unfortunately, the wooden bridge is destroyed, making it impossible to reach the end of the path."

V TR

""

Ali Karahasan

What People Like

Crusader history
Cave structures
Scenic views

What People Dislike

Damaged upper levels
Challenging bridge access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Al-Habis Fortress is located within the ancient city of Petra. You'll need to purchase an entrance ticket to Petra and then follow the trails towards the fortress. It's a hike from the main visitor center, so wear comfortable shoes.TikTok

Yes, it's a significant walk from the Petra Visitor Center to Al-Habis Fortress. Plan for at least an hour of walking, depending on your pace and the route you take within Petra.

No, private vehicles are not allowed inside Petra. Access to Al-Habis Fortress is on foot via the designated trails within the archaeological park.

Many guided tours of Petra include Al-Habis Fortress as part of their itinerary. It's a good option if you want to learn more about its history and significance.

The most common way is to follow the main trails within Petra. Some reviews mention a wooden bridge as an access point, though its condition can vary.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Al-Habis Fortress is located within the Petra archaeological site, so your Petra entrance ticket covers access to it.

Al-Habis Fortress follows the general opening hours of Petra. These typically vary by season, so it's best to check the official Petra website for the most current times.

Petra entrance fees vary for international tourists and Jordanian residents. International visitors typically pay around 50 Jordanian Dinars for a one-day pass.Reddit

Yes, it is often possible to purchase Petra entrance tickets online in advance, which can save you time upon arrival.

Discounts may be available for students, children, and Jordanian residents. Check the official Petra tourism website for details.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Al-Habis Fortress is a Crusader fortification with caves on its lower levels. While the upper levels were largely destroyed, it offers interesting historical insights and great views.Reddit

The climb to Al-Habis Fortress involves uneven terrain and some rocky paths. While not extremely strenuous, it requires a moderate level of fitness and sturdy footwear.

You can expect superb panoramic views of the surrounding Petra landscape, offering a different perspective of the ancient city.

Restrooms and water are generally available at the main Petra visitor center and at various points within the site, but may be limited directly at Al-Habis Fortress itself. It's best to come prepared.

Children can visit Al-Habis Fortress, but parents should supervise them closely due to the uneven terrain and potential drop-offs. The historical aspect might be more engaging for older children.

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities include the unique cave structures on the lower levels, the views from the upper parts of the fortress, and the approach via the wooden bridge.Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow on the sandstone.

Drone usage is generally prohibited within Petra for preservation and safety reasons. Always check the latest regulations before your visit.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a standard zoom lens is versatile for details. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.

Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of the historical site and other visitors. Avoid using flash inside any enclosed cave structures.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Al-Habis Fortress can be an interesting stop for families exploring Petra, offering a different kind of historical site beyond the grand facades. The caves on the lower levels might spark the imagination of younger children, providing a sense of adventure. However, parents should be mindful of the uneven terrain and potential drop-offs, ensuring constant supervision. The hike to the fortress is a moderate one, so assess your children's stamina before embarking on the journey. It's advisable to carry plenty of snacks and water, as facilities directly at the fortress are limited.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Adventure Seekers

For those who enjoy a bit of exploration beyond the main tourist paths, Al-Habis Fortress offers a rewarding experience. The hike itself is part of the adventure, with the potential for less crowded trails leading up to it compared to more central Petra attractions. While the damaged wooden bridge might present a challenge or limit full access, the opportunity to explore the Crusader remnants and enjoy panoramic views is a significant draw. Redditors often discuss finding less-traveled routes within Petra, and Al-Habis could be a good target for such explorations.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Al-Habis Fortress

Al-Habis Fortress, nestled within the vast archaeological site of Petra, is a testament to the region's layered history. Primarily recognized as a Crusader fortification, its construction dates back to the medieval period when Crusaders occupied parts of the Levant. The fortress was strategically built to overlook and control the surrounding valleys, a common practice for military outposts of that era.

Evidence of earlier inhabitation can be seen in the caves carved into the rock on the lower levels of the fortress. These caves likely served various purposes, from dwellings to storage, hinting at a longer history of human presence in this location even before the Crusaders arrived. While the upper sections of the fortress have suffered significant damage over time, the remaining structures still offer a glimpse into its past military significance and architectural style.

The interplay between the natural rock formations and human-made structures at Al-Habis Fortress makes it a fascinating site for history enthusiasts. It represents a convergence of different eras, from ancient Nabataean settlements to medieval Crusader presence, all within the breathtaking landscape of Petra.Reddit

Navigating the Terrain and Access

Reaching Al-Habis Fortress requires navigating the extensive trails of Petra. The journey involves walking on uneven and sometimes rocky paths, making comfortable and sturdy footwear absolutely essential. Visitors often describe the walk as a moderate hike, so be prepared for some exertion, especially if you're visiting during warmer months.

One of the notable features mentioned by visitors is the wooden bridge that historically served as an access point to the fortress. While this bridge is described as an 'awesome experience' by some, reviews also note that it has been damaged or is in disrepair, potentially making full access to the end of the path impossible.Reddit This means that while the fortress is visible and parts are accessible, the intended full traversal might be limited. Always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Planning your route within Petra to include Al-Habis Fortress is key. It's not a primary landmark like the Treasury, so it requires a bit more intentionality to reach. Consider it a rewarding detour for those looking to explore beyond the most famous sites and experience a different facet of Petra's historical landscape.

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