Qasr Al-Harranah
Qasr Al-Harranah
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
360 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
156
Average
82
Poor
6
Terrible
1
CasaRoscoe
Ottawa, Canada252 contributions
Mar 2023
Other than some military communications towers across the highway, there is literally nothing around Qasr Kharana (which is a good thing). Standing alone in the desert it is a very imposing building, Unfortunately, there is no signage onsite to describe what one is seeing. Well worth a visit if in the area, but don't plan to spend more than 20-30 minutes onsite.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kr0elle
Bonn, Germany958 contributions
Feb 2021
Located in the middle of the desert, an hour's drive from Amman, this castle looks inconspicuous at first, but if you approach you will be baffled by this well-preserved time-journey into the age of the caravans. It's a nice place to explore. However, you would definitely need a guide, as explanations are scarce. Also, please do not let your children roam freely inside the castle as some parts aren't secured properly.
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aleksandra B
Amman, Jordan173 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
What a great experience!
Mubarak (the owner of the castle as he calls himself) was very kind and let us visit the castle after closing time.
We came late on the way back from Azraq to Amman.
This was our third desert castle visiting that day.
Mubarak not only let us in but he came to us and gave us a fun, useful and educational tour around the castle. Even explaining why this castle is “his”.
It was another amazing castle.
We all enjoyed it. Kids (6-11 years old) and parents equally.
In case you don’t get Mubarak to guide you, do pay are you to the ceilings and the wall decorations in different “suits” of what Mubarak said, was a caravanserai (or a motel of older times) long time ago.
We did read that it is not 100% sure that it was. Apparently, it was supposed to have bigger water storage place and it wasn’t on any major trade routes. There are assumptions that it may have been a representative place for local tribal meetings and Umayyad rulers.
What it is ruled out is that it was a military castle.
If it’s on your way or you like the history, go and visit it. It’s easily accessible and not far from Amman.
Mubarak (the owner of the castle as he calls himself) was very kind and let us visit the castle after closing time.
We came late on the way back from Azraq to Amman.
This was our third desert castle visiting that day.
Mubarak not only let us in but he came to us and gave us a fun, useful and educational tour around the castle. Even explaining why this castle is “his”.
It was another amazing castle.
We all enjoyed it. Kids (6-11 years old) and parents equally.
In case you don’t get Mubarak to guide you, do pay are you to the ceilings and the wall decorations in different “suits” of what Mubarak said, was a caravanserai (or a motel of older times) long time ago.
We did read that it is not 100% sure that it was. Apparently, it was supposed to have bigger water storage place and it wasn’t on any major trade routes. There are assumptions that it may have been a representative place for local tribal meetings and Umayyad rulers.
What it is ruled out is that it was a military castle.
If it’s on your way or you like the history, go and visit it. It’s easily accessible and not far from Amman.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vandana
Bangalore, India163 contributions
Feb 2019
The first desert castle we visited. It apparently was never a castle but served as an inn for travelers. A commanding structure from the outside but the inside is in a dilapidated condition. Still it is worth stopping here to explore, since it’s in the desert castle loop. We visited it on our own and reading up before hand is a good idea. Good for photography.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flipperty Gibbert
Carlisle, UK132 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Not much to see and not a lot is known about the site. It is thought it was a caravanserai. While named 'Qasr' (castle) the towers are solid and the slits in the walls unsuitable for arrows but useful for ventilation.
I visited as part of a tour group- one of 3 sites visited under the 'Desert Castles' label as half a day trip. The ride from Amman to the Qasr/s is flat desert and military sites with the occasional camel to spot and the 'castles' are easily spotted from the road. Each has their own point of interest.
You can explore the many rooms of the caravanserai, peek out into the desert, imagine the travellers who may have journied here, consider how different the location must have been in less arid days.
A lonely location- not something to make a special trip to on its own, but as part of a tour of similar structures it is a nice day out.
I visited as part of a tour group- one of 3 sites visited under the 'Desert Castles' label as half a day trip. The ride from Amman to the Qasr/s is flat desert and military sites with the occasional camel to spot and the 'castles' are easily spotted from the road. Each has their own point of interest.
You can explore the many rooms of the caravanserai, peek out into the desert, imagine the travellers who may have journied here, consider how different the location must have been in less arid days.
A lonely location- not something to make a special trip to on its own, but as part of a tour of similar structures it is a nice day out.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony C
Bedford, UK1,397 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We visited the desert castle from Amman as of of a tour. You need a morning for the travel /viewing time and I would suggest it works with a half day tour of Amman.
The background/history of these castles does add to your visit so ensure you understand this.
They are in the middle of nowhere so these are destination places.
Despite their age they are in good condition and good to see.
Not a must see but a decent part of a tour
The background/history of these castles does add to your visit so ensure you understand this.
They are in the middle of nowhere so these are destination places.
Despite their age they are in good condition and good to see.
Not a must see but a decent part of a tour
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AparnaK
McKinney, TX427 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
This was one of the first desert castles we visited . Considering that it is pretty out there they had quiet a few markings and boards explaining about the place . It was quiet and peaceful to visit . Although not too many details on the walls and everything considering when it was built it is still in good shape .
Written April 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JDSoui
Tampa, FL6,701 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
About an hour outside of Amman is a castle that served as an outpost. The 2-story design is unique. The narrow windows allowed air flow through the rooms and assisted in limiting debris, sand or unwanted objects inside. The short steps allowed for easy climbing. While remote, it is worth a trip to see and take in.
Written November 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandbag7
Chicago, IL588 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
The closest castle to Amman with restored walls and a mostly unrestored interior. Worth a visit but the others are not, particularly at this time. The farthest, Azraq, has little to offer. The middle castle is being renovated and most of it is off limits currently. I would look for something else to do if I had a do over.
Written May 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keefpb
County Durham, UK22 contributions
Apr 2012
Whilst not as impressive as Qasr Amra nearby, this is a must on the Desert Castles loop. This Qasr (Place) is most likely an ex-carvanaseri on the silk route. Whilst not heavily decorated, it has bags of atmosphere
Written September 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonjour - merci de me dire si ce chateau est loin de Amman?
Written March 3, 2018
No it's not very far a way
One hour trip only to the castle
Written July 9, 2018
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