30/07/2026
Qasr Al-Harrana
(also known as Qasr Kharana) is one of the most famous Umayyad desert castles in Jordan. It is located on the international highway leading to Azraq, about 65 km east of Amman. The castle was built during the reign of the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik around 710 AD, as confirmed by a Kufic inscription discovered inside the building.
The castle is distinguished by:
A square design, with each side measuring approximately 35 meters.
Two stories containing more than 60 rooms arranged around a central courtyard.
Circular towers at the corners and narrow windows for lighting and ventilation, giving it the appearance of a fortified castle.
Despite its defensive appearance, researchers differ on its original purpose. Some believe it served as a rest stop for caravans, a venue for official gatherings, or a hunting lodge, rather than a military fortress in the traditional sense.
The name Qasr Al-Harrana is derived from Wadi Al-Harrana, where it is located. The area is known for its abundant flint stones, locally called "Harra", making Al-Harrana the historically more accurate name, although Qasr Kharana is more commonly used.
If you are planning to visit, it is highly recommended to combine your trip with Qusayr Amra and Azraq Castle, as all three are part of Jordan's famous Desert Castles route in the eastern desert.
