This castle is a rare example of Muslim defensive architecture in Jordan. Built around 1184 by a cousin of Saladin (Izz al-Din Ousama), it stood against the Crusaders, whose nearest outpost was at Belvoir on the other side of the Jourdain. Extended 30 years later, it fell to the Mongols in 1260. Later an administrative centre, it suffered in a major 19C quake before being restored in 1929. Climb across the ruins to the right to reach a platform from where there is a fine view of the region.