Qasr Kharana
قصر الخرانة
The best-preserved Umayyad-period building on the desert castles loop, a square two-story fortress standing alone in the wasteland.
Qasr Kharana was built around the early 8th century. It looks like a defensive fortress, but inside, about 60 rooms are arranged in two levels around a central courtyard. Most scholars believe it was a gathering station for Bedouin tribal leaders in the Umayyad period. From the roof you can look out over the surrounding desert.
Admission is about 1 to 2 dinars (included in the Jordan Pass), and it is open roughly 8:00 to 16:00. A visitor center stands at the entrance.
It is about 60 km from Amman, on the road to Qusayr Amra.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–16:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Qusayr 'Amra
- Qasr al-Azraq
- Cave of the Seven Sleepers
- Royal Tank Museum
- Roman Theatre (Amman)
- Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)
- Amman Citadel
- The Jordan Museum