Zarqa Governorate Essentials

Zarqa Governorate contains some of Jordan’s most significant Umayyad desert castles, including the UNESCO-listed Quseir Amra, renowned for its 8th-century frescoes. The region’s landscape is defined by basalt desert and unique ecological sites like the Azraq Wetland Reserve, a vital stopover for migratory birds. Visitors can explore Roman military architecture at Qasr al-Azraq and witness conservation efforts at the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, which serves as a sanctuary for the reintroduced Arabian oryx.

Quseir Amra

Qusayr 'Amra or Quseir Amra, lit. "small qasr of 'Amra", sometimes also named Qasr Amra, is the best-known of the desert castles located in…

Qasr Al-Azraq

Qasr al-Azraq is a large fortress located in present-day eastern Jordan.

Qasr el-Hallabat

Qasr al-Hallabat is an Umayyad desert castle, with the associated bath house of Hammam as-Sarah east of it.

Azraq Wetland Reserve

The Azraq Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve located in the town of Azraq in the eastern desert of Jordan.

Hammam as-Sarah

An 8th-century Umayyad bathhouse and leisure complex. It served as the hammam for the nearby Qasr al-Hallabat and features a rectangular audience hall and a sophisticated hypocaust heating system.

RSCN Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Established in 1975, this reserve serves as a breeding center for endangered Middle Eastern wildlife, including the Arabian oryx, Persian onagers, and gazelles.

Qasr Usaykhim

A ruined Roman and Byzantine fortress constructed from black basalt. Situated on a high hill northeast of Azraq, it historically served as a strategic watchtower monitoring desert trade routes.

Qasr Ain-es-Sil

A small Umayyad-era agricultural estate and farmhouse located near Azraq. The site features a central courtyard and the remains of an olive press.

Qasr Uweinid

A Roman military outpost built from basalt, located on a ridge overlooking Wadi Sirhan. It dates back to the late 2nd or early 3rd century.