Aqaba Fort has stood witness to many of Jordan’s great historical events. It was first built by the Crusaders in the 12th century and marked the limits of their incursions in the region until it was destroyed by Saladin in 1187. The Mamelukes rebuilt the castle according to their own design in the early 16th century when Egypt was the dominant regional power, then the Ottomans took it over. In 1916, Arab forces captured the fort in a major victory over the Ottomans, turning the surrounding area into a major port. The flag of the Arab Revolt still flies there today, atop an enormous flagpole that measures a whopping 443 feet. Visitors can head inside the fort to explore a small museum, but the impressive building is really the main attraction.
