Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedMar 31, 2023
How long is the drive from Kuwait City to Amman?
The direct drive from Kuwait City to Amman is 853 mi (1,373 km), and should have a drive time of 15 hrs 39 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Kuwait City to Amman, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Zaabal Castle and Al-Azraq Castle, or the ever-popular Rajajil Columns.
The top stops along the way from Kuwait City to Amman (with short detours) are Qasr Al-Harranah, Al-Azraq Castle, and Quseir 'Amra. Other popular stops include Zaabal Castle and Rajajil Columns.
1
Rajajil Columns
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historical place
Ancient Ruins
Quiet and calm place.
Heritage site
Historical
Dr. Alam — Google review
A must visit in Sakaka. Such a peaceful and serene spot. It is fenced but there was a section that was open. We walked in and around the standing columns, trying to not damage anything or getting too close. Just amazing!
Kiwitripn — Google review
Exotic and epic place to visit
Abdallah Ouda — Google review
Incredible place to see 6000Years old Columns. Which resembles the shapes of Standing Mens. After which they named as RAJAJIL.
There is Mesuem to visit nearby, where you have details of the Rajajil Columns History and which has few broken Column rocks.
Mohammed Naveed — Google review
Historical place with many different monuments.
Khalid Aziz — Google review
I visited this place during summer, i think it's better to visit this place during winter. As the temperature is high and you can't stay for long time here as you have to walk a lot in order to explore.
Syed Muhammad Imran Karim — Google review
The Rajajil Columns, a mysterious site located 20 kilometers south of Sakakah city, are often nicknamed the “Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia.”
The name of the site translates to “the men,” and the monument might be the oldest in the region, researchers say.
Mystery surrounding the origins of the monument has attracted significant attention and visitors from around the Kingdom. Many myths and superstitions surround the columns. Archaeologists understand that the site served as a burial place, but have yet to discover more about the importance of the columns.
The site consists of 50 monolithic stones that stick out of the ground at different angles. It is believed that they have stood in position since about 4,000 B.C. However, over the centuries, some have fallen to the ground.
Despite the dominant burial site theory, a competing belief proposes that the stones originally served an astronomical purpose due to the angles in which they stand in relation to the stars above, adding to the mystery of the site.
Visitors must seek prior permission from authorities before visiting the site.
Khalid AlRabiah — Google review
Supposedly open from 9 am to 2 pm during Eid al-Adha period, the site was closed and the wide area enclosed by the perimeter fence does not enable visitors to see anything unless they are equipped with binoculars or a camera with a powerful zoom and are ready to stand on top of their vehicle!
Closure of this site and numerous other sites in Saudi Arabia is extremely disappointing.
Richard Mortel — Google review
It was a great great trip. Every body should visit there
Al-Azraq Castle is a sprawling structure made of black basalt construction and located on the outskirts of dusty Azraq. It features ancient inscriptions, a mosque, and impressive granite fortress doors. This mid-sized castle dates back to the 13th century and although it is now in ruins, its grandeur is still evident.
Impressive mid sized castle from the 13th century. Made of granite. There is an old mosque in site, alongside a roman carved mills game, and amazing granite fortress doors.
Bal?zs Boncz — Google review
Fun to explore other kind of castle than sand colour. Interesting technique to construct stairs and sealings from a rock. And
I have never seen a door from a rock that’s even work 🫣
Virgylia Soosaar — Google review
Very awesome castle to visit, very historical, you can walk around the ruins and check out the various artifacts they have in the castle. The ruins are fairly well preserved, there isn’t to much to see but I really enjoyed my time here and would recommend checking it out if your into history.
Pong Lenis — Google review
I've seen castle's and ruins like this all over the world so you can't help but compare in your own mind. I was talked into sharing a castle tour with a couple of other travelers in my hostel in Amman. Save yourself the money and time as it's definitely not worth the investment!
Rand Un — Google review
This a Roman era castle. The place is located beside the road. Ticket price for a local is 0.25 JOD. There is nothing much to except some ruined walls, rooms, well etc. I spent 30 min. Also there is no any descriptions or information about the archeological site. So google it before the visit.
Ashan Ratnasinghe — Google review
Interesting place. I was there in July. There was no one else. I wouldn't travel to here from Amman specifically for this but it's a nice stop if you go to the Azraq reserve. It's a few km further.
lauren prazen — Google review
Probably the only real castle among desert castles :) but also the least interesting in my opinion. But a stone door that opens in one of the rooms is impressive.
Radosz Jod?owski — Google review
This place has a centuries-old history: its foundation dates back to the time of the Roman Empire (AD III) although the structure visible today is the product of reconstruction in medieval times (AD XIII).
The fort was also used in the winter between 1917 and 1918 by the Arab army marching to Damascus during the Arab Revolt.
Gabriele Poggi — Google review
Not very impressive buildings of rough black stones. But the doors made of stone including a hinge drilled into massive stone-blocks are interesting. You can move these massive stone quaders.
Manfred Beham — Google review
A very interesting place to visit. The stone doors and steps are amazing. The arches and stones on the ceiling are impressive - gravity does all the work! There is also a couple of stones with Roman inscriptions.
Karlygash Zhunussova — Google review
This place is nice. Of course, it is uncomparable with the highlight of the country, which is in Petra. But it is a good preparation before the main dish😁
There isn't so many tourists and it is located near to the desert which means you can enjoy your time in a silent mood. Thank you 🤩
Ales Tvrdy — Google review
Large castle, we saw lots of castles, this was different as it was built from Basalt, unusual in the region, one ton stone doors still working interested me
Gary English — Google review
amazing ancient stone structure, especially the heavy stone door.
Cashflow RE Diana Lovetravel — Google review
A 4th century desert fortress with a long history having been occupied by the Romans, Ayyubids, Ottomans, and T.E. Lawrence used it as a base of operations during the Arab Revolt between 1917-18. It is constructed of badly basalt rock which is why the stones are darker than other castles in the relative area.
Erik Oppenneer — Google review
This place has a centuries-old history: its foundation dates back to the time of the Roman Empire (AD III) although the structure visible today is the product of reconstruction in medieval times (AD XIII).
The fort was also used in the winter between 1917 and 1918 by the Arab army marching to Damascus during the Arab Revolt.
Personally I think you could miss it …
Des P — Google review
A dark made of all volcanic rocks castle. Its has lots of rooms and doors of stone.
Located near Azraq oasis.
It said that Lawrence of Arabia had his office there.
The black rocks are so beautiful. There ia no proper bathroom there nor a souvenir shop.
Highly recommend to visit.
Quseir 'Amra is a well-known desert castle that was built in the 8th century and is famous for its notable interior frescoes. It is one of the best-preserved buildings of the Umayyads located in the Eastern Desert and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The qusayr, which means "little castle," was part of a larger complex that served as a caravanserai, bathhouse, and hunting lodge.
One of the most spectacular sites in Jordan. Well worth the drive and a visit. Note: the well is very deep.
Bruno Soltic (Archaeology Bruno) — Google review
The castle is not there, there is only the baths part. Still it is not bad to see. Inside the frescoes are well preserved
Asli Sengil — Google review
The place is beautiful. The paintings on the walls are amazing. Only giving 4 stars as the caretaker outside was rip off and would try to charge you more without a reciept. I had free access but was still misguided by him to pay more. Be aware of such thugs through out the country and request a reciept if you are asked to pay a price
Zahab Nabeel — Google review
An 8th century bathhouse with amazing intact frescos and details covering both the walls and the ceiling. Several images haven't stood the test of time, but many have and they are beautiful. This is one of six UNESCO world heritage sites in Jordan.
Erik Oppenneer — Google review
Well worth the drive and included in Jordan pass, the interior is completely covered in beautiful murals that are in great shape.
The employees are great and informative
Brian Helms — Google review
A testament to human cultural history in the middle of nowhere. The building is of less interest; it is the paintings that make this place worth visiting. Take you time and try to decipher the meaning of the fragments. Very impressive.
Manfred Beham — Google review
A very nice place where is more things to see. It's a bit remoted but still worth it cuz this heritage is very beautiful. If you are going around then stop for a short excursion. Sometimes it may be a bit crowded but that's not a problem at all. Think you 🤩
Ales Tvrdy — Google review
When you see this mini castle from the outside, you would say it’s not worth the visit. Just do it and you will be amazed when you see the inside. The castle has hand paintings on all the walls dated back in in the 700’s. You will be astounded by the art. It’s a must visit if you want to see something vintage and different.
Shad Abunnadi — Google review
If you care for art and history, then this place is for you. Simply, it's a small palace with drawings all over. I thought it was a historical church because the drawings are not Islamic at all, but it was during a period where the Islamic leaders were less religiously strict, it seemed. Historically used for the Ummayads for a place to stay on hunting trips. They also obviously used it for enjoying women as well.
I would recommend planning a trip with several other stops such as nearby Reserves (Azraq Reserve) and other nearby historical sites.
رزان العليمات Razan AlOlimat — Google review
8 century ruins with fading frescos. Interesting!
Cashflow RE Diana Lovetravel — Google review
Well preserved high status house - with fantastic wall paintings, Well worth seeing as part of a day trip to the area.
faek ashi — Google review
Amazing place. The most spectacular frescoes. Just delightful. We were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves for about an hour before a dreaded tour group turned up.
Qasr Al-Kharranah, a well-known castle constructed before 710 A.D. in a remote desert location, boasts an imposing thick-walled structure and is regarded as the most photogenic of all desert castles. Scholars debate about its purpose and function, but this significant Umayyad building remains an interesting sight for visitors off the main Azraq-Amman road. A visitor center offers tours while some rooms feature beautiful designs that have been preserved over time.
It's a beautiful castle with a very friendly staff. It was easy to find and a great place to see during your trip to Jordan. Totally recommended
Zahab Nabeel — Google review
Nice place to visit and check, not much to see but what a great history to feel.
When you arrive there you will see an empty big open ground, you will walk to the palace.
A small room in the main square for bathrooms which was not clean at all.
However still the place are nice and great to be visited.
Very important to know there's no tickets to enter.
Abu Othman — Google review
What an amazingly historic castle in the desert. I really enjoyed my time here. It’s still very well preserved and taken care of. It has lots to see, you can walk inside up and around the buildings. It has lovely artwork that decorates the interior in certain places. It was definitely worth checking out, if you’re into history. I would recommend visiting this lovely castle.
Pong Lenis — Google review
There is a debate among scholar's what it was used for. There is a guide that tries to pester you into hiring him to show you around. We just ignored and we walked around. All the rooms look the same but a few have some beautiful designs left behind. It was fun to see.
april evans — Google review
Very nice place to visit. Takes you back to how people used to travel and were they stayed a long the way
Well built.
They have a tent outside that offera souvenirs and hot tea.
Bathrooms are available too and clean.
Dee Avi — Google review
An interesting desert castle dated to 710 AD. Loved seeing bird nests and birds in a historic location! There's a small government office onsite and a rest house.
Talar K — Google review
Rich Historical palace, very nice and still keeping its shine after 1300 year
K .A — Google review
Very interesting castle? A big fortress looking building literally in the middle of nowhere, thought to have been used as an inn for travellers
Tanya Markham — Google review
Beautiful 8th century castle. Lots of rooms to explore and hide form the dessert wind and sun.
Bruno Soltic (Archaeology Bruno) — Google review
beautiful place in the middle of the desert. the people are nice there and the road is easy and safe. the place is kept clean almost always they're taking care of it. it's a busy touristic place so you'll see a lot of nationalities there visiting the place. the Palace is beautiful and built nicely.
natjoeye — Google review
Umayyad archaeological site, two stories with around 61 rooms, you can find the water system traces beside the main door.
Their is a need for interpretation signs to enhance the visitors informations.
Des P — Google review
This desert castle is my favorite from the all main castles to visit in Jordan. It looks like a fort and it is still in good shape. It's way bigger than the other ones and I like it there very much. There are even a facilities and small souvenir and snack shop where to hide head in the hot weather. Thank you 🤩
Ales Tvrdy — Google review
Remarkably intact castle dating back to the 7th century. The purpose of the building continues to be a topic of consideration for historians and scholars. It's nearly perfectly square and has slits I assumed was used by archers for defense, but it turns out they are for ventilation/temperature/dust control and allow light into the outer rooms.
Erik Oppenneer — Google review
Amazing place! The way how the temperature is controlled inside and how the architects were capturing the wind for air circulation is incredible. You can get tickets here to see three desert castles for just 3 JOD. There is a little shop outside where you can see and buy some fossil fuels!
Karlygash Zhunussova — Google review
This over 1,300 year old desert castle, which was built by the mighty Ummayad Khilafah, دولة الخلافة الأموية is definitely worth visiting and exploring with family and friends. The place is well maintained by the Jordanian authorities (visitor's facilities were adequate) and leaves you with a sense that you travelled back in time to the 7th century. Walking through the castle's many ancient rooms and chambers and courtyard and climbing its ancient stone stairs, one could, if he carefully listens, hear the sounds of horses and imagine the oil lamps on the walls and hustle and bustle of caravans passing through. Jordan is rich with such archeological wonders. Sub7an Allah.