Nestled on the ancient caravan routes from Egypt to Syria, Kerak is most famous for its massive, imposing Crusader castle built in 1132 AD by the Crusader King Baldwin I. Dominating the walled city, with five thousand Christian knights defending it, the castle fell to Saladin's forces after fifty years of fighting in 1188. The fortress is a maze of galleries, arched chambers and fortified towers located at an altitude of about 1000 meters.

Particularly magnificent is the view from the top of the fortress, embracing the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and the valley of Wadi Mujib.