Makawir Castle

The Machaerus Fortress, built in 90 BC by the Hasmonean leader Alexander Jannaeus as a center of resistance against the Romans, was captured and destroyed by the Romans in 57 BC. King Herod the Great regained control of the fortress between 25-13 BC, rebuilding it with a massive wall around it. The fortress passed to his son, Herod Antipas, but was later captured by Roman forces in 71 AD, leaving behind only ruins. In addition to its historical and archaeological significance, the fortress holds religious importance as it is believed to be the place where John the Baptist (Yahya) was imprisoned and beheaded by King Herod. Several historical and religious accounts suggest that his head was later taken to Damascus. The site has attracted many travelers, including notable explorers like Zietzen (1807), Tristram (1872), and Ebel (1909), and in 2000, Pope John Paul II visited it, declaring it one of the five Christian pilgrimage sites in Jordan.

Category

Religious · Historical Religious Places

Governorate

Madaba

Address

Madaba city near the village of Makawir in the Dhiban district

Directions on Google Maps · Website

Opening hours

• Monday: 00:00 – 23:59
• Tuesday: 00:00 – 23:59
• Wednesday: 00:00 – 23:59
• Thursday: 00:00 – 23:59
• Friday: 00:00 – 23:59
• Saturday: 00:00 – 23:59
• Sunday: 00:00 – 23:59

Features

• Hiking
• Dogs allowed
• Free parking
• Outdoor seating
• Seating
• Family friendly

Islamic Heritage