The ‘Ain Al-Raghaya tunnel
A steeply sloping tunnel, carved through layers of black flint in the Crusader period, leads from inside the fortress to the underground 'Ain Al-Raghaya spring, at the base of the hill. A path of more than 300 steps reveals medieval structures and a cistern.
This tunnel was crucial for securing a vital water supply and became essential during sieges, such as those by Saladin in the late 12th century.
At the end of the ancient tunnel, a junction built in the last few decades leads outside through a well five meters deep, located on the southern side at the base of the castle hill.
Want to know more?
At Shobak, in addition to this tunnel, there are underground spaces carved both into the hill of the castle and into the slopes to the northeast, likely inhabited since the medieval period.
To learn more:
- Al Rawashdeh, Abdullah. “Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Ain al-Raghaya Tunnel at ash-Shawbak Castle.” Archaeology in Jordan 4 (2022–2023): 150-151.
- Burri, Ezio, Angelo Ferrari, Pietro Ragni, Andrea Del Bon, Massimo Mancini, Albino G., Pasquale Di Paolo, and Marco Meneghini. “Indagini sugli ipogei artificiali nel Castello di Shawbak e nelle aree limitrofe (Giordania meridionale).” Temporis Signa. Archeologia della tarda antichità e del medioevo 6 (2011): 283-318
- Burri, Ezio, and Carlo Germani, Massimo Mancini, Michele Nucciotti, Mario Parise, Guido Vannini. “Ain al Ragaye: a tunnel for exploitation of natural spring in Shawbak Castle (Jordan).” Opera Ipogea 1 (2009): 61-67.
- Burri, Ezio, and Germani Carlo, Massimo Mancini, Mario Parise. “The ‘Ain Raghaigha ‘Passageway’.” In Da Petra a Shawbak. Archeologia di una frontiera. Catalogo della Mostra, edited by Guido Vannini, Michele Nucciotti. 108-109, Firenze: Giunti, 2009.
Last update
14.04.2025