The fortress like palace

From the beginning of the reign of Emperor Caracalla (III century), Qasr - Al - Hallabat was a Roman fortress. Over the centuries, he often changed his destiny. In VII century the rulers of the Umayyad dynasty rebuilt it, decorate the interior with frescoes and sculptures. To the east lie the ruins of baths Hammam - al - Sarah. Standing here with the heyday of the baths of the palace were lined with marble and magnificent mosaics. Another noteworthy lock is Qasr - Al - Azraq. For its construction were used basalt blocks. The first castle was built on the site at the turn of the III-IV century, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Several times it was rebuilt, and its present form the palace was in the XIII century. Courtyard in the center of which stands a small mosque, surrounded by a high 80 - meter wall. In each corner there is a narrow tower. Opposite the entrance has a warehouse and stables, and in the north - eastern part of the courtyard is a prison.