Qasr Kharana

Kharana. About 55 kilometers (34 miles) east of Amman, this is a well preserved Ummayed palace. A painted Kufic inscription above the door on the upper level is dated September AD 711, though the building is thought to be much older. A variety of stones in the main entrance, inscribed with Greek letters, may well indicate that Kharana was erected on a Roman or Byzantine site. The ground and upper stories have 61 chambers between them and the walls have lavish plastering and splendid vaulted ceilings.
Qasr Kharana
View from the Tourist Center.
Qasr Kharana
View from the path leading to the palace.
Qasr Kharana
Getting closer.
Qasr Kharana
The entrance to the palace.
Qasr Kharana
The stables.
Qasr Kharana
Columns just inside the main entrance.
Qasr Kharana
An inscription wishing everyone well being.
Qasr Kharana
The main entrance as seen from the inside of the building.
Qasr Kharana
The main center court.
Qasr Kharana
Another view of the main center court.
Qasr Kharana
Stairs leading to the second floor.
Qasr Kharana
Two reliefs.
Qasr Kharana
The dining hall.
Qasr Kharana
Inscriptions.
Qasr Kharana
The top floor.
Qasr Kharana
Looking towards the main entrance from the second floor.
Qasr Kharana
A prayer alter.
Qasr Kharana
Nice shot showing room upon room upon room.
Qasr Kharana
Just over the horizon is Iraq.
Qasr Kharana
Stairs leading down to the main entrance.