Built by the Umayyad caliphs in the 8C, Qasr al-Kharaneh appears lost in the Jordanian desert. Its rather austere quadrangular construction has a fortress-like appearance from the outside; its only apertures are loopholes and an entrance protected by round towers. Inside, several lodgings (bayt), previously accessed by a first floor gallery, are laid out around a central courtyard. One is distinguished by more elaborate décor. Storerooms and stables complete the layout of the structure.