Jordan Tourist Sites

Jordan is truly a land of spectacular culture, scenery and people.

This small Arab Kingdom holds within its borders sites of antiquity that rank among the most exceptional in the world. The unique rose red city of Petra; the outstanding remains of Jerash, one of the most magnificent of roman provincial cities, the remarkable vestiges of Umayyad palaces built deep in the desert; the incredibly scenic Wadi rum, which is permanently associated with Lawrence of Arabia.

For those seeking adventure, mystique, ancient roots, relaxation and an opportunity to witness the monuments of a civilization over 2000 years old- Jordan is the place!



Amman
Amman the capital is a modern, safe, and friendly city. No more than a five hour drive from anywhere in the country, it is a convenient place to base your tour from. Known as Rabbath-Ammon during prehistoric periods and later as Philadelphia, the ancient city that was once part of the Decapolis league, now boasts a population of around 1.5 million. Often referred to as the white city due to its canvas of white stone houses, Amman offers a variety of historical sites including the Citadel and the magnificent Roman Theatre. Amman also contains an impressive array of restaurants, bars and shopping areas. Learn more about Amman

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Aqaba
With its balmy winter climate and idyllic setting, Aqaba is Jordan's year-round aquatic playground. The thriving underwater marine life and the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Aqaba make diving conditions there among the acknowledged best in the world. As the Gulf of Aqaba is an inland sea with few strong currents, its waters remain warm and clear throughout most of the year. Conditions are ideal for underwater photography and a lavish array of exotic fish and plant life makes for excellent snorkelling and diving. Over 140 species of coral have been identified in Aqaba's waters. Sun bathing, water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, paddleboats, and other water sports are also popular. One small word of advice - have lots of fun, but don't forget your sunscreen! Learn more about Aqaba

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Ajloun
A short journey west from Jerash, through pine forest and olive groves, brings you to the castle of Ajloun, which was built in 1184 by a nephew of Saladin, who defeated the Crusaders in 1187. A fine example of Islamic architecture, the fortress dominated a wide stretch of the north Jordan Valley and passages to it. From its hill - top position, the castle protected the communications routes between south Jordan and Syria.

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Azrak Wetland Reserve
Azraq is a unique wetland oasis located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert, one of several beautiful nature reserves managed by the RSCN. Its attractions include several natural and ancient built pools, a seasonally flooded marshland, and a large mudflat know as Qa'a Al-Azraq. A wide variety of birds stop at the reserve each year for a rest during their arduous migration routes between Asia and Africa. Some stay for the winter or breed within the protected areas of the wetland.

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Baptism Site
"Bethany beyond the Jordan" is situated a few hundred meters from the Jordan River. Excavations have uncovered 1st century AD settlement with plastered pools and water systems that were used almost certainly for baptism, a 5th - 6th century AD late Byzantine settlement with churches, a monastery and other structures probably catering to religious pilgrims. Excavations are still underway and new discoveries are being made in that area almost daily.

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Beida
Also known as Little Petra; is one of the oldest sights in the Middle East that shows evidence of habitation by Pre-Pottery Nealithic humans. A population indicated to having been herders experimenting with agricultural existence.

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Dana Nature Reserve
The rugged beauty and natural diversity of Dana make this nature reserve a worthwhile destination for visitors to Jordan. The reserve encompasses some of Jordan's most breathtaking scenery, stretching from the 1800-meter-high Sharaa Mountains in the east down to the dunes at Wadi Araba at sea level. As the Kingdom's sixth nature reserve, Dana protects all animals - including endangered species such as the ibex - from the ravages of hunting. Dana Nature Reserve hosts a wide variety of fauna, including ibex, mountain gazelle, fox, badger, porcupine, wolf, hyrax, striped hyena, jackal, and many others.

Numerous species of bird life traverse the skies of Dana as well. When exploring the natural richness of Dana, take advantage of the designated campground area and the hiking trails, which criss-cross the reserve, providing the perfect venue to explore the wide variety of fauna and bird species roaming the reserve. Next to the nature reserve is the small village of Dana. Artefacts uncovered there indicate that man has inhabited this area for six thousand years drawn by the region's fertile land and natural springs.

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Dead Sea
At the northern end of the Great Rift Valley lies the Jordan Valley, the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. The Dead Sea is more than 400 meters below sea level. The valley is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. Because of the low elevation, it is a natural greenhouse, rich in minerals and in water from the river valleys nearby. In ancient times, the Jordan Valley was one of the most fertile places in the Middle East, and some of the world's oldest civilisations sprang from this soil.

Relax in the gently lapping waters . . . you will discover it is impossible to sink! Treat yourself to a soothing massage or experiment with the renowned healing powers of minerals from the sea's muddy floor. The Dead Sea is an ideal destination for those seeking spiritual destinations, leisure and relaxation. Learn more about the Dead Sea

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Desert Castles
Jordan's desert castles, beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture, stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings and illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian and Greco - Roman traditions, tell countless stories of the life as it was during the fifth to the eighth centuries. Called castles because of their imposing stature, the desert complexes actually served various purposes as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centres, resort pavilions and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins. Several of these preserved compounds, all of which are clustered to the east and south of Amman, can be visited on one - or two - day loops from the city.

Qusair Amra, one of the most preserved castles, is a UNESCO world Heritage Site. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively frescoes, and two of the rooms are paved with colorful mosaics.Qasr Mushatta, Qasr al - Kharrana, Qasr at - tuba and Qasr al - Hallabat have been restored and are all in excellent condition. The black basalt fort at Azraq, in continuous use since Roman times, was the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt.

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Jerash
The ancient city of Jerash boasts as unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6.500 years. The city's golden age came under Roman rule and the site now generally acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman Provincial towns in the world. Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and Plaza baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates.

Beneath its external Greco - Roman veneer, Jerash also preserves a subtle blend of east and west. Its architectures, religions and languages reflect a process by which two powerful cultures meshed and coexisted, The Greco - Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the ancient traditions of the Arab Orient.

The Jerash festival, held in July every year, transforms the ancient city into one of the world's liveliest and most spectacular culture events. The festival features folklore dances by local and international groups, ballet, concerts, plays, opera, popular singers and sales of traditional handicrafts, all in the brilliantly floodlit dramatic surroundings of the Jerash ruins. Learn more about Jerash

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Kerak
The town of Kerak lies east of the Dead Sea, marking roughly the halfway point through the king's highway. Its crusader castle, the largest in the kingdom, was built for military purposes, and as such is not covered with decorative frills, and is a pure example of architectural and military traditions of that time. Its galleries, towers, chapels and ramparts still echo with the resolve of the Crusaders who built them almost a thousand years ago.

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Madaba
Madaba is situated on the king's highway, at a distance of 40 Km south of Amman. It is famed for its mosaics dating from the Byzantine era, many of which are located in private homes, discovered when owners dug the foundations. The map of the holy land at St. George's church dates from the 6th century AD and is the most preserved of its kind in the world, its clarity and precision helped archaeologists discover many other important sites in Jordan and the West Bank. Also found in this marvellous town is the Church of the Apostles.

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Ma'in
The lovely Hammamat Ma'in is another favoured spot with a hot waterfall, thermal mineral springs and a full compliment of resort facilities. It lies south west of Madaba, 60 Km from Amman. People have gone there for thermal treatments-or simply to enjoy a hot soak-since the days of Rome. What better way to end a day immersed in history than in a wonderful, naturally warm bath! If you are in search of a bit of adventure you can take a guided hike down to the Dead Sea through pools of hot water!

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Al Mujib Nature Reserve
The Mujib Reserve is the lowest nature reserve in the world, with its spectacular array of scenery near the east cost of the Dead Sea. The reserve is located within the deep Wadi Mujib gorge, which enters the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level. The Reserve extends to the Kerak and Madaba mountains to the north and south, reaching 900 meters above sea level in some places. This 1,300-meter variation in elevation, combined with the valley's year- round water flow from seven tributaries, means that Wadi Al Mujib enjoys a magnificent bio-diversity that is still being explored and documented today. Over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and numerous species of permanent and migratory birds have been recorded until this date. Some of the remote mountain and valley areas are difficult to reach, and thus offer safe havens for rare species of cats, goats and other mountain animals.

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Mukawer (Machaerus)
The mountaintop fortress, now called Mukawir, commands panoramic views over much of the Dead Sea and the hills of Palestine and the Holy Land. It was here that Herod Antipas imprisoned John the Baptist, and later had him beheaded after Salome's fateful dance.

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Mount Nebo
This Monastery is located on a hill overlooking the Holy Land and is believed to be the burial place of Moses. The custodians of the monastery are Franciscan monks most notable of whom is Father Picirillo, an archaeologist who has written many books on the history and archaeology of the Holy Land. It contains some of the most impressive mosaics in the world.

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Pella
Pella is exceptionally rich in antiquities, some of which are exceedingly old. Besides the excavated ruins from the Greco-Roman period, Pella offers visitors the opportunity to see the remains of Chalcolithic settlement from the 4th millennium BC, evidence of Bronze and Iron age walled cities, Byzantine churches, early Islamic residence and a small medieval mosque. Excavations have only touched the surface; most of Pella has still not been discovered.

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Petra
Petra is the astonishing, mesmerising rose-red city. Once the stronghold of the Nabataeans, industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO world heritage site that enchants visitors from all corners of the globe. Much of Petra's appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. The site is accessed by walking through a kilometre long chasm (or siq), the walls of which soar 200 meters upwards. Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury, appears dramatically at the end of the siq. The towering facade of the Treasury is only one of myriad archaeological wonders to be explored at Petra.

Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, colonnaded streets as well as a 3000 seat open air amphitheatre, a gigantic first century Monastery and a modern archaeological museum, all of which can be explored at leisure. A modest shrine commemorating the death of Aaron, brother of Moses, was built in the 13th century high atop mount Aaron in the Sharah range. Learn more about Petra

Petra is located at a driving distance of about three hours south of Amman.

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Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
Covering 22 square kilometres, the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve's great success story is the renowned Operation Oryx. This project has attracted worldwide recognition for its reintroduction into the wild of an almost extinct species, the Arabian Oryx. Numerous species of wildlife, including ostrich, gazelle, wild donkey, and others inhabit this reserve, making it both educational and adventurous for any curious explorer.

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Shobak Castle
Situated near Petra, it is perched on top of a hill with commanding views on every side. It is well worth a detour on your way to Petra. Built by Baldwin I in 1115 it served initially as the main residence of the Seigneur le Boutellier. Later on it became a link in the crusaders chain of castles that ran from Antioch to the Red Sea.

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Umm El Jimal
The eastern most of the major northern cities, Umm al Jimal, is located at the edge of the eastern basalt plain, along a secondary road that was close to the junction of several ancient trade routes that linked central Jordan with Syria and Iraq. Among the most interesting structures to visit are the tall barracks with their little chapel, several large churches, numerous open and roofed water cisterns, the outlines of a Roman fort and the remains of several town gates.

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Um Qais
Gadara One of the first places in Jordan that were visited by Jesus Christ after he crossed the River Jordan. This city, famous for the biblical story of the Gadarene Swine, was regarded in its time as a cultural centre.

Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Umm Qais boasts impressive ancient remains. Such as the stunning black basalt theatre, the basilica and adjacent courtyard strewn with nicely carved black sarcophagi, the colonnaded main street and a side street lined with shops, an underground mausoleum, two baths, a nymphaeum, a city gate and the outlines of what was a massive hippodrome. It lies two hours away from Amman to the northwest.

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Um Rassas
Excavations here have uncovered some of the finest Byzantine church mosaics in the Middle East, including a large carpet depicting old and new Testament cities on both the east and west banks of the Jordan River. Another feature at Um Rassas walled settlement is a 15-meter Byzantine tower used by early Christian monks seeking solitude. Known in Arabic as Mayfa'ah this site is believed to be the place where the prophet Muhammad had his encounter as a child with the Christian monk Bahira. It is also where the Meccan Hanif Zeid bin 'Amr heard the prediction that there would arise a great prophet in Mecca.

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Wadi Rum
Perhaps the most magnificent landscapes in the Kingdom abound in Wadi Rum, one of the truly most breathtaking experiences of Jordan. Life does not seem to have changed in Rum for a long time. As soon as one steps foot on its pinkish sand, one is transported back to the days of Lawrence of Arabia. It was here where this brilliant British officer conducted important military liaisons with Sherif Hussein of Mecca. To this day Lawrence's spring is still used as a water source for the Bedouins and their cattle.

Stunning in its natural beauty, the famous Wadi Rum epitomises the romance of the desert. With its "moonscape" of ancient valleys and towering sandstone cliffs, Wadi Rum is home to several Bedouin tribes living in camps throughout the area. Climbers are especially attracted to Wadi Rum because of its sheer granite and sandstone cliffs, while hikers enjoy its vast empty spaces. Adventurous visitors may explore the area via four-wheel driving, excursions, on camel caravans or simply hiking on foot. The desert sunsets of Wadi Rum are unbeatable, so we recommend an overnight camping experience.

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