 WHAT TO SEE? |
(Tourism information provided by the Jordan Tourism Board)
| Jerash and Northern Jordan |
A close second to Petra on the list favourite destination in Jordan, 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. Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, 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 Plazasbaths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates.
Beneath its external Graeco - Roman veneer, Jerash also preserves a subtle blend of east and west. Its architectures, religion and languages reflect a process by which two powerful cultures meshed and coexisted, The Graeco - Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the ancient traditions of the Arab Orient.
The Jerash festival, held in July every year, transforms he 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.
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 Isalmic 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.
In addition to Jerash and Amman, Gadara (now Umm Qais) and Pella (now Tabaqat Fahil) were once Decapolis cities, and each has unique appeal. Famous for the biblical story of the Gardene Swine, was renewed in its time as a cultural center. Perched on a splendid hill top overlooking the Jordan Valley and the sea of Galilee, Umm Qais boasts impressive ancient remains. Such as the stunning black basalt theater, 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 faint on outlines of what was a massive hippodrome.
Pella is exceptionally rich in antiquities, some of which are exceedingly old. Besides the excavated ruins from the Graeco-Roman period, Pella offers visitors the opportunity to see the remains of Chalcolithic settlement from the 4th millennium BC, evidence of Bronze and Iran age walled cities, Byzantine churches, early Islamic residence and a small medieval mosque.
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.
| Amman |
A sprawling city spread over 19 hills, or jebels. Amman is the modern, as well as the ancient capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. 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 low size canvas of stone houses, Amman offers a variety of historical sites and modern facilities that is complemented by wonderfully gracious and welcoming people.
Amman, the site of the earliest fortifications is now subject to numerous excavations which have revealed remains from the Neolithic period as well as from the Hellenestic and late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. The site which is known as the Citadel includes many structures such as the Temple of Hercules, the Omayyad Place and the Byzantine church. At the foot of the Citadel lines the 6000 seat Roman Theater which is deep-sided bowl carved into the hill and still used for cultural events. Another newly restored theater is the 500-seat Odeon which is used for concerts. The three museums found in the area offer a glimpse of history and culture, they are the Jordan Archaeological Museums, the Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Tradition.
Amman is an excellent base to explore the environs and many interesting half-day or full-day trips can be arranged. The ancient town of Salt and the traditional villages of Fuheis and Kan Zaman, for example, are less than an hour away and feature traditional restaurants, handicrafts complexes and picturesque streets from ancient times.
| Petra |
The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan's national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Located about three hours south of Amman, Petra is the legacy of the Nabataens, an 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 kilometer 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. Used in the final sequence of the film Indiana Jones and the last Crusade, the towering facade of the Treasury is only one of myriad archeological wonders to be explored at Petra. | Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, colonnaded streets and haunting - as well as a 3000 seat open air amphitheatre circa, a gigantic first century Monastery and a modern archeological 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 by the Mamluke Sultan, high a top mount Aaron in the Sharah range.
| Bethany Beyond Jordan |
Some 2000 years ago John the Baptist lived and baptized in a settlement called "Bethany beyond the Jordan" (John 1:28). This is a very important site for early Christianity. Jesus Christ visited it and now it has been rediscovered in Jordan, just east of the Jordan River. The Bible explicitly mentions Bethany as the site where John was baptizing: "Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing" (Matthew 3:1-17, John 1:28, 10:40).
Along with this explicit reference to Bethany, John 10:40 mentions Bethany as the place where Jesus sought sanctuary after escaping from hostile crowds in Jerusalem: " . . . Went away again across the Jordan to the place where John at first baptized." (This Bethany area in Jordan is not to be confused with Bethany the site of the Ascension, near Jerusalem).
The Bible also recounts that Prophet Elijah parted the waters of the Jordan River and walked across it with his anointed successor the Prophet Elisha, then ascended to heaven in a whirlwind on a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:5-14). The small hill from which Elijah ascended to heaven has been known for centuries as Elijah's Hill, and forms the core of the settlement at Bethany in Jordan.
The ongoing survey at Bethany has documented an ancient sacred pilgrimage route that linked Jerusalem, the Jordan River, Bethany in Jordan and Mt. Nebo.
Jordan will celebrate the 2000 Millennium with its new discovery of Bethany. The settlements of Bethany have been excavated and protected at the head of a lush valley nearly two kilometers east of the river. Excavations have uncovered 1st century AD settlement with plastered pools and water systems that were used almost certainly for baptism, and a 5th - 6th century AD late Byzantine settlement with churches, a monastery, and other structures probably catering to religious pilgrims.
Preparations are now under way to let this holy historical place come to life to host Christians from all over the world. They can wash their face and hands with the blessed water and partake of the most pure and life-giving sacraments of the Lord Christ.
Jordan also offers you the opportunity to visit the Machaerus fortress-palace of Herod Antipas, where John the Baptist was held prisoner before his death. The fortress is easily accessible at Mukawir, east of the Dead Sea.
| The 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 civilizations sprang from this soil. Today a vast network of dams and canals irrigates the region. Signs of life are everywhere.
Driving through, especially in the springtime, a soft blanket of wheat, flowers, and vegetable gardens decorates the landscape.
The valley also has profound meaning for religious travellers. The Jordan River is known as the place where Jesus was baptized and near where John the Baptist lived. The Dead Sea has a historical and spiritual legacy of its own. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboim and Zoar.
Today its eastern shore is sparsely populated and serenely quiet. With much of the landscape virtually unchanged since ancient times, this is a favorite spot for a holiday drive. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or dining. If you seek a more leisurely stay, spend the night at a comfortable hotel overlooking the sea to the western banks and up the Moab hills directly behind.
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.
| 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 epitomizes 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 - just be sure to bring a tent and plenty of water!
| 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 snorkeling and diving. Over 140 species of coral have been identified in Aqaba's waters. Sun bathing, water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, paddle boats, and other water sports are also popular. One small word of advice - have lots of fun, but don't forget your sunscreen! |
