Jordan, or rather the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is located in the Middle East, in the valley of the fertile crescent. The name of the country comes from the name of the river on which the country is located. It is a country where cultures and religions combine. Jordan is steeped in history and you can see it everywhere. The country is ruled by a constitutional monarchy, and the current ruler is King Abdullah II. Answering the question of what is worth seeing in Jordan, we hurry to answer. It is worth knowing that attractions in Jordan will please everyone. Starting from visiting ancient places, through searching for places steeped in religion, and ending with active recreation. The best way to truly discover all the places is sightseeing in Jordan with a guide. A guide is the best option for those who like to discover places while listening to interesting stories and sometimes anecdotes about the places they visit. Jordan has many mysterious nooks and crannies that are just waiting to be discovered.
1. Amman – what to see and where to stay
The capital of Jordan is Amman. It was the former capital of the Ammonites, to whom it owes its name. The largest monument in Amman is the citadel, which probably dates back to the 8th century BC. In this place, it is worth seeing the remains of the Temple of Hercules, the Byzantine basilica, the Umayyad palace and admiring the panorama of the city.
Another important point is the Roman theater, where not only locals but also tourists gather. It is worth visiting this place in the evening to observe the inhabitants and feel the atmosphere of the city. The most colorful place is the center of Amman. This is the oldest part of the city and a former shopping district that has retained its character to this day. This is where there are countless souks, or Arab markets. This is the perfect place to experience authentic Amman. There are numerous shops and stalls here. In this place you can go on a culinary journey, trying delicious and aromatic falafel, drinking freshly squeezed juice and enjoying a sweet sandwich.
The best hotels in Jordan are Four Seasons Hotel Amman i Fairmont Amman Hotel. Gems worth staying in! In the evening, when the sun sets, you can sit on the open terrace with a cup of aromatic tea and admire the beautiful panorama of the city. The weather in Jordan rarely disappoints and the evenings are really pleasant. When you stay at the Four Seasons Amman hotel, you can know that it will be a hit. The service is at the highest level, the rooms are comfortably furnished, and the aromatic meals surprise you every day.
2. Madaba and Mount Nebo
It is located near Amman Madaba and Mount Nebo. The first town is famous for its mosaic, which is the oldest map of the Holy Land and covers mainly Palestine - from Lebanon to the Nile Delta. IN Madaba there is the oldest and largest school mosaics. While there, be sure to visit one of the modern studios and become the owner of a unique work of art.
Mount Nebo is known from the Old Testament. This is the place from which Moses saw the Promised Land just before his death. Being at the top, you can admire the picturesque panorama of the area and feel the atmosphere of the city from a distance. It covers the areas from the Jordan Valley, through the Dead Sea, to Jerusalem. Currently, there are the foundations of a Byzantine basilica dating back to the 6th century. Stop for a moment at the mosaics with classical motifs.
It is said that to see the power of ancient Rome, you have to go to Jerash (Jeresh), also called Gereza. It is located approximately 50 km north of Amman and is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman cities. It belongs to Ten-Towns, which means "ten cities" in Greek. In Jerash, it is worth seeing the triumphal arch, the hippodrome, the amphitheatres, the oval forum and the thermal baths. The most important monument of the city are the remains of the temple of Zeus and Artemis.
3. Petra – a city carved in rock
The famous Petra in Jordan, a city carved in rock, is a must-see on your travel map. It is a place located in the southwestern part of the country and it is really worth going there. The name of this place means rock in Greek, because the city was actually carved out of rock. Impressive!
A narrow gorge leads to Petra, at the end of which is Al-Khazna, the Pharaoh's Treasury. In the further part of the rock city there is, among others, amphitheater, tombs, columned street and the temple of winged lions. While exploring the nooks and crannies of the rock city, you can meet the Bedouins of that time who offer souvenirs. Petra is considered one of the modern wonders of the world and this is no wonder. It delights at any time of the day or night. Sometimes you can see "carpets" made of small lanterns and candles in front of the main gate.
It is best to spend a whole day visiting Petra to admire the spectacle of colors and colors. They are formed as a result of sunlight. Petra was the location of the filming of the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and perfectly captured the travel and adventure atmosphere of this Hollywood production.
While on the way between Amman and Petra, traveling along the Royal Road, it is worth stopping in the town of Al-Karak. It is the former capital of the Moabites. There are ruins of castles, forts, thermal baths and caravanserais there. This place is best known for the Crusader Castle, or rather the ruins of the Crusader castle Crac de Moabit. The ruins are located on a hill, and the walls end in an abyss on three sides.
4. Wadi Rum – overnight stay in a Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert and petroglyphs
Spending a night in the Wadi Rum desert in Bedouin tents will be an extraordinary experience. Wadi Rum these are sceneries like from Mars, fascinating landscapes of unique rock formations made of granite and sandstone located on the desert sands. The most famous points on the map of the Wadi Rum desert are characteristic rock arches, a mushroom-shaped rock, Lawrence Spring (Ain Abu Aineh) located about 100 meters above the desert level, the red Al Ramal dune and the Khazali canyon with petroglyphs (drawings carved in the rock and Nabetan inscriptions dating from 2000 to 2500 years ago). The tallest rock arch in Wadi Rum is Burdah Arch. Located over 300 meters above the valley floor, it is a trekking destination. In turn, the most spectacular arch is considered to be the Umm Fruth Rock Arch.
Wadi Rum is also a popular destination for rock climbing, horse riding and camping. This place was also a set for films such as: "Lawrence of Arabia", "Red Planet", "Prometheus", "The Martian" and the Disney movie "Aladdin". You can feel like a movie hero while staying in this magical place, because the Wadi Rum desert is a mix of colorful sands and rocks.
5. Hammamat Ma'in – hot springs for the cold season
People who want to relax will also find something for themselves. Hammamet Ma'in hot springs are located in Jordan. It is the country's most famous and natural spa. The water in the pools and waterfalls is rich in minerals and valuable nutrients, and the temperature reaches up to 60 degrees Celsius.
6. Dead Sea
It is also worth visiting the Dead Sea to experience a natural spa. Dead Sea mud compresses are a hit of rejuvenating treatments. Moreover, bathing in salt water will be an extraordinary experience. This is the only body of water with such a high salinity that it prevents drowning. People float on water. Family holidays at the Dead Sea will be an unforgettable experience for children and parents alike. The best hotel in the Dead Sea area is Kempinski Hotel Ishtar.
7. Aqaba – holidays on the Red Sea
In the south of the krAju is located on the Red Sea Aqaba, being the only seaport in country. In addition to sunbathing, it is worth going to Aqaba Marin Park, the purpose of which is protection of coral reefs. Interestingly, it is nthe Admiral city is also known as a resting place for the rich and famous people of the Middle East. All this thanks to the presence of luxury hotels, vast beaches, rich nightlife and marinas where rows of luxury yachts are waiting to take guests on a cruise on the Red Sea.
8. Canyon Wadi al-Maujib (Wadi Mujib) – beautiful views, canyoning and adrenaline
People who like active recreation should go to Wadi al-Maujib (Wadi Mujib). It will provide you with emotions and adrenaline canoeing. It is crossing a rushing river, or rather a stream that flows through a gorge, w kayak. The Mujib Gorge is considered one of the most beautiful places in the entire Middle East. An interesting fact is that the Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve is the lowest-lying nature reserve in the world - part of its area is up to 400 meters below sea level. In its area we can find many species of plants and animals, including ibex, hyenas and Afghan foxes.
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
