Tourist Attractions & Monuments Jordan

On our last visit, the tour only included the place where Jesus was baptized (from "Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste") and the Jordan River.

Tell Elias, the place where the prophet Elijah is said to have ascended to heaven on a chariot of fire. An arch, built in 1999, stands on the site of a church dating from the ^4th and^5th centuries.

A prayer hall stands a few metres further on, with fragments of mosaics on the floor. Dating from the ^3rd century, this is the oldest building on the site and one of the earliest Christian sanctuaries discovered to date.

The grotto of St. John the Baptist is located on a hill overlooking the Jordan River, next to a monastery built in the^5th century. It was converted into a church in the early days of Christianity. The mosaics covering the floor of the nave are damaged but precious. Greek inscriptions date the building. The church to the west of the hill dates from the same period. Nearby caves, probably frequented by hermits, attest to the presence and role of the monastery. Also visible are a well, a cistern, drains and several basins used by pilgrims who came to be baptized.

Tothe west, some 800 m away, are the remains of a Byzantine building dating from the^5th or ^6th century, possibly a pilgrim dormitory, with a large pool holding 300 people. Next, you'll discover John the Baptist's spring, one of the many places where the saint is said to have baptized his disciples.

The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The walk takes you along a shady path, surrounded by lush vegetation, which runs alongside the Wadi al-Kharrar, a tributary of the Jordan River. The path leads to the ruins of several churches. One of these is the ^6th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, of which little remains. It was built on the ruins of a^5th-century church, itself built on the ruins of a ^4th-century church, swept away by floods or earthquakes common at the time. These churches flanked the baptismal font, which was accessed via a cross-shaped staircase. It is estimated that the site was home to some fifteen churches. Excavations are still continuing.

The Jordan River. You then reach the Jordan River. Don't expect a spectacular river. It's just a muddy stream, sometimes almost dry. On the other bank floats the Israeli flag. The river's importance is above all historical and symbolic, as is this visit.

The Romans called Cardo maximus the main artery of the cities oriented north-south. Gerasa's Cardo was 800 meters long and particularly beautiful. The Cardo was built in the first century. The original Ionic columns - there were nearly 200 of them - were gradually reworked into Corinthian columns from 170. The artery is punctuated by deep ruts dug by the wheels of the chariots. The holes in the roadway were used to collect rainwater.

How to get there. About 800 m after the Visitors' Center, a notch in the rock face opens in front of you. You are at the entrance of the Siq that leads to the Treasury (Al-Kazhneh).

Visit. All roads lead to Petra, but this one was the main access to the Nabatean capital. The narrow natural corridor stretches for 1.2 km and is framed by high walls of pink sandstone rising to 80 m in places. The rock not only takes on supernatural hues, but also strange shapes. Will you find the elephant? The Siq is crisscrossed with irrigation canals, religious testimonies and an ingenious system of dams to avoid destructive floods. The entrance to the Siq was crowned by a high brick arch, which collapsed in 1896. If you look up, on the left, you can see the beginning of the arch. Two votive niches had been dug under this arch. The one on the right is accompanied by a smaller niche. Three steps carved in the rock made it possible to deposit a betylus, incense or offerings. After a major flood around 20 B.C., heavy work was undertaken to secure the canyon. A regular gradient of 4.9% and a passage of at least 3 meters wide were built and the paved road is sometimes lined with sidewalks.

Dams. During rainy periods, water flowed from Wadi Musa into the Siq, causing devastating floods. A flash flood in the middle of the first century B.C. caused so much damage that the Nabataeans thought of a system to divert the water. They built a 13 m high dam on the edge of the canyon and dug a 90 m long tunnel to allow the water to bypass the mountain. A bridge over the dam provided access to the Siq. Crossing the gorge, you will see 5 dams placed at strategic places, where the torrents were formed. Retention basins were built upstream in the mountain. These dams have been restored, as they are still used to protect the access to Petra. Nevertheless, be aware that in case of heavy rains, and for safety reasons, the site is closed to visitors.

Pipes. The city of Petra was supplied with water by an ingenious system of pipes. Gutters were dug in the bottom of the rock on both sides of the road. These were used to bring drinking water to the city and to irrigate the crops. The left gully (going down towards the Treasury) was equipped with clay pipes. It collected and conveyed the water drained from the Moses spring, located on the heights of Wadi Musa. The water that passed through the right gully was used to irrigate the crops. It was covered with stone slabs. Sedimentation basins were built along the way to regulate the flow of water and store impurities.

Betyls and votive niches. 70 votive niches cut into the walls were listed in 1995. Some of them are betyls (polished stones used to mark the divine presence), others have been left empty, allowing visitors to put their own betyls there during the time of prayer. Some are simple rectangles of hollowed-out rock, others are decorated with pilasters, pediments and cornices, like temples. After the first curve, on the left and at man's height, one can see a large betyl in a niche. A cornice may have been inserted in the upper groove.

Continuing, in the left-hand curve, at about 2.5 m from the ground, another niche, more worked, presents the attributes of the temples. The pilasters and pediment usually framing the entrance are present. The six columns above the cornice are betyls. The betyl or rather the idol sculpted on a platform in the niche has been looted.

Further on, as the canyon widens for about fifteen meters, a large rock emerges in the middle of the passage. It is hardly believable to think that it was only cleared in 1977. It is to say if the bed of the canyon was obstructed by silt, rubble and plants. This space formed a rather complex sanctuary where the powers of rock and water came together. In the wall on the left, a flight of steps goes above the channel to lead to two small cave entrances. This was a temple where water flowed continuously. A votive niche was carved into the large rock at the foot of this shrine. Inside there are two betyls. The one on the left has eyes and would symbolize Dushara, while the one on the right would represent Al-Uzzara, the two most revered gods in Petra.

Two thirds of the way along the wall (paved section and sidewalk along the wall), a long series of niches adorn the wall. Inscriptions in Greek specify the names of the donors. They are thus known to date from after the Nabataean kingdom and from the second and third centuries. This series is named Sabinos Alexandrinos, after the donor of the first niche from the left.

Just beyond this section, the Siq forms a curve in which fragments of a monumental sculpture are inscribed. A caravaneer and his two camels face an identical group. Between them flowed a small stream that was active in case of rain, which signified a divine presence for the Nabateans. The lower part of the fresco as well as the paving and the canal were removed from a thick layer of alluvium in 1997, which explains their good state of preservation.

In addition to taking advantage of the permanent activity of the universities, you can visit some museums. The most interesting are archaeological and folklore exhibitions. The small museums of biology, medicine or anthropology are primarily intended for specialists.

How to get there. Overlooking the Main Trail. Cross the bridge over the wadi from the Cardo maximus and follow the path up the hill. The site of the Byzantine church is recognizable by the metal frame that covers it.

Visit. This church belongs to a group of three Byzantine churches discovered in the 1990s by the American archaeologist Kenneth W. Russell. Dated to the^5th century, it was modified at the beginning of the 6th century. This vast basilica of 26 x 15 m has a rectangular plan. The vault was supported by two rows of columns forming a triple nave. The church is preceded by an atrium, a courtyard lined with columns of which only the bases and the paved floor remain. Nearby is the cruciform baptistery dating from the^5th century. It was entered through one of the three entrances pierced in the façade. The central nave was covered with marble slabs drawing geometric patterns, while the secondary naves were covered with mosaics. The motifs inscribed in medallions represent objects of everyday life, exotic animals or taken from the imagination. One can also admire figurative representations of the four seasons, the ocean, the earth and wisdom.

Be sure to take a look at the remains of the blue chapel, which is located just above the Byzantine church. Only its four columns of blue granite imported from Egypt remain, topped with Nabatean marble capitals.

Founded in 2007, the Institute of Mosaic Art and Restoration is an association run by the Jordanian government. Its mission is to become a center of excellence in the conservation, restoration and creation of mosaics. The institute trains mosaicists who, upon completion of their studies, will be responsible for preserving Jordan's cultural heritage. In addition, the Institute promotes mosaics by producing new creations.

The Visitor Centre is housed in a traditional 19th century house, which has been very well restored. It belonged to the Al Batjali family of merchants. In addition to entering an interior dating back to the Ottoman period, the Visitors' Centre provides a context for the history of Madaba. Two rooms have been set up as an interpretation centre, with signs in English, and a ten-minute film provides some interesting information about Madaba. You can also get a map of the city.

The Baptism of Christ site has a high price tag for Jordanian standards. The area on the border with Israel is under military control and the visit is extremely restricted. For that price, you get a guide (English commentary) and transportation by minibus to the baptism site and the Jordan River. The shuttle leaves when it is full, at most every 30 minutes. The tour takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on whether or not the people accompanying you decide to dive into the river.

The visitor center is located at the exit of the canyon on the Dead Sea side. This is where you will go to pay the entrance fee to the reserve or book a trek with a guide. It is also the starting point for all RSCN organized hikes in the reserve. The centre includes an educational exhibition that presents the fauna and flora in the reserve as well as the famous Nubian ibex, of which only rare specimens remain.

The large shed at Umm ar-Rasas contains the remains of four churches, a chapel, a baptistery and four courtyards. All the buildings date back to the Byzantine period and were erected between the 6th and 8th centuries. A raised platform allows to observe their sumptuous mosaics. The most beautiful of them, and the most important archaeologically, is the church of Saint Stephen. This major discovery has brought to light the largest mosaic in Jordan in a very good state of preservation. The mosaic that lined the apses and the three naves of the church represents cities on both sides of the Jordan Valley, scenes of daily life in the Nile Delta and beautiful floral or geometric patterns. Indications left by the mosaicists can attest that the pavement of the choir was made between March 756 and October 785. In addition to the long and delicate work of realization, it is likely that its progress was also related to its financing.

The theme of the tormented river is used in the creation of the mosaic that covers the main nave. Around this raging element were represented the fortified cities on both sides of the Jordan. We find among others Jerusalem (near the gate), Nablus, Sebastia, Caesarea, Ashkelon, Gaza for the "Israeli" side; and Kastron Mefaa, Amman, Madaba, Hesban, Ma'in, Rabbah and Kerak for the "Jordanian" side. The cities are presented in the order in which the pilgrims passed through them.

Opened in 2005 to promote Jordan's architectural and historical heritage, the Jordan Museum traces the country's history back to ancient times thanks to the many discoveries made by archaeologists since the late 19th century. The museum consists of three main galleries (History and Archaeology, Traditional Lifestyles, and Jordan Today), displaying some 2,000 artifacts presented both historically and thematically. The collection is quite rich and gives a broad idea of the evolution of this region inhabited for at least 500,000 years. It contains some priceless treasures, such as the two-headed statue of Ain Ghazal, a 10,000-year-old anthropomorphic statue, or fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Two-headed statue of Ain Ghazal. This statue is part of a series of 15 statuettes found at the site of Ain Ghazal, now part of the suburb of Amman. It is made of baked plaster on a reed structure. This technique demonstrates the advancement of this Neolithic civilization, as a temperature of at least 900 °C was required to bake the statues.

The Dead Sea Scrolls. Part of the manuscripts discovered at Qumran (Palestine) between 1947 and 1956 are stored here. The very ancient texts, written mostly on parchment or papyrus, refer to the Old Testament. The Jordan Museum has the only manuscript written on copper leaf

Overlooking the forum, and right next to the southern amphitheater, is this sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god of gods, Zeus. It is built on top of an older temple and archaeological excavations have revealed that the site was already a place of worship in the Bronze Age (3300 to 1200 BC). The temple of Zeus is built on two terraces, the lower of which is heavily damaged. Not much remains of its vaulted corridor which went around the temenos, a sacred court. This closed corridor was decorated on its outside with facades of Ionic columns supporting a Doric frieze. The lower terrace dates back to 27 BC as attested by an inscription signing the work attributed to "Diodors, son of Zebedas, architect of Gerasa". In 162, the Romans decided to build a large temple to replace the old one, which was badly damaged. It was erected on a terrace overhanging the temenos, the two being connected by a monumental staircase. Corinthian columns 15 meters high framed the cella, the main chamber of the sanctuary. With the advent of Christianity, the temple was transformed into a Byzantine monastery, before being completely abandoned after the earthquake of 749. In 1982, the Institut Français du Proche-Orient (IFPO) undertook the restoration of the building in close collaboration with the Jordanian Department of Antiquities. Between 2001 and 2006, the cella, the peristyle and the temenos were restored. The work restores some of the temple's majesty.

The nymphaeum is located along the Cardo maximus, just after the cathedral. This imposing fountain dates back to 191 and contributed to supply the city with water. From 125 onwards, the need for water in the city of Gerasa intensified and a system for supplying the city was set up, notably with the construction of an aqueduct linking the city to the surrounding springs. The water is distributed in the city by a system of fountains. The nymphaeum is a monumental fountain, richly ornamented, that can be found in Greek cities. There is one in Amman, designed on the same plan. The fountain is dedicated to the nymphs, the sacred representations of nature. Of rare beauty, they lived longer than men, without being immortal. The nymphaeum has two side aisles framing a semicircular apse on two levels and was topped by a half-dome vault (now collapsed). A stone basin is embedded in the apse. It was fed by lion's head mouths pierced in the niches of the lower level of the apse. If the fountain ever overflowed, the water flowed into the sewers. The lower level of the nymphaeum was covered with marble slabs, while the upper level had painted stucco. Although the most precious and colourful elements have disappeared, the niches and some of the Corinthian columns that enriched the façade can still be admired. Its slightly chiselled decoration is characteristic of the art of the Severans, described as decadent.

This church has some of the most beautiful mosaics in the city. Discovered by chance in 1902, the mosaic would date from 568, as mentioned in the central medallion. It is signed by the mosaicist Salomios and represents the 12 apostles. The most important mosaic is in the nave. It depicts various aspects of the sea with the main subject being a woman (perhaps Thetis) emerging from the waves with all sorts of fish and sea creatures around her.

The castle is a superb example of medieval Islamic architecture. It is also a breathtaking view of the region and the Jordan Valley on a clear day. It was built during the Ayyubid dynasty in 1184 by Saladin's nephew and general, Izz al-Din Usama, on the ruins of a Byzantine monastery. In addition to his uncle's work of conquest, Usama embarked on a policy of building defensive fortresses to limit the expansion of the Crusaders. The castle was also part of a chain of dovecotes that allowed messages to be transmitted from Damascus to Cairo in less than a day. Thanks to the fortress's geographical location and the quality of its defence system, Osama's armies made it a reputedly impregnable base. The Crusaders broke their teeth in 1187.

Originally, the castle had four angular towers as well as loopholes in its thickest walls and was surrounded by a wide pit 15 metres deep. It was enlarged in 1215. In 1265, the Mongols seized the castle and destroyed it completely. The next owner, the Mamluk Sultan Al-Khader Baibars, undertook to rebuild it. The castle was used mainly as a fodder store and lost its strategic importance. The Ottomans revived it in the middle of the 17th century by installing a garrison there. In 1812, the Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burkhart stumbled upon the fort. After the damage inflicted by the earthquakes of 1837 and 1927, the castle was restored.

This large square is the symbol of the city of Gerasa, the most famous image of the ancient site. And for good reason: the forum of Jerash was undoubtedly the largest in the Roman Empire when it was built at the beginning of the 2nd century. It is also the only oval-shaped forum in the whole empire. It is an essential architectural element in the city's urban planning as it provides a link between the Cardo maximus, the central artery that stretches from north to south and around which the city was organized, and the temple of Zeus. One cannot miss this agora with generous dimensions of 90 meters by 80 meters, surrounded by wide sidewalks and Ionic columns that have been straightened. The floor was only paved later, because it required a technical feat in addition to a colossal work. A natural depression of 6 to 8 meters occupied part of the square and had to be filled in and stabilized before the paving stones were laid. The Oval Square owes its name to its shape. In addition to being a public square where the inhabitants of the city met to trade, deal with politics, settle legal disputes, it served as a sacred esplanade for the temple of Zeus. A pedestal in its center is noteworthy. Today surmounted by a column (where the flame of the festival of Jerash is lit every year), it would have supported an altar or a statue in the past. The forum was at the same time a public square, an agora and a market, many shops have been found around it.

Built under Emperor Marc Aurèle'reign between 161 and 179, perhaps at the location of a ammonite temple, it is the oldest monument of the very powerful Philadelphia. The Romans worship their half god, Hercules, for which they had erected a gigantic statue. Some fragments of the latter were found.

But there is not much left of the temple, if it is the big columns, visible from afar, and the lintel. A little to the east, you can see the remains of Roman fortifications.

Whether you have a vehicle or not, we recommend taking the scenic route over the Dead Sea in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset. Those who are on foot have only a few kilometers to go to reach the foot of the road which goes up in twists and turns. At each hairpin, the landscape is constantly renewed, you take height facing the sea. The mountains and the reddening sun create a magical, almost biblical atmosphere!

The citadel of Kerak, which can be seen majestically from the north along the Kings' Road, extends over some 220 metres and varies in width from 125 metres on the side facing the town to 40 metres. Work began in 1140 and was completed two years later. The fortress was commissioned by Payen le Bouteiller, appointed lord of Outre-Jourdain in 1132 by King Foulque of Jerusalem. The castle was intended to form part of a strategic defensive line to secure the eastern front of Christian territory, between Aqaba and Turkey. Built on two levels, the fortress has a large number of vaulted rooms and passages that form a veritable labyrinth. Take a torch with you if you want to explore the darker parts. The northern front of the castle, facing the city, consists of a huge shield wall, built by the Crusaders from dark brown stones that were barely roughed in. Later, the Muslims replaced these stones with limestone slabs in some parts of the fortress, giving the building a more pleasing aesthetic. You will see, during your visit, that it is easy to tell the difference between the two.

The entrance to the castle is through the Ottoman gate. During the Crusader era, the entrance was through the postern to the left of the wall, opposite the present entrance. This gate was protected by a 30-metre deep moat and connected to the city by a wooden bridge that was easy to burn in case of an attack.

After the ticket office, take the path on the left that leads to two levels of vaulted galleries dating back to the Crusader era. The lower level was originally used as stables and leads to the Crusader Gate. This narrow gate was built in such a way that defenders wishing to return to its walls would expose their left side, and thus their shield, to the enemy. At the end of the gallery, a carved stone representing a bust recalls the occupation of the site by the Nabataeans in the 2nd century, well before the construction of the fort. The inhabitants of Kerak will tell you that it is a representation of Saladin. By a small staircase, you reach the north tower, now in ruins.

From the Nabatean statue, a passageway leads southward past the barracks on your left and the kitchens on your right. From here, a doorway leads to a large oven. Continue through the passage until you reach the outside, on the eastern front of the castle. This houses several towers reflecting the expansion work carried out after the Frankish period. Below is the huge Frankish glacis, which plunges down the hillside... It is from here, it seems, that Renaud de Châtillon threw his prisoners into the void.

Going up to the upper courtyard, you can see the remains of a cistern and residential buildings. From the terrace at the northern end of the castle (above the Crusaders' Gallery), the view over the valley is uninterrupted. Dominating the courtyard, the ruins of a Romanesque church are easily visible. It was large enough to accommodate the entire garrison, and services were certainly held there. Next to it is the sacristy, which can be reached by climbing down the steps.

The southern part of the site retains its Mamluk keep, built by Sultan Baybars in 1264, and rebuilt since then. It defends the most exposed part of the fortress, the slope facing the Umm al-Thallaja hill, which slightly overhangs the castle, providing an ideal artillery position.

A ditch was dug by the Crusaders at the foot of the fortress to make any attack more difficult. It is now filled in by a road. One can also see a large reservoir that collects rainwater and supplies the fort with drinking water.

The Mamluk palace is accessed by a staircase leading from the cistern. In the centre, two vaulted rooms were used as reception halls. A room to the east of the hall, accessible from the courtyard, appears to have served as a mosque: a niche is located in the southern wall, facing Mecca. To the south of the Crusader church, you can also access two corridors: the one on the left leads past seven cells, while in the one on the right you can see a rosette carved in stone at the foot of the steps. Finally, a third passageway leads north to the old market place. If you continue north, you will reach the exit.

The lower courtyard was originally built by the Crusaders before being developed by the Mamluks in the 13th century. This is where the recently renovated archaeological museum is located. It is worth stopping there for a moment. It houses some major prehistoric remains, ceramics dating back to the Nabatean period, some coins from the Mamluk period, as well as a copy of the famous Mesha stele dating back to 850 BC. What remains of the original stele is on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The western wall is pierced by the monumental Mamluk entrance - now condemned - whose arch rises to a height of nearly 12 meters. From the top of the ramparts, the view of the Wadi Karak is magnificent. The lower courtyard covers two large underground galleries, which were connected to the Mamluk gate and provided an escape route in case of attack.

Several reasons justify the nickname of Little Petra given to this natural site with interesting archaeological remains. First of all, it is located only a few kilometers away from the ancient Nabatean capital. Secondly, it is entered through a long and narrow canyon, just like in Petra. Finally, the caves were occupied, exploited and developed by the Nabateans in the first century BC. Little Petra is a Unesco World Heritage Site, just like its big sister. But its access is free during the day and the site is also much less crowded, which makes it a pleasant excursion.

Little Petra is entered through a narrow gorge 450 meters long, known as Siq Al-Barid, the "cold canyon", because of the high rock walls preventing the sunlight from warming it. The colors of the rocks are some of the most wonderful in the area and change hue as the day progresses. The natural corridor connects three clearings where buildings were constructed by the Nabateans. The front rock has been carved in places and the cavities created from scratch, enlarged or modified. Just as in Petra, an ingenious hydraulic system provided the occupants with water. Archaeologists have shown little interest in this site for the moment, far too busy exploring the inexhaustible wonders of Petra. Consequently, little is known about the purpose and reason for the construction of these buildings. It would seem that Little Petra was a sort of suburb of the Nabatean capital intended to serve as a place of trade and exchange between merchants travelling the Silk Road. The site was abandoned at the fall of the Nabataean empire and the Romans did not take any interest in it. Traces of smoke on the walls of the caves as well as graffiti in Arabic testify to their occupation by the Bedouin tribes of the region, just like those of the Neolithic village of Al-Beidah. However, an important rediscovery was made by archaeologists in 2010. They finally looked at the Nabatean frescoes in a cave, the one and only example of original paintings preserved in situ. These frescoes were known to archaeologists since 1906 and had been photographed by their Western discoverer, a certain Father Abel. But they had never been studied in detail, nor had they been the subject of any research or inventory.

Siq Al-Barid. It is reached by a narrow passage carved in the rock that allowed a man or a dromedary to reach the canyon. Before you enter, you can admire the classical and elegant facade of a Nabataean tomb dating from the first century BC.

The columned triclinium. Along the way, you will admire the scrolls and curves shaped by the water on the soft sandstone walls. Although the canyon is dry most of the time, be very careful in case of rain or storms. Ask locals if it is safe to venture out. As the canyon widens, you can see a series of openings and a cave carved into the rock. Upstairs, the cave entrance has been carved with a portico topped by a triangular pediment. This cave was probably used as a temple.

The 4 tricliniums. The gorge narrows for about 50 meters, before widening again. Four rooms were built into the rock, which were probably used to accommodate passing merchants. In Roman times, a triclinium was a bed that could accommodate 3 people.

The painted biclinium. It is located a little after the large triclinia, while continuing the Siq, on the left. One reaches it by a staircase. The caves that surround this room were used as a cistern, a banquet hall, and tombs. The frescoes were "discovered" and photographed in 1906 by Father Abel. However, they were only studied in depth in 2010. Preservation work has revealed new frescoes and samples sent to Yarmouk University have made it possible to date the frescoes between 40 and 25 BC. The cave consists of two rooms in a row, the first being larger than the second. The first room is decorated only with stucco on the back wall, creating reliefs reminiscent of some Pompeii frescoes. The second room is much more decorated, in a very different style: we can see Cupids armed with bows, arrows and spears, busy protecting the grapes from greedy birds, harvesting or pruning the vine. These frescoes are reminiscent of the cult of Dionysus, the god of the vine and excess in Greek mythology. The frescoes are greatly damaged by the ravages of time and the campfires of the Bedouins who occupied this cave until recently.

Viewpoint. Continuing up the Siq al-Barid to the end, you reach a staircase that leads to the top of the mountains and offers majestic views of Petra and its surroundings. You can take the path that leads to the Petra Monastery, provided you have a valid entrance ticket to the main site. The path is not well traveled and not marked, so it is best to hire a guide to avoid getting lost. The 6 kilometer hike takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.

One of the most northern buildings of the site. It can be accessed from the northern Decumanus, which starts from the Tetrapyle of Julia Domna, or from the Temple of Artemis. Like many of the buildings at Jerash, the northern theatre was built over two periods. Numerous details show that it was originally a bouleuterion, a place of assembly for the city council (boulè). The amphitheatre consisted of 14 rows of seats, which were accessed through interior corridors. Inscriptions engraved on the seats indicate who could sit there. Thus, the seats in the lower rows were reserved for members of the boulè. Moving up the bays, the seats were assigned to representatives of the various tribes and families of the city. The larger the tribe, the more seats it had. The bouleuterion was probably built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138), but possibly during that of Trajan (98-117). It was later remodeled into an odeon, a theatre dedicated to concerts and poetry recitals. An inscription found in the architrave of the stage decoration states this very clearly. It is also known that the upper rows of seats were added around 165, bringing the total audience capacity to 1,600. During the enlargement, particular care was taken with the ornaments, some details of which can still be appreciated. The theatre was intended to reflect the city's capacity for influence through magnificent scenery. It was abandoned around the^5th century.

It took 7 years to complete the construction of this mosque, the largest in the country. Built between 1982 and 1989 in honor of King Hussein's grandfather, His Majesty as-Sayyid Abdullah I, the first king of Jordan, this mosque is the most modern and most imposing in the country. Its gigantic blue dome lined with mosaics with geometric patterns dominates the city. Under the 35 meters diameter of the dome, the prayer hall can accommodate 3,000 worshippers. On busy days, such as Friday prayers during Ramadan, an additional 6,000 worshippers can take over the outer courtyard. Inside, the ceiling of the azure dome is streaked with thin golden bands like a sun, the blue symbolizing the sky, and the lines the 99 names of Allah. Verses from the Koran are inscribed on a huge three-branched candlestick. The red carpet symbolizes fertility; it leads to the "mihrab", the niche that indicates the direction of Mecca, to which all faithful must turn for prayer. In the basement there is a small Islamic museum with personal effects of King Abdullah I, photos and some Islamic art.

Non-Muslims can visit the mosque outside of prayer hours. Women are required to wear an outfit that covers arms, legs and head. A black hooded robe is provided at the entrance for this purpose. Men must wear pants (no shorts). Please remember to remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall.

The cathedral is located on the edge of the Cardo maximus, on the left, just before the Nymphaeum. It is a Byzantine church that its proud inhabitants called the "cathedral". It was erected on the site of a Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the demigod of wine, vine and excess, Dionysus, which was itself located on the site of a Nabataean temple dedicated to the god Dushara. It was customary to replace existing places of worship with new ones that reflected the new prevailing beliefs. Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire from the 4th century onwards and the cathedral dates from the^5th or 6th century, as do most of the churches on the site. There is no evidence, however, that this church was any more massive than the others to bear this title. The esplanade separating the church of St Theodore and the cathedral was probably the site of a pagan festival where wine flowed freely, mixing the Greco-Roman tradition of honouring Dionysus and the Christian religion, in commemoration of the wedding in Cana where Jesus changed water into wine.

Completely ruined today, it was characterized by a rather elaborate ornamentation. Once past the portal with its Corinthian pediment, which is still in place, the rest of the building can be reached by a monumental staircase. The walls are still covered in places with Christian inscriptions honouring, among others, the archangels Gabriel (who also brought the Koran to Muhammad) and Michael. At the top of the stairs is a niche probably dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

This castle, built in the 2nd century BC, probably during the first quarter, is the main attraction of Iraq al-Amir. It was erected in a breathtaking landscape, in the heart of a natural amphitheater, in the middle of an artificial lake that has since dried up. The structure is spread over two levels and was equipped with cisterns that stored rainwater. The impressive size of the stone blocks with which the castle is built is remarkable. Some pieces weigh more than 20 tons. The building was however strongly damaged by the earthquake of 362. A team of French archaeologists set about restoring it in the early 1980s, attempting to partially reconstruct this giant 3D puzzle.

The northern part has a portico with two columns decorated with friezes representing giant animals, mainly lions and eagles. These sculptures show the influence of Greek and Persian art in the architecture of the time. The first floor was used as a pantry and as a quarter for the guards, while the upper floor was reserved for Hyrcanus.

The opinions of the historians are rather divergent as for the role of this fortress. Many believe that it was Tyros, the private residence of Hyrcanus of Jerusalem, a powerful leader of the Tobiad dynasty and governor of the province of Ammon in the empire of Alexander the Great. The historian and military leader Flavius Josephus describes a castle that may well be this one in his Antiquities of the Jews in the late first century. "Hyrcanus] also erected a strong castle, which he had built of white stone to the roof, and large animal figures were carved on it. He also dug caves of many furlongs (...); and he made large rooms in them, some for feasts, some for sleeping, some for living."

Qasr Al-Abd means "castle of the slave". This name refers to Hyrcanus himself, who as governor was "the slave of the people". But a local legend tells a different story: this palace was built by a slave named Tobiah, who was in love with his master's daughter. While the master was away on a long journey, Tobiah built a palace and carved lions, panthers and eagles to show the master his love for his daughter. Unfortunately, the master returned to the castle before Tobiah could finish his work, and his efforts to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage were in vain. There are variations to this story.

Even if the castle is a little dilapidated, it is worth a stop to admire the view offered on the heights of the hill, on the Wadi Araba and on the abandoned Bedouin villages at the foot of the citadel. The arid, wild and isolated atmosphere of this castle exposed to the desert winds gives the place a special character. Given the absence of explanatory signs on the site, don't expect to be able to identify the various ruined buildings. And the guide (who will chase you) will only give you expeditious details if there are other visitors at the same time. Nevertheless, if you want to learn more about the castle, the only solution is to follow him. You will discover the remains of a church (recognizable by its three naves), a small chapel, torture chambers, Mamluk mud roofs, drains, baths and a well with 365 steps. The well is 67 metres deep and was, of course, used to supply the fortress with water. It is undoubtedly thanks to its inexhaustible reserves that the Crusaders were able to withstand Saladin's assaults for a year and a half. According to the guardian, it still produces clear, drinkable water. Archaeologists have also managed to uncover inscriptions left by Saladin's troops on the stones of the building. You may want to bring a flashlight to explore the darker galleries and reveal an impressive collection of cannonballs carved into the stone.

In this ancient and imposing 7th century private residence discovered in 1905, excavations revealed several portions of mosaics on the floor. The palace, located on the edge of an ancient Roman road, is believed to have burned down in the Byzantine period, possibly during the earthquake of 749, and was subsequently abandoned. Although almost no trace remains of the palace, with its vaulted halls and columns, the floors bear witness to the wealth of its owners. The mosaic in the hall depicts pastoral and hunting scenes and, at the entrance, a pair of sandals in a medallion. In the extension of the building are several rooms, all of which contain fragments of mosaic pavements that are more or less well preserved. The northern ones feature a statue of the goddess Tyche, the Greek goddess of good fortune, and a fragment of a creation representing the four seasons. In the room in the west wing, there is a succession of geometric designs forming an elegant floor carpet, with the centerpiece being a lion killing a bull.

Near the burnt-out palace, there are also the few remains of the Church of the Martyrs (Al-Khadir), dating from the 6th century. Its mosaic pavement was unfortunately heavily damaged during the height of the iconoclastic period led by the Umayyads and the following Muslim dynasties.

The Wadi Mujib reserve is a narrow canyon that rises to a plateau to offer beautiful views of the mountains and the Dead Sea. There are different hiking trails with different levels of difficulty. The hikes in the bottom of the canyon are quite easy, but have some passages where you have to get into the water and the rocks are slippery. The hike up to the plateau is strenuous and requires a good physical condition. All the hikes require the presence of a guide, except for the Siq Trail at the entrance of the gorge. All hikes are for people over 18 years old only.

Siq Trail (April¹ to October 31, easy to moderate, 1 to 2 hours walking). This is the only trail that is accessible without a guide or reservation. It starts at the visitor's center and goes down into the gorge to a waterfall. It includes swimming in natural pools (depending on the water level) and requires walking in the water. Bring proper equipment and a change of clothes.

Ibex Trail (November¹ to March 31, moderate, 3 to 4 hour hike, 8:30 am start, guide required). You walk along the road before taking a trail that climbs to higher ground, offering a magnificent view of the Dead Sea. A third of the way up, you can take an optional loop to the ruins of an ancient castle (Qasr Riyashi), said to have been occupied by a powerful Bedouin of the same name. The climb is strenuous but offers a superb panorama. Back on the road, you continue towards the Raddas ranger station and pass the famous rock of Lot's wife, transformed into a salt statue. If you are lucky, you will see a rare Nubian Ibex, a kind of local ibex.

Malaqi Trail (April¹ to October 31, difficult, 6 to 7 hours walking, guide required). This hike is for those who enjoy extreme conditions. It follows the same starting route as the Ibex Trail, then descends to the Mujib River bed. The trail continues along the river until it reaches the confluence with the Hidan River. The return to the visitor center includes a 20-meter rappel down the waterfall.

Canyon Trail (open from April¹ to October 31, difficult, 4-hour hike, guide required). You follow the same path as the Malaqi Trail, up the gorge, then down to the Mujib riverbed. Instead of going up you go down into the gorge to a 20m waterfall. The hike includes parts of canyoning.

There is a well-stocked shop when you arrive in this building. Here you will find a team of excellent guides, including the adorable Ali, who will take you to the most beautiful places of Wadi Rum. Count 120 DJ by Jeep for the day. You will do a good job because part of your money is used to fund the fragile ecosystem of Wadi Rum.

From the ancient necropolis of the first century remain some tombs still visible, notably that of Germani (the name is engraved on it). These are dug in the ground and you have to go down some steps to reach them. They are sometimes invaded by vegetation. Of Greek inspiration, the necropolis has a triangular pediment, moldings and a characteristic Doric frieze. You will also see the tombs of Modestus, with rosettes and a heavy door always mounted on its hinges. Finally the tomb of Chaireas, which is less interesting.

Close to the church of Saint George, this park contains interesting remains. Excavations have allowed, and still allow today, to discover the archaeological treasures of Madaba buried under the modern constructions. At the entrance of the park, one can see an exhibition of mosaics from several sites in the region. The oldest mosaic in the country, dating from the 1st century BC, comes from Herod's fortress at Macheronte. The entrance ticket also gives access to the Church of the Apostles, the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Hall of Hippolytus.

This centre was set up 6 km from the village of Rum. You will have to pass through it, and it is here that you will pay the entrance fee of 5 DJs (free with the Jordan Pass and for those under 12 years old) and that you can arrange excursions in the Wadi Rum. There is free parking, but if you want to enter the reserve with your vehicle, you will have to pay an additional 20 DJs.

How to get there. Going down the Cardo maximus, on the left, just before the remains of Hadrian's Gate.

Visit. The ruins of this huge building erected on three levels cover an area of 7,560 sqm. For a long time, archaeologists thought that it was a temple. But constant research suggests that it was more of a huge reception hall. On the other hand, it seems that it was not attached to the royal palace, whose traces are still being sought. The residential area is not large enough to have been a palace and no practical building (kitchen, stables ...) has been found nearby. The remains continue to be called the "great temple" while waiting for something better.

The building was built over several centuries. It is located on a succession of rocky plateaus that the Nabataeans gradually cleared by cutting stones used for other constructions. The first part of the temple was built on the highest platform at the end of the 1st century BC. The 700-seat amphitheatre that partly occupies it was added by the Romans in the 2nd century. It probably served as a municipal assembly.

The temple was enlarged and richly decorated with stucco, frescoes and mosaics around 1950. It is the large platform lined with columns, whose capitals represented Asian elephants. Each of the 536 elephant heads was covered with a thin layer of plaster and no two were identical. It can therefore be assumed that the craftsmen had seen such animals. The pavement and colonnades of the western flank have collapsed. They reveal a double vaulted corridor that supported the structure above. The colonnades are still clearly visible on the east side. The Nabataean king Aretas IV (9 B.C.E. -40 A.D.) had sumptuous gardens laid out on the platform along the east side, punctuated by pools. They were supplied with water by a drainage system running under the colonnades and the central platform. The Romans added baths to the west of the great temple. They are accessed by a stairway on the other side of the collapsed colonnade.

The "great temple" was separated from the street by a propylaeum, a high façade running 55 meters (131 feet) and pierced in its center to allow passage of a monumental staircase leading to the temenos. Small rooms had been set up east of the central door, along the staircase. They were isolated from the street by a door.

Aqaba's public beach is not the best place to bathe, or it's all dressed like Jordanians. We come here for the atmosphere: small, glass-filled craft (glassboat) and their cries of local music, itinerant vendeurs sellers and sweets, shisha car and their carpets, sands who offer a walk. On the promenade in the palm grove, vendors of sandwiches, souvenirs and beach articles. At the end, a small bar offers fresh drinks and shawarmas.

This cultural complex managed by the RSCN is a must-see for its splendid views of the Dead Sea. Shop, museum, and cafeteria.

Zara Cliff Walk. An easy trail leads to the top of Zara Mountain where the scenery is breathtaking. It's hard to believe that you are at sea level.

Dead Sea Museum. This museum will give you a maximum of information about the region: ecosystems, history of the people, uncertain future of the Dead Sea.

There is no real old or covered souk in Amman like in Damascus or Jerusalem. Nevertheless, the classic components of Arab markets are there: small streets, stalls that spread out along the sidewalk, and workshops of all kinds grouped by discipline (ironwork, carpentry, carpets...), vegetable and fruit markets, live animals, and above all, incessant activity. You can buy spices, gold, jewellery, oriental perfumes, clothes, scarves of all colours and chinese things for tourists.

Thanks to the excellence of the RSCN's environmental conservation program, the reserve has become one of Jordan's major natural attractions and a model to follow. This inclusive program is established in partnership with the local populations, in order to allow them to benefit from the economic spin-offs of the site's tourism development. The Dana Biosphere Reserve stretches from the Rift Valley to the edge of Wadi Araba and comprises four more or less distinct ecosystems. The surrounding peaks are among the highest in the kingdom, rising to 1,600 meters, while the lowest point in the reserve is 50 meters below sea level. The first impression is primarily visual, with extraordinary views from the heights, mountains shaped by the winds, and cracks running into the depths of the earth. But this unevenness also generates a surprising diversity of environments: the reserve is home to more than 700 species of plants (8 are endemic), 42 species of reptiles, 258 invertebrates, 215 birds, 45 mammals (of which 25 are threatened with extinction). Among the latter, we note the ibex, the Syrian wolf, the mountain gazelle, the wild cat, the daman, the desert hyena, the rare Blandford's fox... Dana is also home to several archaeological sites that have established that the region has been inhabited for more than 6000 years.

During excavations, archaeologists discovered several stone engravings depicting hunting and pastoral scenes dating back to prehistoric times. The presence of copper mines exploited more than 6,000 years ago explains this ancient settlement. The most interesting site is certainly Khirbet Feinan, at the intersection of Wadi Ghweir and Wadi Feinan, south of the reserve. Here one can see the remains of churches and buildings dating from the Roman period, as well as the remains of an old copper mine heap.

There are many hiking trails in the Reserve, to be undertaken by oneself or accompanied by a guide, lasting from a few hours to several days. The Reserve has several drop-off points where you can spend the night, which are also the starting points of the treks: Dana Guest House, Feynan Ecolodge, Rummana Camp (from March 15 to October 31).

What to expect when trekking in Dana? Dana Biosphere Reserve is generally very windy and its high altitude location means cool nights, even in summer. In winter, snow is not uncommon. Therefore, bring warm clothes, especially if you are going to spend the night in a tent. A fleece and a windbreaker are part of the minimum to bring in any season. Also bring a good pair of walking shoes; the terrain is rocky and uneven and unless you plan to walk only around the village of Dana, a pair of sneakers will not be enough. Some hikes include river crossings. Finally, a hat, a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle (or even several for long walks) should be included in your hiking backpack. If you are hiking in winter, you can add a hat and a pair of gloves. Don't forget your camera either, because you will cross some absolutely splendid landscapes and meet Bedouins with a preserved lifestyle, which is not so frequent in Jordan anymore.

Starting from Rummana camp. Campsite Trail. 1.5 km, duration 1 hour, easy. This loop around Rummana camp is mainly an opportunity for bird watching. The Cave Trail. 1.5 km, duration, 1 hour 30 minutes, easy to moderate. The trail goes along the sheer drop (beware of vertigo) of Shaq al Kalb to caves that probably housed hermits. Rummana Mountain Trail. 2.5 km. Two hours. Medium. The trail climbs to the top of Rummana from where the view stretches over the mountains to Wadi Araba.

Starting from the Dana Guest House. Dana Village Tour. 2 km. 1 hour. Easy. This tour goes through the village of Dana and its heights and allows you to meet the inhabitants in their fields or their handicraft production workshops. Nawatef Trail. 2 km. 2 hours. Easy to medium. Guide required. You reach the village of Al-Qasdiya by shuttle, then go down to the springs of Al Nawatef through beautiful mountain landscapes (beware of vertigo). White Dome Trail. 8 km. 3 to 4 hours. Medium. From March 15 to October 31. Guide required. This hike leads from Dana village to Rummana camp through the fields on the Wadi Dana plateau. Can be done from Rummana Camp. Shaq Al-Reesh Trail. 8 km. 4 hours. Medium to difficult. Guide required. You reach the village of Al-Qasdiya by shuttle bus and descend to the bottom of a beautiful canyon to reach Shaq al-Reesh (beware of vertigo). Wadi Dana Trail. 14 km. 6 to 7 hours. Medium. This half-day hike takes you through beautiful sandstone canyons to Feynan. The same hike can be done from Feynan Ecolodge. Wadi Dathneh Trail. 19 km. 8 to 10 hours. Very difficult. Guide required. The descent in Wadi Dathneh is done from Nawatef by taking a vertiginous path. Wadi Ghwair Trail. 16 km. 7 to 8 hours. Difficult. Guide required. A shuttle bus takes you to Al-Mansoura in the mountains around Shobak. From there you descend into Wadi Ghwair, a canyon quite similar to the one in Petra. You cross it along the river and then go up to Feynan Ecolodge. One of the most beautiful hikes to do in the Dana Reserve.

Starting from Feynan Ecolodge. Sunrise Hike. 2 km. 2 hours. Medium to difficult (adults only). Guide required. This hike follows the Bedouin shepherds' trails that lead the herds to the top of the mountain. The climb is short but strenuous, and rewards you with a magnificent sunrise that sets Feynan and Wadi Araba ablaze. Sunset Hike. 1,5 km. 2 hours. Easy. Guide required. This healthy walk of about 20 minutes leads you to the Feynan guides' lodge. You can watch life go on in the Bedouin village below, while the setting sun casts its palette of pinks, ochres and purples on the surrounding mountains. Feynan Plants Hike. 3 km. 2 hours 30 minutes. Medium to difficult. Guide required. Your naturalist guide will explain the use of the plants that the Bedouin use as soap, medicine or herbs. This is also an interesting bird walk. Copper Mines. 6.5 km. 3 to 4 hours. Easy. Guide required. Your guide will take you to the copper mines of Feynan, probably the first in the world to be exploited intensively. Extraction, transport, smelting, all the steps of the process are still visible. Archaeological Treasures. 5,5 km. 3 to 4 hours. Easy. Neolithic settlements, Roman ruins and aqueduct, Byzantine monastery and church, the surroundings of Feynan are full of archaeological remains to discover freely. Wadi Dana Sampler. 6.5 km. 3 to 4 hours. Easy. You can hike into the bottom of Wadi Dana by heading west and encounter preserved Bedouin villages, where the inhabitants still live in goat hair tents. Wadi Ghwair Sampler. 7.5 km. 4 hours. Easy to medium. March to October. This hike passes through ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins before entering the Ghwair Canyon where a spring flows and you will have to cross it to discover an 11,000 year old Neolithic habitat.

Rift Valley Mountain Trek. This 6-day trek is for the hardy hiker. While the walking is not terribly difficult, you will be covering miles of rocky trails and rolling hills. This trek follows the Jordanian rift valley and connects the Dana Biosphere Reserve to Little Petra, a few kilometers north of Wadi Musa. You will be rewarded by sumptuous landscapes with all the colors of the desert. You will cross isolated Bedouin camps and sleep like them, in goat hair tents. The trek can be reduced to 4 days if you do not have enough time. You can arrange it from the Dana Visitor Center or from the Wild Jordan office in Amman.

Day 1. 14 km. 5 to 7 hours. Medium. From 1,300 meters to 320 meters above sea level. You follow the Wadi Dana Trail from Dana village to Feynan Ecolodge. You will spend the night there by candlelight.

Day 2. 18 km. 7 to 8 hours. Difficult. From 320 meters to 820 meters of altitude. From Feynan, you take the Wadi Ghwair, a splendid canyon with sandstone changing color and crossed by a river that you will have to cross several times. You then go back up to Al-Bustan and spend the night in tents with the Bedouins.

Day 3. 15 km. 5 to 7 hours. Medium. From 820 meters to 1 360 meters of altitude. From Al-Bustan you go up to Shobak and its castle. You will cross wild mountain landscapes and cultivated fields, old villages still inhabited and caves that were once used as tombs.

Day 4. 14 km. 5 to 6 hours. Easy. From 1,360 meters to 1,210 meters of altitude. The trail starts from the abandoned village of Sihan at the foot of Shobak Castle to gain a viewpoint of the Shobak Mountains. You then take the road to Al-Hazeem in the direction of Ras al-Faid, leaving the Shobak mountains behind.

Day 5. 18 km. 7 to 8 hours. Medium. From 1,210 meters to 1,240 meters of altitude, with 100 meters of positive elevation change. The day starts through juniper landscapes and impressive rock formations. Then two hours of ascent allow us to reach the summit of Al-Saffaha before descending to the Bedouin camp of Gbour al-Waidat.

Day 6. 15 km. 5 to 6 hours. Moderate. From 1,240 meters to 1,047 meters of altitude. This last day takes you through a high desert with spectacular views of the Wadi Araba. As you progress, you reach the pink sandstone mountains for which Petra is famous and see the early Nabataean remains that extended far beyond the presently defined site. The hike ends in Little Petra where you can spend the night in a Bedouin cave or a cozy hotel, before embarking on a tour of the Nabatean sites. Again, miles of trails await you.

Getting there. About 400 meters after the Visitors' Center, on the right side of the main road, before entering the Siq.

Visit. Three monumental boulders carved into the rock seem to stand guard along the path. They are commonly called "blocks of the Djinns", a name left by the Bedouins. They believed that these stone towers served as a place of residence for evil spirits. The blocks are carved on all four sides and pierced with burial chambers. While it is impossible to date them precisely, they may be the oldest tombs in Petra, dating back to the third or second century B.C. There are three more such blocks that you will see as you continue along the path, the last of which is on the right, above the dry riverbed before entering the Siq. The blocks rise between 6 and 8 meters above the ground and their appearance has been modified in later periods.

The entrance to the first monolith is partially obstructed by a deposit of sand and gravel deposited during floods. The foot of the block and its cavity were originally two meters lower. One can still admire the corbelling in triangles which goes around the block on its high part. The base of the boulder to the right of the entrance was cut into two superimposed gullies. They allowed rainwater to flow to the site of Petra or to cisterns that were on the way. A small rock between the Djinns' block and the rock has an opening. Underneath was a cistern.

The second block is positioned on a triple platform that was also cut. The access to the chamber is through an entrance pierced to the east. It contains two tombs. The small platform that tops the block was probably carved at a later period, which would explain the absence of the frieze usually present on Nabatean tombs.

The third block is much more elaborate. Its sides are decorated with pilasters that were once decorated with capitals. The entablature above bears stone chisel marks, which suggest that the traditional corbelling was erased at a later period. During excavations in the 1970s, archaeologists were surprised to find pipe debris in place of bones and personal effects. It is quite possible that this tomb was used as a cistern in the Byzantine period. This would explain why the Bedouins also call these blocks as-Sahrij, which means "cistern" in Arabic.

The visit of this small museum is necessary for all those who are passionate about the history of Jordan and who are preparing to visit the treasures (Four, Petra, Pella…) or for the herbe archaeologists. It gathers a large collection of remains throughout Jordan, from its Neolithic period, through its consecutive principalities periods, as well as all kinds of objects, discovered on the country's main historic sites. The collections are displayed chronologically and explanations are posted in English.

To the north of the temple of Hercules, by heading towards the top terrace, you can reach the ruins of a Byzantine church of relatively modest dimensions. She date the th century and was built with the stones of the temple of Hercules.

A series of mosaics was updated. Excavations are ongoing and we think that the Byzantine city stretches across the hill. Approximately metres away is a large round tank omeyyade and the remains of a olive press.

This is Amman beach, close to water as well as luxury luxury hotels, with swimming pools, parasols and sun loungers, showers, dressing rooms and lockers for business, towels for rent, but also a restaurant (10 DJ), bar and basketball. But the place looks like our municipal pools: noise, rubbish, overpopulation, nothing resting, one would think on the shores of the Mediterranean in August! Advised people who are looking for calm. For those who want to live an authentic afternoon with Jordanian families, this is the ideal place. Plan a short and a tee-shirt here you bathe dressed, especially women. For the price, it is better to test a hotel with a Spa, luxurious swimming pools and a quiet beach.

What was once a gigantic oasis is no more. It became the main source of water supply for the country's capital and northern cities, and the level of its water tables and marshes has dropped considerably in recent years. The oasis was once home to a vast bird sanctuary with over 280 species of birds. An endemic species of fish populates the ponds: the cynobelia of Azraq. Due to this upheaval, migratory birds have changed their itinerary and many now take refuge in Lake Tiberias, further northwest, on the borders of Lebanon, Syria and Israel. In 1967, a count counted 347,000 birds. In 2000, there were only 1,200 at the same time of year. A 12 km2 reserve, managed by the RSCN, was created to protect what remains. In 1993, the oasis was replenished with water and species were reintroduced. The effects are still minimal and deep pumping continues, not to mention the wild and illegal wells dug by the inhabitants. Only 10% of the oasis has been saved. The Azraq Nature Reserve is nonetheless a pleasant and original stopover in the middle of these desert expanses. The RSCN has gone to great lengths to diversify the activities around the reserve and include the surrounding populations. In addition to hiking trails and bird watching, tours are organized in the surrounding area to meet with local people and visit some of the historical sites left out of the traditional itineraries.

The Visitor Center is open at the same hours as the Reserve. It is here that you can organize your excursions, reserve the services of a guide or pay your entrance fee to the Reserve.

Observable species. Birds from Anatolia, Siberia, Scandinavia or Africa continue to stop for a few months in the Azraq Reserve. We can observe desert sirlis, Cetti's warblers, desert bullfinches, marsh harriers, warblers, avocets, small gravelots or minute sandpipers.

Hiking. Two observation trails have been developed in the Azraq Nature Reserve allowing you to hike while admiring the local wildlife. The 30-minute Marsh Trail winds through the wet and dry areas and leads to an observation platform above the artesian wells that recharged the marshes. Continuing the loop, you pass a basalt wall from the Umayyad period and can stop at a lookout hut. The Water Buffalo Trail takes you in search of buffalo with a guide from the Reserve. It takes 3.5 kilometers and 2 hours of walking on easy terrain. Guide required.

Biking. The RSCN organizes two cycling tours from Azraq Lodge. The Mudflat Cycling Trail follows a 12 kilometer route with little difficulty and lasts 2 to 3 hours. The goal of this tour is to reach Qa'a, a dried mud lake at the gateway to the eastern desert. On the way, the guide will give you explanations about the typical environment of the oasis, its history and the local tribes. Guide required. TheAzraq Village Cycling Trail allows you to ride around the area for 22 kilometers and 4 to 5 hours. It is a continuation of the Muflat Trail and includes visits to an old Druze village, Qasr al-Shaer and Qasr al-Azraq. Guide required.

Bus. The RSCN organizes two minibus tours departing from Azraq Lodge. TheAzraq Bus Tour lasts 2 to 3 hours and is a 7 kilometer circuit. You will have to walk 2 kilometers on easy terrain. It includes a visit to Qasr al-Azraq, a Druze village and Ain es-Sil, a farm from the Umayyad period. TheUsaykhim Bus Tour covers a distance of 40 kilometers and takes 5 to 6 hours. You will have to walk 5 kilometers on easy to moderate terrain. The minibus will take you to Wadi Usaykhim, where you can admire some very old inscriptions. You will then climb to the top of the mountain to visit the fortress of Usaykhim, which marked the northernmost point of the Roman Arabian Province.

Cultural Activities. If you are staying at Azraq Lodge, the RSCN can arrange for a Druze folkloric show with traditional songs and dances. The Druze are a small community in Jordan, numbering only 1 million worldwide. They have played an important role in Levantine history and are known for their esoteric and impenetrable spirituality. Open-air cinema sessions are organized, showing films and documentaries with nature as the main theme. Other activities can be arranged with the Bedouin community in the area. You can learn the subtleties of Turkish coffee, try to bake your own "arbood" bread on the coals, try your hand at milking goats, have a traditional mansaf... The RSCN has also concocted a program allowing you to meet the Chechen community settled in the surroundings. You will be able to put on the heavy traditional costume, including the goat hair chapka, totally inappropriate in these latitudes. The meeting with the Bedouin and Chechen communities is done by bike. Guide required.

Amman's historic Grand Mosque watches over the old "Downtown" quarter. The lower town spreads out around it and its two high minarets. It was built in 1932 by King Abdullah ^I in Ottoman style, on the foundations of an ancient mosque dating back to 640. The latter is said to have been built on the site of the former Philadelphia Cathedral. It has been under renovation since 2021, and no one knows when the work will be completed.

Located in the extension of the cathedral, the church of Saint Theodore was built by the Byzantines who reused older building stones. The main entrance was located on the west side and an inscription can still be deciphered indicating that the church was built "in 496 under the episcopate of Aeneas in honor of the victorious Theodore, immortal martyr". The portal opens onto a paved courtyard lined with columns, with a fountain in the center. It is likely that this courtyard served as the atrium of the cathedral.

A short tour of the visitor centre is required to learn more about the history of the site (panels in French!) and to take a look at the few archaeological vertigoes displayed here. We will also go there to get the site map (free) and search for information.

Tickets. You can buy your tickets at the entrance of the ancient city. Tickets cost 10 DJs (free with the Jordan Pass). Do not try to enter without paying, tickets are usually checked further away, at the actual entrance to the site, near the South Gate.

Guides. You will find guides offering their services on site. Count 30 DJs for a group of 5 people.

Visit. It takes about 2 to 3 hours for a conscientious visit. In summer, it is best to visit the site early in the morning or late in the afternoon; you will avoid the heat and crowds. In any case, don't forget to bring water and a hat or cap.

Souvenirs have been set up at the entrance to the site.