Tourist Attractions & Monuments Jordan

Access to it. Jebel al-Habis is the small mountain with tombs that overlooks the Qasr al-Bint and the great Roman temple. Take the stairs on the left after the Qasr al-Bint. If you follow the path leading from the back for about 100 meters, and after passing a group of tombs, you will reach another staircase that leads to the top of the mountain.

Visit. At the top of Jebel al-Habis is a sacrificial altar, perched not far from a small triclinium ("dining room"). An ancient Crusader fortress (or rather, the little that remains of it) stands next to it. This fortress, placed on top of a hill, watched over the main communication routes in the area. It was built under the direction of Baldwin I, King of Jerusalem, at the same time as the castles of Shobak and Kerak, both located north of Petra. The castle was equipped with two enclosures protected by rectangular towers. One of them had a keep in its centre. Saladin took possession of it one year after the fall of the holy city of Jerusalem. The 360° view from this place is impressive. Not far from there, towards the north-east, Nabatean steps go down the mountainside. Behind the Qasr al-Bint, at the foot of Al-Habis, you can also see an unfinished tomb and a columbarium. The columbarium contains hundreds of small niches, the use of which remains controversial (some think it was a pigeon house, others that the niches contained funerary urns...).

The Church of the Lions is the only one on the site of Umm ar-Rasas that has three apses. The central apse housed the choir, which was situated on a raised platform that is still present. The nave was lined with a mosaic, of which a few pieces remain. These are protected from erosion and light by a thick covering of sand. A representation of Kastron Meefaa, the ancient name of Umm ar-Rasas, has been found between two columns, but the most beautiful fragment is that of two lions framing a tree, hence the name of the church.

Under the guise of a museum-restaurant, this centre is more commercial than cultural. It can nevertheless constitute an interesting stage with young children. Scenes of ordinary Bedouin tribal life are recreated here with mannequins. One can see the baker baking his bread or the interior of a Bedouin tent, traditional costumes and models representing Petra, the Tower of Babel or a scene from the Nativity. Handicrafts are also represented, especially mosaics, where local women work before your eyes.

This museum is the result of research by the Hellenic Society for Near Eastern Studies, the association in charge of archaeological studies at Gawr as-Safi. As its name does not seem to indicate - the museum is not interested in the lowest point of the planet - the establishment exhibits the product of the excavations undertaken at the sanctuary of Lot. The 22 display cases showcase artifacts found there, such as pottery and clothing from the Greco-Roman period.

Built in the ^6th century on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple and adjoining the villa of Hippolytus, this church contains a mosaic featuring an inscription in homage to the Blessed Virgin dating from 662. It reads: " If you wish to look upon Mary, the virginal mother of God, and upon the Christ she bore, the universal Lord, the only Son of the only God, purify your mind, your flesh and your works. May you purify God's creatures through prayer

The remains of this early 7th century Byzantine church are located in the Archaeological Park, west of the Church of the Virgin Mary. It is named after the medallion bearing the name of the prophet Elijah, which can be seen in the nave. This was once decorated with a peacock. The crypt is located under the altar and was connected to the nave by two staircases. It would be older than the church and dates back to 595. It is composed of a simple apse with 3 niches.

The fortress of Macheronte was built under the orders of Alexander Jannaeus, Hasmonean king of Judea, around 100 BC, on a conical hill 700 meters above sea level. The vantage point was ideal for spotting possible threats from the east, and the rugged terrain made attacks difficult. This did not prevent general Gabinius, working on behalf of the Roman emperor Pompey, from destroying the citadel. It was rebuilt by Herod the Great around 30 A.D., who added a sumptuous palace within its walls. According to the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, it was here that St. John the Baptist was taken after his arrest. He remained locked up in the fortress for two years, before being beheaded at Salome's request. John the Baptist had denounced the marriage of King Herod Antipas to his sister-in-law Herodias. According to Jewish law, a man cannot marry his brother's wife while the latter is still alive. Herod Antipas was captivated by the dancing talents of his daughter-in-law Salome (the famous dancer of the 7 veils), and promised to fulfill his most cherished wishes, provided she did the deed for him. Urged on by her revenge-hungry mother, she asked for John the Baptist's head.

During the Jewish Revolt (c. 66-70), whole waves of rebels fleeing the sacking of Jerusalem by the Romans took refuge in Macheronte. According to Pliny the Elder, the fortress was totally impregnable. In 72, however, it fell victim to a siege and was razed to the ground by the Romans, who left only the foundations.

Today, there's nothing impressive about the ruins themselves: a few walls, traces of the foundations and the remains of an ancient bathhouse can barely be seen to the east of the site. It was here that Jordan's oldest mosaic was found, now on display at the Madaba Museum. On the other hand, the site, the shape of the hill topped by the remains of the fortress are well worth a visit, as are the views and the atmosphere, as the place is inhabited by shepherds walking their flocks of goats and sheep. Access is via a path winding along the hillside. Take the 10-15 minute walk to the top, and you'll be rewarded with a superb panorama of the Dead Sea, stretching all the way to Jerusalem on a clear day. Along the way and in the surrounding area, you'll no doubt notice a number of caves: according to legend, it was in one of them that John the Baptist was beheaded, and his head carried to Salome on a platter.

The remains of the church of Saint-Loth-and-Procopius are the most spectacular. The superb mosaics representing trees, domestic or mythological animals dating from 560 are now protected under a shed. The black trace on the main mosaic was left by a bread oven, as a house was built on top of this church. The site contains the remains of three other churches, a monastery and an ancient citadel (a little higher up).

The church of Bishop Sergius is reached after crossing the church of Saint Stephen. Here the pavement is much more modest artistically speaking, because the iconoclasts erased the human faces. Nevertheless, the names of the generous donors remain, as well as pastoral scenes: a farmer leading his grapes to the press, birds hunting, harvesting... The four seasons are represented in the corners of the carpet, from which the Virginia creeper spills out to form a frieze.

Beer lovers will tell you that Carakale is the best beer produced in Jordan. The brewery, located in a lost valley between Fuheis and As-Salt, welcomes visitors to share its know-how and dispel a few preconceived ideas. Yes, Jordan produces beer and wine. And it's Christian families who perpetuate this ancestral art. Blonde, white, triple... the beers brewed here are made with care. The owners take great care over the quality of the hops and malts selected. The result is original beers.

The church of Marianos was built by the bishop of the same name in 570. It is the only church to be found to the south of the ancient city, while this part of the city remained undeveloped. It is also the first one that you will meet once you pass the Arch of Hadrian. Its small size testifies to the decline of the city at that time. The church was probably built by "borrowing" stones from the hippodrome which is just opposite. It still has a very beautiful mosaic floor, although very simple, which again seems to indicate limited means.

The northern gate, also known as the Arch of Trajan, marked the entrance to the city. It was built in 115 on the orders of the governor Claudius Severus in order to welcome travellers on the newly constructed Trajanic road from Gerasa to Pella. The arch is more than 20 metres high and is punctuated by vaulted niches framed by Corinthian half-columns. The street was paved and lined with columns, giving the place a certain majesty. Few visitors venture here, as this section of the Cardo maximus is never more than a dead end.

It is difficult to reach this castle, the most isolated of the desert qasr. It is located on the border between the governorates of Amman and Ma'an, 85 kilometers south of Azraq. Built in 743 by Caliph Walid II for his sons, it is the southernmost Umayyad castle. Despite its impressive dimensions, the work is unfinished. As with the Qasr Mushatta, the assassination of Walid II aborted the completion of the construction work. Originally, the project included two monumental wings with semi-circular towers projected on the facades. Only the west wing seems to have been completed. The castle may have served as a hunting lodge for the sons of Walid II and certainly as a caravanserai for Bedouins transiting from Saudi Arabia to western Iraq or Syria. Like all desert castles, Qasr al-Tuba is located near a water source. A dry wadi lies nearby, and a dam and wells have been discovered at the site.

The western wing of 140 meters by 72 meters is divided into two squares connected by a narrow corridor, which could be closed in case of need. Access to each of the living areas was through a majestic door. One of these was found and is now on display at the Citadel Archaeological Museum in Amman. The building has a vaulted roof. The whole structure is covered with clay bricks, which provided good protection from the sun and heat, but which are not found on any other qasr.

The Abu Jaber House is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Jordan in the late 19th century. This beautiful residence with its dozens of arches on the façade stands in the main square of As-Salt and surpasses all others in its finesse and elegance. It contributes greatly to the inscription of the city on the Unesco World Heritage List. It was built in several stages between 1887 and 1905 for a wealthy merchant in the city, Saleh Abu Jaber. The first floor dates from 1887 and housed the family and the store. In 1896, a second floor was added where the family moved in. The first floor was used for storage and as a residence for visiting guests. In 1905, Saleh Abu Jaber had a third floor added. The family gained more height, while the second floor was allocated to guests and the first floor was used for meetings, trading and horse stables. The building is the first in As-Salt to be equipped with a plumbing system. The roof tiles were imported from Marseille. King Abdullah I resided here in 1922. After the death of Abu Jaber, the upper floors were divided into three separate apartments, one for each of his sons. The first floor has retained its commercial vocation with the installation of stalls. On the^first floor, you will notice that the arched windows have colored stained glass. The house of Abu Jaber was transformed into a museum in 2010. It presents the history of the city and its rich heritage.

As you enter the city, just past the southern gate, you can see massive walls on the right, probably parts of a wall built in the early 4th century by the Emperor Diocletian to extend the original rampart. The wall, which surrounded part of the city, was 4.5 km long, but had openings in several places, notably in the extension of the Decumanus or opposite the propylaeum of the Temple of Artemis. The present ruins date mostly from the Byzantine period in the 6th century.

The main artery of the city, running west to east, offers a splendid view of Israel, the Jordan Valley and Syria, with the Golan Heights and Lake Tiberias in the background. The fortifications that once marked out the city can still be seen below. At the end of the Decumanus is the West Gate, a triumphal arch, and the remains of what may have been a racecourse. As you approach the baths, you pass the mausoleum and the basilica, then the remains of a Roman temple probably dedicated to Jupiter.

The museum is housed in one of the campus buildings and is unique in being the only natural history museum in Jordan. Opened in 1981, its collection of stuffed animals, naturalized insects, fossils and plants is mainly aimed at students majoring in biology or the study of Jordanian flora and fauna. The museum is open to the public. It includes specimens of extinct animals.

On the road to Iraq al-Amir, as you drive through a gorge full of vegetation, you will notice a nursery and a small café on the side of the road. Looking up at the mountain, what looks like a cave dwelling with its cut-out windows stands out from the rock. It is in fact an old dovecote dating from the Middle Ages, a cave with two chambers. The interior walls are entirely carved with 800 triangular niches that provided a resting place for the pigeons. The cave is reached by a staircase that starts from the nursery.

This handicraft production centre, established under the auspices of the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation, works in pottery, mosaics and weaving, among other things. Traditional embroidery is one of the arts applied here. The centre provides training for future craftsmen in order to preserve know-how and provide a job for people who are far from the cities and from employment. The creations, sometimes original, are sold in the showroom. The workshops can be visited freely.

These two aediculae formed by four arches supported by four pillars mark the crossroads of the Cardo with the Decumanus (perpendicular streets oriented east-west). Built in the 2nd century, the southern tetrapyle seems to have been surmounted by a pyramid and a statue, but only the bases remain. This crossing was redesigned at the end of the 3rd century to form a circular square lined with shops. The northern one was dedicated to Julia Domna, the Syrian wife of Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211). It consisted of four arches topped by a domed roof.

This bridge connected the centre of the city of Gerasa to the eastern baths, located behind the mosque. The bridge was built on the axis of the South Decumanus (the artery that ran through the city from east to west), 74 metres long, and spanned the Chrysorhoas River, now renamed Wadi Jerash. The bridge that can be admired today is a reconstruction of the old one, although some parts of the original remain, including some beautiful arches. Part of the original bridge is covered by the construction of the new city.

The site of the ancient city is punctuated with grated wells leading to underground tunnels. It is an aqueduct of 160 km which was used to supply the city of Gadara with water, of which 94 km are underground. It is the longest aqueduct ever discovered in the Roman Empire, which connected Mount Hermont to Gadara via Abila. Recently, archaeologists have discovered that some of these tunnels were also used to defend the city from possible invaders, allowing the supply of food or the escape in case of siege

This museum should not be confused with the Visitors' Centre. It can be reached by a path that starts from the Oval Square, or another that starts opposite the Macellum. Unfortunately, the most significant remains have been transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Amman. One will find there nevertheless a beautiful collection of objects discovered since more than 70 years in Jerash: potteries, coins, statues, mosaics, jewels and even theatre tickets... in terra cotta. Statues recovered from the Roman baths were added to the collection in 2018.

At the foot of the stairs leading to Muallaqat Al-Deir, you will notice the remains of an aqueduct dating from Roman times. It is not very impressive, but the portion that is still standing includes an arch that you can walk under. The water flowed over it and was used to irrigate crops. Wadi Sir means "the valley of orchards" and trees still grow in abundance. The galloping development of Amman has changed the landscape. It is likely that in a few years, the city will have caught up with this bucolic corner.

On the road to As-Safawi is this small fort with walls of large black basalt blocks. Located at the top of a hill, it can be spotted from afar and is only accessible by a 4x4 off-road trip. Qasr Aseikhin offers little to see, except a breathtaking view of the surrounding desert plains. No inscriptions have been found on the site, which makes it even more difficult for historians, who nevertheless agree that the fortress was built by the Nabataeans in the first century and then rebuilt by the Romans in the third century, who used it to protect the eastern border of the Empire. The site was later occupied by the Umayyads. But no dating can be established with certainty and archaeologists have not yet taken any real interest in this castle. The problem of bringing fresh water to the site probably explains why this fort did not enjoy the splendor of other castles. The remains of a mosque can still be clearly seen along the eastern wall of the fort. It was accessed through two independent entrances located to the north and east. The foundations of the minaret are also visible. It seems that the mosque has been rebuilt. The large number of stones scattered on the ground suggests that the castle was excavated by looters. Indelicate, they would have even used bulldozers to facilitate their research. Did they find any treasure? History does not say so...

The Romans built this small fort lost in the sands and rocks to ensure their control over the area. Its geographical situation allowed the legions that followed to benefit from a view of the valley, and thus to anticipate possible opposing attacks. Its construction lasted less than a year, and its asymmetrical plan, with its angled entrance, is quite particular. In the^5th century, it was abandoned because of famine. If the whole is rather ruined, there remain inscriptions left by the Romans.

For the more religious, a pilgrimage is required to Anjara, in the hills of Gilead. It is in one of these caves that Jesus, his disciples and his mother Mary are said to have stayed during their journey between Lake Tiberias, the cities of Decapolis and Bethany. The place is recognized as a holy place by pilgrims. A church and a monastery were built there: Our Lady of the Mountains. The small church is covered with very colourful frescoes telling the most famous passages of the Bible, such as the Last Supper or the sacrifice of Abraham.

There are beautiful mosaics, sculptures, pottery, some of the 9,000-year-old statuettes discovered at Ain Ghazal. The objects are presented in chronological order and the explanations in English are detailed. The second level deals with particular aspects of the history of technology, rural life and folklore. The museum also has a gallery devoted to numismatics. This small museum is considered one of the best in the country.

Under the octagonal basilica, at the foot of the theatre, an underground mausoleum dating back to the Roman occupation of Gadara was discovered by chance by the Jordanian army during the Six-Day War. It was used as a field hospital during the fighting. German archaeologists undertook excavations there in 1998 and unearthed a mosaic on display in the museum. They also found tombs guarded by sphinxes. A massive revolving slab separated the entrance from the burial chamber where eight sarcophagi were found.

At the top of the city you will find the ruins of an ancient Ayyubid fortress dating from the 13th century. It was probably built in 1220 by King al-Ma'azzam Isa bin Ayoub, the nephew of Saladin. The small barracks that can be seen around it date from 1870. They are reached by an imposing staircase that seems to never end. The interior of the fort is completely gutted and left to nature. Only the external walls remain, which were 6 meters high. There is still a beautiful view of the city.

Although organizations like the Abila Archaeological Project organize archaeological excavations, there is little to see today. This is due to the few buildings that have been uncovered so far by the archaeological team and the lack of explanations. The enthusiasts will appreciate all the same the visit, the others can pass their way. Around the spring of Ain Quwayliba, excavations have uncovered elements of a theater, an aqueduct, a road, tombs, gates, and other elements of the Greco-Roman city, such as temples dedicated to Athena, Herakles and Tyche, a nymphaeum as well as the remains of a Byzantine basilica and even a mosque. The remains of tombs dug into the rock, some of which are decorated with beautiful frescoes, are worth noting. Houses dating back to the Neolithic period have also been discovered, attesting to a very ancient occupation of the site. It can therefore be deduced that Raphana/Abila was occupied from 4000 BC until the Arab conquest. Contemporary historical and military accounts from the Roman period mention the capture of the city by General Pompey in 63. It gained its independence and continued to develop under Byzantine rule. Like many Roman cities, it was later abandoned, either by the Persian invasions or by the earthquake of 633. The Umayyads settled there briefly until the earthquake of 749. Abila continues to keep its secrets, as the city has not yet been excavated.

The Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is the government agency in charge of organizing tourism in Jordan and managing the archaeological heritage. There is no reason for you to go there. On the other hand, you will find on the website links and information related to tourist visas, visas for residents, the list of all diplomatic representations present in the country as well as useful numbers in case of problems.

Surrounded by the rare towers of Amman, the Haya Cultural Centre is designed for children. The eco-museum, the planetarium, the indoor and outdoor playground have been designed to awaken children to culture and science. Numerous workshops are organised around themes such as music, singing, theatre, drawing... The center is rather intended for people living in Amman, but nothing prevents you from coming there if you travel with young children and are looking for a safe park to let them loose.

Whether you are an avid trekker, birdwatcher, cyclist,camper, rock climber or simply a contemplative nature lover, the Royal Society for the Preservation of Nature is a great place to discover the Nature Reserves it administers and enjoy a unique experience. You can plan your stay with the advisors of the Wild Jordan Adventures team and book your accommodation there.

According to the excavations of Belgian archaeologists who are gradually revealing the history of the site, rock shelters in the vicinity were inhabited by prehistoric man. Flints have been found there, the oldest of which are over 150,000 years old! Scrapers, chisels and other tools have also been brought up from deep in the ground. Pottery, an olive press and tools attest to the presence of a sedentary village in the Bronze Age. The dwellings consisted of a single room, with the exception of some slightly larger houses with several rooms. The site was later inhabited by the Moabites in the 11th and 12th centuries BC, and later by the Nabataeans, as evidenced by the ruins of a temple and the engravings they left behind. A Nabatean woman's grave has also been found; she was buried with pottery, beaded necklaces, her earrings and a bracelet. The Romans left behind a temple and the city's fortifications. The Umayyads then occupied the area, as the remains of a 15th-century fortress seem to indicate. Finally, the Ottomans were the last occupants before the city was abandoned by Sultan Suleiman, who gave it to the Saleitha tribe. Don't expect sumptuous ruins, but a few piles of stones popping up here and there. On the other hand, the road winding between the curved hills is simply phenomenal. You will feel like you are walking on the moon.

Wadi Rum is a must-see destination for desert and adventure lovers. The Fares Wadi Rum site offers a variety of activities for a unique experience in this spectacular landscape. Visitors can enjoy jeep tours, camel rides, sandboarding, hiking and even hot-air ballooning. The site also offers overnight stays in a traditional Bedouin camp or cave, providing an authentic desert experience. The camp is located in the protected area of the Valley of the Moon, offering a peaceful and relaxing setting during the day, and a magnificent view of the stars and Milky Way at night. The camp offers traditional Bedouin tents, as well as modern facilities such as shared bathrooms. Meals are prepared with Bedouin specialties, and an Arabic breakfast is served in the morning. Visitors can also personalize their experience by requesting a tailor-made tour.