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Jordan

6

Reasons To
Visit Jordan

  • Ancient Ruins

    Petra is the most famous of Jordan's historic ruins, but it is by no means the only one. Ummayad palaces, Graeco-Roman cities, ancient churches and crusader castles are found throughout the country and are likely to form the backbone of your time in Jordan.

    Ancient Ruins

  • Classical History

    Jerash is the Classical jewel in Jordan's crown but the Greeks and Romans left their traces across the country, sometimes leaving behind entire cities, like Umm Qais, and sometimes modifying existing settlements, as with the colonnaded street in Petra.

    Classical History

  • Desert

    It was T.E. Lawrence who brought Wadi Rum to public attention, and his description of the desert region as "vast, echoing and godlike" sums it up perfectly. The red sand and towering sandstone mountains make this a deservedly popular destination.

    Desert

  • Nature Reserves

    Jordan is right at the forefront of conservation in the Middle East, and her reserves don't just preserve rare wildlife, like the ibex, but also remarkable scenery and traditional ways of life. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature runs five main reserves in Jordan, such as the Dana Nature Reserve.

    Nature Reserves

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Petra is one of the most famous UNESCO world heritage sites and one of the places everyone wants to visit once in their life. The other heritage site you may visit in Jordan is Qasr Al-Amra, protected by UNESCO because of its rich and vivid frescoes dating to the Umayyad period (the eight century AD).

    UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Wadis

    Carving down from the desert plateau to the depths of the Dead Sea and Rift Valley, Jordan's wadis are a haven for the more adventurous, whether you choose to hike down Wadi Feynan to spend time at the Ecolodge there, or to tackle the deep pools and boulder chokes of the wet descent of Wadi Mujib.

    Wadis

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Excursions in Jordan: Madaba, Mt Nebo & Kerak Castle

Mt Nebo is the site from which Moses first saw the Holy Land at the end of the Exodus. It is also the presumed site of his death and burial.

Mosaic, Madaba Archaeological Park
Mosaic, Madaba Archaeological ParkMosaic, Madaba Archaeological Park

Madaba, Mt Nebo & Kerak Castle

The Dead Sea, Jordan
  • Culture & History

Madaba is a largely Christian town, and is home to several churches: in one of these, the Greek Orthodox church of St George, is the principal reason for your visit. It is a 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land, depicting Jerusalem and other holy sites. The level of detail is remarkable, with city walls, gate and pilgrims all picked out in bright-coloured tiles, making this one of the finest mosaics in Jordan.

Mt Nebo is the site from which Moses first saw the Holy Land at the end of the Exodus. It is also the presumed site of his death and burial. A Byzantine basilica church now stands on the spot which commands stunning views over the Jordan Valley. Excavations have revealed some amazing mosaics, and the church played host to a poignant visit by the Pope on his recent tour of the region.

After visiting these two churches, which form part of the 5,000-year old King's Highway linking Amman to the south of the country, you continue south. The final visit is to the Crusader Castle of Kerak. As you approach the castle of Kerak, it is immediately obvious why all the armies involved in the crusader conflicts wanted control of this bastion. Kerak represents the best aspects of both crusader and Islamic military architecture, as the Mamlukes refined the original structure built by the Christian knights. Inside stone-vaulted halls and chambers, both above and below ground, beg to be explored, and echo now to the quiet commentary of guides rather than the harsh cries of war that once resounded through Kerak. From Kerak you return to The Dead Sea.

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{23403303-4598-4DC1-9665-B5BC0D2C3642}The Kings' Highway in Jordan

Travelling the Kings' Highway in Jordan is a great way to see some of the sights that this 5,000 year old highway has to offer. Stops on your journey could include the churches and mosaics at Madaba and Mount Nebo, views of the Holy Land, Kerak and Shawbak castles, nature reserves, and the ancient city of Petra.

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Further reading:
JordanWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout JordanCountry Guides

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranLebanonLibyaMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia

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