From beautiful ruins to ancient cities and archaeological sites, picturesque landscapes, amazing traditions, and delicious cuisine, Jordan is one of the best countries to visit in the middle east. Keep reading for some of the most visited destinations in Jordan.
AMMAN
Amman, the Capital of Jordan, is built upon seven hills. It is one of the most visited destinations in Jordan. The city is adorned with historic sites dating from the Stone Age to the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras, making it a tourist-friendly destination. Amman’s history is evident in its diverse people and its unique architecture. This city is also home to a multidenominational and multicultural population who are well-educated and extremely hospitable. They welcome visitors and take pride in showing them around their fascinating and vibrant city.
Things to do in Amman:
- See firsthand the various items that were used in daily life from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries at the Jordan Folklore Museum;
- Catch a glimpse of the perspective of the city’s incredible history with a trip to the Amman Citadel;
- Explore the restored Amman Roman Theater to create a picture in your mind’s eyes of what Amman may have been like when the city went by the name “Philadelphia” nearly 2,000 years ago;
- Experience historic and Hellenistic architecture in the country like Qasr al-Abd; and
- A trip to the Grand Husseini Mosque would leave you wowed.
JERASH
The number of tourists who visited Jerash in 2021 can be estimated at 182,000. Second to Petra, Jerash is a beautiful and ancient city hub for tourists as it houses many archaeological sites. Another exciting activity in Jerash that inspires the inflow of tourists is the Jerash Festival of culture and Arts, held in July of every year, which transforms this ancient city into the world’s liveliest and most cultural event.
This event alone makes Jerash one of the most visited destinations in Jordan.
Jerash is the grandeur of Imperial Rome, being one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the World outside Italy. To this day, its paved and collonaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition. The ancient city was buried in sand, which accounts for its remarkable preservation.
Interesting attractions in Jerash
- The Hadrian’s Arch of Jerash Jordan
- The Jerash Hippodrome
- The Oval Plaza of Jerash Jordan
- The Cathedral Atrium of Jerash Jordan
- The Nymphaeum Temple of Jerash
- The North Theater of Jerash Jordan
- The South Theatre
PETRA
Petra was a unique city inhabited by the Arabic people who once lived in the Jordan deserts. It is located in the territory between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, in the mountains of the east side of the Wadi Araba. This city was a significant mark of the Silk route and other goods that were transported between Saudi Arabia, China, Greece, Egypt, Syria, and Rome. Today, this city is one wonder of the world and its main tourist attraction in the country.
Petra is the treasure of the ancient world, hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains. The rock-carved rose-red city of Petra is full of mysterious charm, and it was “designed to strike wonder into all who entered it”. It is the legacy of the Nabateans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO world heritage site and one of The New 7 Wonders of the World.
Things to do in Petra:
- Walk through the SIQ (the Siq is a rock divided 1200 meters in length, 3 to 12 meters in with and a height of 80 meters) and experience the magical city of the rocks at the entrance of the ruins of Petra;
- Visit the Al-khrazren treasury, one of the famous ruins of Petra; its natural beauty and architectural features would leave you in awe;
- Explore the royal tombs beneath the ruins of Petra. They include the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb;
- Explore the Ad Deir (The Monastery) hidden high in the hills. This Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra; and
- Explore the Wadi Musa (Valle of Moses), a long valley surrounded by many mountains.
Vehicles are not allowed into the ruins, but if you aren’t one for hiking, you can rent a horse or camel to move around as you explore this beautiful and magical scenery.
MADABA
Madaba’s chief attraction – is the contemporary Greek Orthodox church of St. George – a wonderfully vivid, 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map showing the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south.
Madaba is one of the most visited destinations in Jordan
Madaba, also known as the city of mosaics, is famously known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. The small city is home to the 6th century Mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Madaba lies only 30 minutes away from Queen Alia International Airport and less than an hour’s drive from the Capital Amman. That is why this city makes it to almost every traveller’s Jordan itinerary.
Things to do in Madaba
- Visit one of the main places of worship and pilgrimage across Jordan – adorned with plush interiors and various mosaics. The Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George hosts the mosaic map of the holy land. With two million pieces of vividly coloured local stone, it depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta.
- Visit the mosque of Jesus Christ.
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