Jordan in a Nutshell

AMMAN
Formerly the Amminite capital of Rabbath-Ammon and later the Greek-Roman city of Philadelphia, Amman is the capital since 1921. Just a small city of not much importance, Amman houses nowadays approximately one third of the population and the seven hills on which it was originally built still form its natural focal points. Amman is a city of many faces and the traditional society and modern sophistication go hand in hand. One has to visit the citadel, the old Souks, the Roman theatre in the heart of the city, the Abu Darwish mosque and lovers of Islamic art can not leave Amman before visiting the Jordan National Gallery where numerous pieces of Islamic art are exhibited. Hotels and restaurants can be found in all categories from the most luxurious to the simplest.

North of Amman
Jerash
Less than one hour's drive from Amman is the city of Jerash. Even though there has always been human activity, Jerash's golden age arrived with Roman rule. Jerash was a member of the Decapolis and played an important role in this commercial league. When Emperor Hadrian visited the city in 129 AD, a huge building program was launched.
Thanks to the advanced skills of the engineers working on this prefect, we can still admire the 600 meters long "Street of Columns", the Forum, the baths, the Hippodrome, and the Nymphaeum, which is a complex of fountains and sculptures. It is easy to imagine the wealth of this city and its people when you are walking in Jerash. Every summer, the dramatic surroundings of the Jerash ruins host the Jerash Festival, featuring folklore dances, concerts, plays and poetry competitions.

Pella
The Greek-Roman City of "Pella"(so named for the birthplace of Alexander the Great) is about 89 kilometers Northwest of Amman. It is exceptionally rich in antiquities and archaeologists predict that once the site will be fully excavated, it will be at least as big as Jerash. Nowadays one can find in this pastoral area the remnants of a Chalcolithic settlement from the 4th millenium BC, a theatre, Byzantine churches and houses. The scenery of this fertile part of Jordan is usually very beautiful, especially in spring when the Jordan valley and the surrounding area are covered with flowers.

Umm Qais
In the far north of the country overseeing the lake of Tiberias and the Golan Heights, one finds the remains of the biblical city called Gadara.Umm Qais was also a member of the Decapolis and was favored by the Romans for its warm springs and cultural activities. Nowadays one can find the remains of an old basilica, three theatres, an aqueduct, and of course a colonnaded street and this while archaeologists will still need a long time to excavate this once important city. The modern village of Umm Qais does not provide visitors with a lot of facilities; a picnic is therefore highly recommended in this breathtaking environment.

West of Amman
MADABA
Definitely the most interesting and picturesque way to travel to the south of Jordan is via the Kings' Highway. 32 kilometers south from Amman is the mosaic-filled city of Madaba. Its chief attraction is a wonderfully vivid Byzantine mosaic map of Palestine, showing Jerusalem and other holy sites, decorating the floor of the contemporary Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Made with two million pieces of coloured stones, this mosaic is definitely a masterpiece, but one should not forget that- countless mosaics from the 5th till the 7th centuries- are scattered throughout the churches and houses of Madaba.

MOUNT NEBO
Just another six kilometers further down the Kings' Highway, one can find the presumed site of the Moses death and burial place. A magnificent panorama of Palestine is before you and the springs are located on the place where Moses is said to have struck the rock to bring forth water. A small, square church later expanded into basilica church and, a large cluster of monastic buildings are the result of sixty years of excavations.

DEAD SEA AND THE RIVER JORDAN
One simply has to stop to see the Dead Sea both interesting from an historical, spiritual and a geological point of view. Located 400m.below sea level, this is the lowest point on earth. Supporting no life and having no outlet, even a non-swimmer can float freely in the rich salty water or enjoy the pleasure of a mud bath with the sea's mud, well known for its healing powers. The Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are believed to be beneath its waters. One can visit Zoar, modern San, where Lot and his daughters are believed to have sought refuge after God destroyed the city of Sodom. Their cave is on a hill by a tiny spring overlooking the Dead Sea. Furthermore, the river Jordan is known as the place where Jesus was baptized and near where John the Baptist lived. One can easily spend a day in this area to visit the several historical places or to relax.

KERAK
Back on the Kings' Highway and a little bit further to the south, you find in Kerak the first out of the two most important Crusaders castles in Jordan, the other one being in Shobak.
On a plateau, this strategically located castle, was built to protect the approach of Jerusalem. In 1189 Saladin finally succeeded in defeating the Crusaders and incorporated it in the Arab world. The remains of the medieval town surrounded by high walls and the castle will give you a good idea about its strategic and historical importance.

South of Amman
PETRA
At the end of the Kings' Highway a big archaeological miracle is waiting for you to be discovered. Petra or "Rose Red City" is the most famous attraction in Jordan, and one cannot leave the country without visiting this capital of the Nabateans. Literally carved out of craggy rocks and hidden behind massive rocks, Petra was only rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Burckhardt. Petra is the legacy of the Nabateans, who settled in the south of Jordan more than two thousand years ago. From this hidden post, they dominated the trade routes of ancient Arabia, levying tolls and sheltering caravans. Petra was widely respected for its refined culture, massive architecture and water-channel system. Much of Petra's appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge or siq that one can pass on foot or on horseback. The close observer will even discover inscriptions carved into the stone. You will be astonished standing suddenly in front of the Treasury at the end of the siq and this is just the beginning. The hundreds of buildings, temples, baths and facades constructed by the Nabateans and the Romans can keep you for days in Petra.

WADI RUM
The last stop south before Aqaba is one of the most famous and magnificent desert landscapes of Jordan: Wadi Rum. This wide valley bordered by rugged wind and sand carved cliffs, is strongly associated with T.E. Lawrence or Lawrence of Arabia who expressed the beauty of Wadi Rum with the words Vast, echoing "God-like". The Wadi Rum used to be the territory of several bedouin tribes. Even though most of them nowadays live in cities and normal houses, one can still find the typical black tents. For those who would like to admire the sky and stars at nights, there is always a place in a bedouin tent. Walking, driving, climbing or riding a camel, everybody finds a way to discover the immense beauty of this vast desert. Especially in spring one can witness
Metamorphosis when the desert changes into a field of more than 2000 species of wildflowers. Naturalists should consider to visit the wild reserve in Dana set up by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to be taught about the different kinds of plants and animals found in this area.

AQABA
At the northeast end of the Gulf of Aqaba is Jordan's only Port. After travelling trough the rose-colored desert, Aqaba brings a welcome refreshing change. Aqaba's wonderfully hot
climate and low humidity make it a great place to relax. The city has grown considerably over the last years due to its excellent beach and water sports facilities. Discover the beauty of the coral reef with its untold variety of colorful fish. Swimming, diving, sailing, fishing, windsurfing; it is a pity that one cannot stay forever.

East of Amman 
THE DESERT CASTLES
In one day one can visit east of Amman all or just a selection of the desert castles (Qasr Al-Hallabat, Qasr Kharanah. Qasr Mushatta, Qasr Amra) built or reconstructed by the
Omayyad Caliphs. Built as hunting lodges, retreats of pleasure and bastions to protect the caravans, they are well preserved with frescoes and vaulted rooms and reveal sceneries of dancing women and the animals of the desert. Do not expect to find a lot of facilities in the desert but you can consider to spend the night in tents.