Along the banks of the Jordan River, lies a stunning nation of the same name. The Western Asian country of Jordan is full of history to share with the world. It’s home to the famed archeological site of Petra, as well as many other temples, ruins, and religious sites. With so many historic and ancient places to view and learn about, it can be difficult to decide where to start! This guide will make the process easier for you, giving you some great ideas for making the most of a historic journey through the beautiful country of Jordan.
PETRA
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the newly named 7 Wonders of the World, the famed archeological site of Petra can be dated all the way back to 300 BC, with some believing it is even older! It lies in Jordan’s Rum Desert, and the desert in itself is already worth the trip with some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the world. Petra has been nicknamed the “Rose City”, due to the pink colour of the sandstone cliffs surrounding the area.
The first site you must visit when entering Petra is Al-Khazneh. This temple was once inhabited by the Arabs of the Nabataean Kingdom. The building is jaw-dropping. It was built right into the cliffs and hosts a mighty “Grecian-style” facade. Another site to visit is the Ad Deir Nabataean Monastery. Also built into the sandstone, Ad Deir gives Al-Khazneh a run for its money! During an archeological expedition during the 1990’s an inscription was found on the monastery reading “the symposium of Obodas, the god”, leading people to believe that Ad Deir actually belonged to the Nabataean King Obodas I. The Monastery has also appeared in many films, such as Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009). Although technically it’s not a historic site, it’s highly recommended to take a stroll through the Siq walkway and marvel at the pink sandstone cliffs. Up next, the Great Temple! Built in the middle of the desert, this massive complex will take your breath away when you first lay your eyes on it. It seems to go on forever, with columns jutting out wherever you look. You can’t miss out on seeing this beautiful spot. Finally, it wouldn’t be a trip to Petra without seeing the Royal Tombs. These tombs are home to Nabataean royalty and are built into the Western-facing cliffs. Want to know a secret? Visit the Royal Tombs at sunset; seeing the golden light on the tomb is absolutely stunning! You could easily spend forever in Petra, taking in all the history, beauty, and stories from long ago.
AMMAN
As the capital city of Jordan, Amman seamlessly blends modern and ancient, allowing you to experience both in one place! One of the most famous sites in the city is the Citadel. You can’t miss this place. Home to the Temple of Hercules, with its tall columns, and stone hands that seem to hold the ruins up, it’s truly an amazing sight. Near the Citadel as well, is the Jordan Archeological Museum, featuring artifacts found over the years that can be dated all the way back to the Neolithic era. Just outside of the city, and well worth the trip, is the Roman amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century. This 6000-seat theatre was built into a hillside, and features a museum that you can visit! Now it’s time to bring in a little more colour! Built in the 1980’s, with its stunning bright blue roof, is the Mosque of King Abdullah I. More than 3,000 people of the Muslim faith come to pray here, and although it isn’t as old as some of the previously mentioned places, it does speak to the history of the Muslim people. Tourists are allowed to visit inside the Mosque, but we ask that you do so in a respectful manner. As this religious site is still used to this day, men must wear long trousers, and women must cover their legs, arms, and head.
OTHER SPOTS TO VISIT
While Petra and Amman each have many ancient sites all in close proximity, there are plenty of other places outside of the cities that have their own stories to share. First up is Qasr Amra, a castle built in the desert of Jordan. It was built somewhere between 723 and 743 AD. Qasr Amra is about a 1 hour drive East of Amman. Another trip to make is to head into the smaller city of Madaba. About 50 minutes south of Amman, Madaba is home to the stunning Madaba mosaic map. It covers the floor of the church of Saint George, from the Byzantine era. It contains some of the earliest cartographic stories of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Entry is free, but please be respectful as this church still in use.
Now, you can’t go to Jordan without visiting the Dead Sea. This ocean bordering Jordan and Israel earned its name from its high salt levels in the water, preventing almost any living organisms from surviving there, except a few types of bacteria. While many head to the Dead Sea to float in the water, there are also historic sites near the sea for both bordering countries. On the Jordan side, take a visit to Al-Maghtas, or the Jordan River Baptismal Site. In the water, leading to the Dead Sea, this religious site was used by the Arabic people. Its location is referenced in the Book of Joshua, as the point where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. It’s also said to be the spot where the Prophet Elijah rose to the heavens. It is now known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a chance for visitors to learn about the religious history of the area. Outside of the major cities of Jordan, there’s so much more to see if you’re willing to make the trek!
A STORY WORTH SHARING
Jordan is a country that has seen many hardships. It has been invaded by leaders from other Empires, has seen wars, and in modern times sees many refugees fleeing persecution in their home countries. But even through all of this, the Kingdom of Jordan has remained strong, and that is shown through all the historic and ancient sites. You can see them rising out of the desert, built into the sandstone cliffs, or along the banks of the river. If you listen closely, the ruins will tell you their story.
Want to learn the history of Jordan? Acanela Expeditions offers excursions to the kingdom of Jordan combined with Egypt. Highlights of the trip include Amman, Petra, the Dead Sea, and other Egyptian destinations such as Cairo and Giza. You even have the option to extend your trip and explore Israel! Book a trip with Acanela today for the journey of a lifetime!
Post Written By: Demitria Rounis