Jordan is an exceptional journey through time, exploring seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where Jordan's ancient history blends with its vibrant present in a unique experience.
From Petra, the rose-red city that embodies the grandeur of ancient civilizations and is considered one of the greatest and richest archaeological sites in the world, where structures carved into red sandstone blend seamlessly with breathtaking natural scenery, to Wadi Rum, where breathtaking landscapes shaped by millions of years of time, visitors experience an immersive journey amidst timeless wonders. They can also learn about the peoples who have passed through this land, leaving behind a cultural and artistic legacy that reflects human ingenuity and creativity, as well as enjoy breathtaking views crafted by nature in its unique style.
A world of wonders... right at your doorstep
Thanks to its strategic location, Jordan is only a short flight from major Gulf cities, making its UNESCO World Heritage sites ideal destinations for short trips or weekend getaways, offering captivating cultural experiences for the whole family. Nature lovers will find a stunning variety of easily accessible landscapes and attractions in Jordan, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of history and beauty.
The journey begins in Petra, the ancient city located between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, with roots stretching back to prehistoric times. This rock-cut capital of the Nabataeans was a vibrant trading center on the caravan route, through which precious goods from the East, such as Arabian incense, Chinese silk, and Indian spices, passed during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Petra is distinguished by its unique rock-cut architecture, its narrow passageways, and rocky canyons, which give it a captivating and enchanting character. In southern Jordan, the Wadi Rum Nature Reserve spans 74,200 hectares, captivating visitors with its exceptional natural landscapes, shaped by the elements over more than a million years. Here, visitors encounter stunning desert terrain sculpted by wind and water into the continental sandstone, telling a story of geological evolution that continues to shape this breathtaking landscape.
The journey takes us to the heart of Jordan, where Salt boasts three closely spaced hills that have, over time, embraced a city brimming with life and history. Salt has long been a thriving commercial center, distinguished by its unique urban planning and buildings constructed from yellow limestone. During the last six decades of Ottoman rule, the city attracted traders from Nablus, Syria, and Lebanon, giving it a diverse economic and cultural character that remains present in its ancient alleys and neighborhoods. In the Jordanian desert, Qasr Amra stands as a testament to the grandeur of early Islamic art and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique palace was built in the early 8th century AD next to Wadi al-Batam, serving as a military fortress housing a garrison and a recreational palace that embodies the splendor of the Umayyad era. The palace is famous for its unique decorations, particularly the ornate murals that adorn the reception hall and baths, which are considered an exceptional masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, making it an unmissable stop for art and culture enthusiasts.
An invitation to explore the hidden treasures and secrets of history
Umm ar-Rasas remains one of the most mysterious archaeological sites, with all its secrets buried beneath the sands yet to be revealed. Its history began as a Roman military camp before transforming into a thriving city in the fifth century AD. Today, the site invites visitors to delve into the depths of history, recounting some of the features of the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic eras (from the late third to the ninth centuries AD). The site also includes 16 churches, some of whose mosaic floors still retain their original splendor, testifying to an enduring artistic and cultural legacy.
In the heart of the basalt plain of northern Jordan, Umm al-Jimal is the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modern city blends seamlessly with its ancient archaeological heritage, embracing nearly two thousand years of history and culture, spanning the Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Mamluks, and Ottomans, all the way to the modern era. Visitors can explore more than 150 carefully preserved archaeological sites, revealing the unique architecture and ancient ways of life that flourished in this exceptional location.
For anyone seeking a profound spiritual experience or longing to delve into the pages of living history, the Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) is a must-see destination. Located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, nine kilometers north of the Dead Sea, this ancient site encompasses two distinct archaeological areas: Tell al-Kharrar, also known as Mount Mar Elias (Mount of the Prophet Elijah), and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river. This sacred site also includes churches, temples, monasteries, and caves used by ascetics, in addition to water pools used for baptismal rites, making it an enduring witness to one of the holiest religious events in Christian history.
