The Most Interesting Cities To Visit In Jordan
A magical and fascinating land, Jordan is one of the great underrated destinations of the world, boasting a rich cultural heritage and astonishing natural environments. Caught between the past and the future, located in a quite troublesome area of the world but nevertheless offering one of the most inspiring travel experiences one could ever imagine. Jordan is the country of ancient cities and sand dunes, a place of marvelous seas and desert adventures. The hospitality of the Jordanian people is the ultimate highlight of this magnificent destination, while cities like Petra, Amman, Jerash, Aqaba, and Madaba make for extraordinary discoveries.
Petra
The jewel of Jordan and one of the most famous travel destinations in the world, the ancient city of Petra is truly magnificent, also known as the “Lost City”. Carved into a massive sandstone rock dating back to the 6th century BC, it used to be the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world. Part of a larger archaeological park, the main highlight is the grand carved entrance of the Treasury, but there are other attractions around, including the Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs, and the Monastery. One of the most unforgettable experiences is seeing Petra by Night, a unique spectacle of light and music with thousands of candles offering the place an enchanting atmosphere.
Amman
The capital of Jordan is often overlooked in favor of other destinations, but it has its own collection of amazing sights to explore. A great metropolis with four million inhabitants, Amman is a vibrant and complex destination, with ancient monuments intertwined with modern shopping malls and luxurious hotels. The most interesting attractions of Amman include the Jordan Museum, presenting the history of the city from its beginnings. It also features the Citadel with its temples, churches, and palaces, as well as the impressive Roman Theater, among others.
Jerash
The town of Jerash is located in the northern part of Jordan and houses one of the greatest and best-preserved ancient cities in the world. The Greek and Roman city of Gerasa flourished at the beginning of the 1st millennia, being one of the most developed places in the area, located at the crossroad of important commercial routes. The impressive archaeological park of Jerash includes a great area covered in ancient monuments, the most inspiring including the Forum, Agora, Hippodrome, Hadrian’s Arch, Cardo Street, great temples, and more. The city also features extremely interesting museums.
Aqaba
The small seaside resort town of Aqaba is of great importance to Jordan, as it is the only access to the Red Sea, offering both commercial connection and tourist facilities. Travelers can find a wide range of exquisite hotels and perfect beaches along the short stretch of the Red Sea, with world-class diving destinations that feature marvelous reefs and impressive wrecks. Apart from all the water activities, the main attractions of Aqaba include the old Aqaba Fort, the Heritage Museum, and the ruins of one of the oldest Christian Churches in the World.
Madaba
A small town of Jordan holds an incredible historical heritage, with some of the best-preserved ancient mosaics in the world. The most famous being the so-called “Madaba Map”, a mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Lands, dating back to the 6th century, located inside the St. George Church. There are also other mosaics displayed inside the Archaeological Park and Museum Complex of Madaba. The town also features other interesting monuments, while is a great base to visit the nearby Dead Sea, famous for its surreal environment and the great salt content, with travelers being able to float without any effort.
