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| Amman, the capital of Jordan |
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Start out with visiting Amman. The settlement mentioned in the Bible as Rabat Ammon was the capital of the Ammonites. In the Roman times it was renamed as Philadelphia. The city was the south ancient Greek-Roman settlement and part of the Decapolis League.
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Amman is a unique mixture of modern and ancient, it is a center of arts and business. A wide range of first-class hotels, restaurants, shops, exhibitions and art galleries are to your service.
Originally spread over seven hills like Rome, Amman now covers at least 14 hills on the hillsides on which white houses and villas are situated. Amman is often referred to as “white city” because of outstanding whiteness of the limestone used in construction. Nearly half of the Jordan’s population lives in Amman due to the optimum economic and climate conditions. The night life of the city is wild and suggests a lot of cultural measures, rest in the modern restaurants and clubs. The inhabitants of Amman are glad to show tourists their beautiful city. Amman is the perfect starting point for traveling all over Jordan because it takes you no more than four hours to get to the capital from any part of the country. In Amman there is a traditional eastern market of Souk; it is situated in the center of the city. Here you can find everything you would like to buy in Jordan. Moreover, Souk is a museum in the open air.
You will not get full impressions about country without visiting Amman. Even if you prefer sea-shore, spend one day in Amman and you will not regret. |
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Historical sightseeing |
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Petra |
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Petra,
the
pearl of
Jordan,
is the
most
amazing
place of
the Near
East.
At night
July 7,
2007 in
Lisbon
at the
ceremony
there
were
announced
the
results
of the
contest
“New
Seven
Wonders
of the
World”.
The most
famous
Jordanian
sightseeing
– Petra
– is one
of the
wonders
of the
world.
The
unique
architectural
constructions
built by
unknown
ancient
masters
were
well
preserved
till now
due to
the fact
that
they
were
carved
out of
solid
rock.
Today it
is the
most
striking
historical
monument.
Petra is
the part
of the
cultural
heritage
of the
ancient
Nabataeans,
the
industrious
Arabic
tribe
which
lived in
Jordan
more
than
2000
years
ago. The
Nabataean
Empire
existed
for many
centuries
during
which
Petra
was
famous
for its
culture
and
architecture.
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But
Petra
knew the
period
of
decline
and
destruction.
The
Nabataean
Empire
was
conquered
by Roman
Emperor
Trojan,
and some
time
later
the
Roman
Empire
collapsed.
By the
14th
century
AD the
territory
of the
Nabataean
Empire,
including
Petra,
was
absolutely
neglected
and
forgotten.
Only in
1812
Petra
was
reopened.
The
Swiss
explore
named
Johan
Ludwig
Burckhardt
being in
the
suburbs
of Petra
persuaded
his
guide to
show him
the lost
mysterious
city
about
which
there
were a
lot of
legends.
He wrote
in his
secret
diary:
“Probably,
the
ruins of
Wadi
Mousa
are the
remains
of
ancient
Petra”.
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The road
leading
to the
city
lies in
the deep
and
narrow
gorge of
the Sig.
It is a
cleft in
the rock
appeared
as the
result
of the
earthquake.
The path
winds
between
the
rocks.
Here one
can
notice
the
remains
of the
road
which
dates
back to
the
Nabataean
and
Roman
ages.
Here and
there
the
trees
and
bushes
grow
from the
rocks,
it is
amazing.
The
remains
of the
ancient
magic
bas-reliefs
and
gauges
for
ancient
water
tubes
remind
about
wonderful
people –
the
Nabataeans
who
created
all
these
things.
The
gorge is
1200
meters
long and
nearly
80
meters
tall.
Traveling
along
the
gorge
one
feels
like
Indiana
Jones
looking
for the
Holy
Grail.
Do not
be
quick!
Enjoy
the
interesting
sculptures,
wonderful
Petra
rocks,
their
multicolourness
and
quaint
forms.
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The Sig
exit is
the most
gripping
place
because
it
suddenly
opens
upon the
most
impressive
of all
Petra’s
monuments
– Al-Khazneh
(“The
Treasure”).
Its
façade
is
famous
due to
the film
“Indiana
Jones
and the
Last
Crusade”.
The
building
is 30
meters
wide and
43
meters
tall. It
was
thought
to be at
first
the
place
where
one of
the
Nabataean
kings
was
buried.
Later it
serves
as a
temple
and
treasure-house.
The
elegant
constructer
of its
facade
obliges
us to
bend our
heads
before
the
ancient
builders.
In Petra
one can
observe
a lot of
sights.
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It is
better
to look
round
the city
in the
early
morning
or
before
sunset
when the
sun
dissolves
in the
colours
of the
pink
stones
giving
additional
depth to
all the
tints.
If you
have an
opportunity
to spend
several
days in
Petra,
you
should
take
part in
the
excursion
“Petra
at
night”.
It takes
place
after
sunset.
You will
reach
“Al-Khazneh”
through
the
gorge
and
enjoy
the
unforgettable
Bedouin
music.
The
impressions
of the
city in
a light
of 1800
candles
will
remain
in your
heart
forever.
The
excursions
take
place
thrice a
week
(Monday,
Wednesday,
and
Thursday)
from
8:30
p.m.
till
10:00
p.m.
Petra is
not only
the
Nabataeans.
It takes
you 15
minutes
to get
from
Petra to
the
ancient
settlements
of Buda
and
Basta,
the
ruins of
the
Roman
fortress
in Uzrah.
Being in
Petra
one can
feel the
breath
of the
centuries,
admire
the
masterpieces
of the
ancient
artists,
get to
know how
people
lived 10
000
years
ago.
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What to
visit in
Petra: |
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There
are no
more
splendid
places
except
Petra!
It is
really a
unique
monument
of
architecture.
Visit
Petra
and you
will
never
regret!
Of
course,
you need
several
days to
examine
it
thoroughly.
If you
have not
such an
opportunity,
spend
only one
day in
Petra
with an
experienced
travel
guide,
and you
will
remember
it
forever.
Do not
forget
to take
a camera
because
all the
pictures
are
bright,
unique
and
unforgettable!
It takes
you
three
hours to
get from
the Dead
Sea and
two
hours to
get from
Aqaba to
Petra.
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Jerash |
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The
Greco-Roman
city of
Jerash
(ancient
Gerasa)
is
nearly
50 km
from
Amman.
It is a
perfect
place
for
one-day
tour.
One of
the best
preserved
Roman
settlements,
Jerash
is
referred
to as
the
“Pompeii
of the
Middle
East”
referring
to its
size,
extent
of
excavation
and
level of
preservation.
Jerash
is very
popular
with
tourists
(after
Petra).
One of
the
chief
cities
of the
Decapolis,
founded
by
Seleucid
ruler
Antiochus
IV,
Jerash
became a
real
city in
the 3d
century
BC. The
city was
flourishing
till the
1st
century
BC |
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due to
its
right to
control
the
eastern
trade
route
from
Egypt
and
Arabia
to
Persia
and the
Mediterranean.
Jerash
was
Emperor
Hadrian’s
favorite
city.
Due to
this
fact the
city
achieved
great
prosperity.
By the
3d
century
AD there
was the
rapid
decline
of
Jerash
when it
became a
Christian
city.
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Jerash
is a
perfect
sample
of the
traditional
Roman
architecture
of the
Middle
East.
Here one
can see
Zeus
temple,
Artemis
temple,
Hadrian’s
Arch, a
lot of
Roman
baths,
three
theatres,
temples,
hippodrome,
squares,
fountains;
also one
can walk
along
the
streets. |
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Every year
in July
there is
Jerash
festival of
culture and
art.
During the
festival the
city becomes
one of the
most busy
cultural
centers of
the world
where you
can visit
concerts,
ballet and
opera
performances,
craft
display. You
have a
perfect
opportunity
to visit the
festival if
the date of
your travel
coincides
with the
date of the
festival.
Detailed
information
about Jerash
festival of
arts and
culture can
be found
here:
www.jerashfestival.com.jo.
Being in
Jerash, one
can visit
the
performance
“Roman art
of war and
chariot
races” The
performance
takes place
every day
(except
Friday) at
11 a.m. and
3 p.m. (in
winter at 2
p.m.) in the
hippodrome.
The show
requires
payment.
Detailed
information
about “Roman
art of war
and chariot
races” can
be found
here:
www.jerashChariots.com.
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The
sights
of
Jerash: |
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Ajloun |
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Located
west of
Jerash,
Ajloun
castle
is one
more
Jordanian
treasure.
One can
get
there
walking
along
the road
through
the pine
forest
and
olive
grove. |
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Towering
on the
mountain
peak,
the
castle
was
built in
1184 by
one of
Saladin’s
generals
to
control
the road
between
Syria
and
Jordan
and to
protect
Ajloun
from the
Crusaders.
The
castle
is
almost
opposite
the
castle
of
Belvoir
on the
other
side of
the
Jordan.
Originally
it was a
square
castle
with a
tower at
each
corner.
Under
the
Mamelukes,
Ajloun
was one
in the
chain of
castles
using
heliograph
and
pigeon
post
could
transmit
messages
from
Damascus
to Cairo
within
twelve
hours.
It was
severely
damaged
by
earthquakes
in the
18th
century
and at
the
beginning
of the
20th
century,
and
restoration
work is
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The
entrance
to the
castle
is still
there
and the
castle
is
entered
over a
modern
bridge.
The
interior
is full
of
rambling
corridors
and
staircases.
Notice
the
“murder
holes”
in the
walls,
through
which
boiling
oil or
pitch
could be
poured
on any
invaders.
From the
castle
there is
an
impressive
view
over the
cultivated
terraces
nearby.
This
part of
Jordan
is one
of the
most
fertile
regions.
The
Ajloun
Mountains
are
famous
for
their
rich
greenery
and
thick
forests
with the
perfect
opportunity
for the
tourists
to have
a
walking
tour.
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The
sights
of
Ajloun: |
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the settlement of Anjara in the cave of which Jesus Christ with Maria and the Apostles had a stop. Now here one can observe the Virgin Temple |
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Tel Mar Elijah is the place where Elijah was taken to the heavens. Elijah is the Prophet for Christians and Muslims. Here one can observe the ruins of an ancient church |
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Umm
Qais |
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Gadara
(Umm
Qais) is
one of
the
Decapolis
ancient
cities.
It is
situated
on a
high
hill
above
the Sea
of
Galilee
and the
Galilee
countryside.
Umm Qais
is
nearly
one hour
journey
from the
town of
Irbid
and two
hours
from the
city of
Amman.
Umm Qais
is
famous
as the
place
where
Jesus
Christ
cured
two man
possessed
with
devils
by
forcing
the
demonic
spirits
to enter
a herd
of pigs. |
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This
story is
told in
the
Bible:
“And
when He
had come
to the
other
side, to
the
country
of the
Gergesenes,
there
met Him
two
demon-possessed
men,
coming
out of
the
tombs,
exceedingly
fierce,
so that
no one
could
pass
that
way. And
suddenly
they
cried
out,
saying,
“What
have we
to do
with
You,
Jesus,
You Son
of God?
Have You
come
here to
torment
us
before
time?”
Now a
good way
off from
them
there
was a
herb of
many
swine
feeding.
So the
demons
begged
Him,
saying,
“If You
cast us
out,
permit
us to go
away
into the
herb of
swine”.
And He
said to
them,
“Go”. So
when
they had
come
out, the
went
into the
herb of
swine.
And
suddenly
the
whole
herb of
swine
ran
violently
down the
steep
place
into the
sea, and
perished
in the
water”
(Matthew.
Chapter
8, 28). |
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In 323 BC
after the
death of
Alexander
the Great
the Egyptian
dynasty of
Ptolemaic
found the
city and
soon it
became a
fortress on
the border
against the
Seleucids.
Today one
can observe
the ruins of
the gates,
colonnade
which
suggests the
wealth of
ancient
Gadara.
Early
Gadara was
an important
cultural
centre, a
place for
the Romans
to have a
rest and
healing.
In
the 2nd
century AD
the city
reached its
prosperity
when Emperor
Trojan
united all
parts of the
region. This
age had an
impact on
the cultural
life of the
city. Here
the great
ancient
writers,
poets and
philosophers
lived.
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The
sights
of Umm
Qais: |
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Bethany
beyond the
Jordan |
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Several sites referring to as “Bethany beyond the Jordan” have been proposed for the location of John’s baptizing. The site of John the Baptizer’s settlement at Bethany beyond the Jordan where Jesus was baptized has long been known from the Bible. But there was no evidence of the definite place.
In the works of the early Christian pilgrims the Greek column with cross on the top was mentioned. The column symbolizing the place of baptizing was erected during the early Christian age. In 1996 the International Archeological group announced that they succeeded in identifying the site on the east bank of the Jordan. They found the foundation of the column. It was 40 meters east of the Jordan. In 2000 when the Pope visited Jordan the latter was declared to be the Holy Land where Jesus was baptized.
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Since that time there was a lot of reconstructions. The road for pedestrians, two restaurants, VIP-hall and travel agency appeared. Here one can also observe the ancient churches, John’s spring, the monkish cells, the places connected with Mary the Egyptian, the hill from which Elijah the Prophet was taken to the heavens.
Archeologists found here the remains of three churches named in honour of John the Baptizer, and next to them the remains of the church built by Emperor Anastasias.
On the river bank a new Orthodox church is built. Now people from all over the world come here to be baptized.
In January, 2007 King of Jordan Abdullah II presented one hectare of land on the holy bank of the Jordan to the Russian Orthodox Church. A temple and hostel for pilgrims will be erected here.
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The
sights
of
Bethany: |
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Tel Al-Harrar (Elijah’s Hill). Here one can observe the ruins of the ancient Byzantine monastery with churches, a big font and water-supply system. |
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building referred to as “praying” (3d century AD). It is the most ancient Christian temple in the world. |
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four Byzantine churches and big fonts with water-supply system not far from the river bank |
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Bethany
is 45
minutes
journey
from
Amman
and 30
minutes
journey
from the
Dead
Sea.
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Mount
Nebo |
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It is
one of
the most
revered
holy
places
in
Jordan
known
from the
Bible.
From
here
Moses
the
Prophet
saw the
Promised
Land:
“Then
Moses
went up
from the
plains
of Moab
to Mount
Nebo, to
the top
of
Pisgah,
which is
across
from
Jericho.
And the
Lord
showed
him all
the land
of
Gilead
as far
as Dan,
all
Naphtali
and the
land of
Ephraim
and
Manasseh,
all the
land of
Judah as
far as
the
Western
Sea, the
South,
and the
plain of
the
Valley
of
Jericho,
the city
of palm
trees,
as far
as Zoar”
(Deuteronomy
33:13).
Moses is
considered
to die
and be
buried
here,
but the
definite
place of
his
burial
is
unknown.
Mount
Nebo is
the
highest
point of
the
district.
From
here you
can
observe
the
Jordan
Valley,
the
Jewish
Mountains,
the Dead
Sea and
Jerusalem.
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The first
Christians
used Mount
Nebo as a
place for
pilgrims.
The first
church in
honour of
Moses’s
death was
built here
(6th century
AD). Today
rebuilt by
St. Fransisk
Archeological
Institute,
it is the
most
important
place for
pilgrim’s
tours.
Opposite
Moses Temple
there is
Moses’s
Crosier,
symbolizing
the snake
erected by
Moses in the
desert and
the Cross on
which Jesus
Christ died.
Mount Nebo,
Bethany
beyond the
Jordan,
Mukavir,
Tel-Mar
Elijah and
Anjara are
the places
for
pilgrimage;
it was
announced by
the Catholic
Church of
the Near
East.
Mount Nebo
is 10
minutes
journey from
Madaba.
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Madaba |
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Madaba
and its
suburbs
are
mentioned
in the
Bible as
Medeva.
It is
famous
for its
mosaic
map of
the Holy
Land and
Jerusalem
in St.
George
Church.
The map
is the
most
ancient
one (6th
century
AD).
Madaba
is known
as “the
city of
mosaics”.
Many
mosaics
are kept
in
Madaba
Archeological
Park.
Here one
can
observe
the most
ancient
mosaic
of
Jordan
(1st
century
BC).
Other
mosaics
can be
observed
in the
churches
of the
city.
Madaba
is forty
five
minutes
journey
from
Amman.
As a
rule,
Madaba
is a
part of
a
one-day
tour
including
a visit
to Mount
Nebo and
Bethany
beyond
the
Jordan.
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Hammamat Main |
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Main is
a place
with the
hot
mineral
springs.
To get
there
one
should
go down
the
serpentine
road to
the big
canyon.
From
above
the
beautiful
views of
the Dead
Sea and
canyon
are
opened.
Retiring
from
fuss
here one
can
enjoy
calmness
and
silence.
2000
years
ago the
ancient
historian
Flavius
wrote
that
King
Herod
frequented
the
springs
and
found
the
physical
and
moral
cure
here.
Hammamat
Main has
been
enjoyed
for
therapeutic
and
leisure
pursuits
for
thousand
years.
It is
very
pleasant
to visit
the hot
springs
in
winter,
especially
if you
suffer
from
rheumatism,
arthritis,
diseases
of
digestion
and
blood
vessel
system. |
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Here the
five-star
hotel
EVASON MA`IN & SIX SENSES SPA with
swimming-bath,
swimming-pool,
and
sport
facilities
is
available.
Next to
the
hotel
there is
a
sanitary
hospital
with
special
baths,
inhalers,
thermal
and
physical
therapy.
All
treatments
are
taken
under
control
of the
medical
staff. |
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Main is
25 km
journey
from
Madaba
and 30
minutes
journey
from the
Dead
Sea. It
is
convenient
to visit
Main
when one
has a
rest on
the Dead
Sea
shore.
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Desert castles |
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The
Caliph
Desert
castles
are most
interesting
sights
of
Jordan.
United
under
the name
of
“Desert
castles”,
these
complexes
served
different
purposes:
as
residences,
fortresses,
hunting
lodges,
caravanserais,
agricultural
and
trading
complexes.
As the
architectural
peculiarities
suggest,
the
castles
were
built
mostly
under
the
Umayyad
(661-750
AD). |
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These
complexes
include
30
castles:
Al-Muwaggar,
Al-Qastal,
Azraf
Fort,
Hamman
Assarah,
Mushatta,
Qasr Al-Hallabat,
Qasr
Kharaneh,
Qasr
Tuba,
Qusayr
Amra and
others.
Many
centuries
ago they
were
smothered
in green
gardens
irrigated
by
original
system
the part
of which
one can
observe
now. In
Qusayr
Amra
there
are very
interesting
frescos.
The
castle
is
protected
by
UNESKO.
The
frescos
depicting
human
beings
and
animals
which is
unusual
for the
Muslim
culture
surprise
you
greatly.
In Roman
times
the
black
basalt
fort of
Azraf
served
as a
stronghold.
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One can
get the
Desert
castles
going
east of
Amman.
One day
is
enough
to look
round
the
castles.
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Karak, Shobak |
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The
castles
of Rarak
and
Shobak
are the
bright
reminders
of
knightly
times, a
perfect
sample
of
architectural
and
military
genius.
Karak is
situated
on a
hilltop
about
1000
meters
above
sea
level.
Built in
1136, it
is a
dark
labyrinth
with the
galleries
and
endless
passages.
The
Crusaders
had
possessed
the
castle
till
1183
when
Saladin
captured
it. The
most
famous
owner of
Karak
was
Raynald
of
Chatillon,
a cruel
person.
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After
Baldwin’s
death
his
13-year-old
son
sought
peace
with
Saladin.
Soon the
young
king
died,
and the
new
owner
Raynald
declared
war.
Saladin
was
ready to
fight.
These
events
were
brightly
described
in film
“Divine
realm”.
The
battle
left
Saladin
with
many
prisoners.
Most
prominent
among
them was
Raynald.
Soon he
had his
head cut
off. The
huge
galleries,
endless
passages
impress
visitors
greatly.
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Shobak
is one
more
reminder
of the
Crusaders’
glory.
Despite
the huge
fortification
Shobak
was
taken by
Saladin’s
troops
75 years
later
after it
had been
built.
One of
the
castle’s
name was
“Montreal”
and as a
result
it has
some
elements
of the
European
style.
No
doubt,
those
who are
interested
in the
Crusaders’
history
will
visit
Karak
and
Shobak.
One can
get the
castles
going
south of
Amman.
It is
possible
to visit
Korak
and
Shobak
on the
way to
Petra.
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Wadi
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“Vast,
echoing
and
god-like
…” Such
words
were
said by
Lawrence
about
Wadi
Rum.
Among
the sand
dunes
there
are
purple-brown
mountains
changing
their
colour
according
to
position
of the
sun. The
landscapes
of Wadi
Rum are
not
comparable
to
anything
else
that is
why its
second
name is
“Moon
Valley”.
The main
sight of
Wadi Rum
is Its
Magesty
the
Desert
with
colourful
hills
above
the
smooth
goldish-pink
surface.
At the
beginning
of the
last
century
Wadi Rum
was
connected
with the
British
officer
T.E.Lawrence
and
Prince
Feisal
Hussein.
Much of
David
Lean’s
“Lawrence
of
Arabia”
was
filmed
in Wadi
Rum.
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The
lonely
rocks
attract
efficient
mountaineers.
Some of
the
peaks
are 1750
meters
high, so
only
skillful
sportsmen
can
reach
them.
Those
who
prefer
hiking
enjoy
exciting
walking
roots.
They
explore
endless
desert,
canyons
and
other
secrets
of
nature.
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The majority of
tourists prefer
to take 2-hour
safari jeep
travel. You
visit the spring
of Lawrence of
Arabia, the
mountain known
as “seven
pillars of
wisdom”, observe
ancient rock
pictures, enjoy
the sunset in
the desert. Then
you have an
unforgettable
supper with
Bedouins, sing
songs, and dance
at the fire. Do
not forget to
take warm
clothes, for
there is
difference
between the day
temperature and
the night one
(from 32oC
to 4oC).
Wadi Rum becomes
most beautiful
in spring when
after rains the
desert turns
green like a
soft carpet. Red
anemones,
poppies, black
irises (the
national emblem
of Jordan) grew
everywhere.
Wadi Rum is
nearly one hour
journey from
Aqaba (going
north from the
city). It takes
you 4 hours to
get from Amman
to Wadi Rum
(going south
from the
capital).
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Reserves |
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Azrak is
a unique
reserve
with
water-marsh
areas.
It is
located
in the
east of
Jordan.
Azrak is
one of
the
Jordanian
Royal
Nature
Protect
Society.
Here one
can
observe
natural
and
artificial
ponds. A
lot of
birds of
passage
stay
here to
have a
rest on
the way
from
Asia to
Africa.
Many
birds
live in
Azrak.The
best
season
to visit
Azrak is
late
autumn,
winter
or early
spring.
In the
reserve
after
winter
rains
there
are a
lot of
ponds
attractive
to the
great
amount
of the
birds of
passage.
Azrak is
a great
discovery
for
those
who are
fond of
observing
birds.
The
reserve
of
Shaumari
is the
centre
of
breeding
rare and
disappearing
animals.
Here you
can
observe
Arabian
oricks,
ostriches,
onagers
and
gracious
desert
gazelles.
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The
animals
are out
of
danger
and
their
population
constantly
rises.
Nobody
hunts
for
them.
The
reserve
of
Shaumari
is
famous
for
diversity
of
desert
flowers.
One can
observe
wild
fauna
from the
special
tower.
The
reserve
of Mujib
is
situated
in the
picturesque
canyon
of Wadi
Mujib.
In the
east the
reserve
borders
on the
mountains
of Karak
and
Madaba.
They are
900
meters
high
above
sea
level.
The
difference
between
the
heights
in the
reserve
is 1300
meters.
The
scientists
have
discovered
here 420
species
of
plants,
10
species
of
animals,
102
species
of
birds.
The
researches
have not
been
finished
yet. In
the
reserve
The
Royal
Society
for the
Conservation
of
Nature
offers
everybody
bicycle
tours
with
guides.
Within
the
tours
one can
visit
the Dead
Sea,
biostations
where it
is
possible
to
observe
ibexes,
the
canyon,
to cross
the
rivers
and
bathe.
The
reserve
of Dana
has
three
entrances:
above
and
under
Wadi
Rum. One
of the
entrances
is at
the
territory
of Dana
village.
Here you
are met
in the
special
House of
Guests.
The
second
entrance
(Tower
Centre)
is not
far from
Dana, in
the
settlement
of
Rammana.
Rammana
looks
like a
combination
of
encampment
and
resort
place
erected
specially
for
nature
lovers. |
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The third
entrance is at
the foot of the
mountain of
Feinan. It
resembles the
settlement of
Rammana.
One can get Wadi
Mujib going
along the motor
way the Dead Sea
– Aqaba. It
takes you nearly
an hour and a
half to get
there. One can
get Dana going
from Amman in
the direction of
Karak and Tafila.
Not far from
Tafila there are
two roads: one
of them to
Rammana, another
one to Dana. The
reserves of
Azrak and
Shaumari are
nearly 2 hours
journey from
Amman.
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The Dead Sea |
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The Dead
Sea is a
unique
natural
monument
and
health
resort.
It is
the most
salt
lake in
the
world
(410
meters
below
sea
level).
It is
eight
times
saltier
than the
Atlantic
Ocean
and
forty
times
saltier
than the
Baltic
Sea. The
Dead Sea
water is
very
“dense”
and
looks
like a
thick
oil
brine.
Healthy
characteristics
of the
Dead Sea
salt and
mud were
known
even in
ancient
times.
The
ancient
Greeks
and
Romans
built
here
health
resorts.
Cleopatra
realizing
the
benefit
of
minerals
used
them in
cosmetology.
Mark
Antony
conquered
the
territory
of the
Dead Sea
especially
for her.
While
salt in
the
water of
most
seas is
77%
sodium
chloride,
the Dead
Sea salt
is
25-30%
sodium
chloride,
50%
magnesium
chloride;
the
amount
of
bromide
is
eighty
times
higher
than in
the
Atlantic
Ocean.
The
water
contains
copper,
zinc,
cobalt
and so
on.
There is
no life
in the
Dead
Sea.
There is
neither
fish,
nor
water
plants
so the
ancient
Greeks
called
it “the
Dead
Sea”.
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The
density
of the
water is
so high
that one
can not
drown.
You
should
take a
shower
after
visiting
the Dead
Sea.
Bathing
in it
you will
be cured
of many
diseases.
The air
here is
dry,
clean,
without
dust and
with a
high
concentration
of
bromide.
The
atmospheric
pressure
is 800
mercuries.
It is
very
useful
for your
health.
Moreover,
the sun
rays are
filtered
in the
air, and
water
evaporations
work as
a
filter.
Due to
it
ultra-violet
is weak,
it is
ideal
for
heliotherapy.
The
minerals
rich
your
body
cells
with
oxygen,
take out
toxins;
the skin
is
moistened.
So, your
skin
becomes
more
elastic,
an
amount
of
wrinkles
decreases
and you
can cure
a lot of
diseases.
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The Dead Sea has
its own destiny
rich in
historical and
cultural events.
Many centuries
ago here there
were five
settlements
mentioned in the
Bible: Sodom,
Gomorrah, Admah,
Zeboim and Zoar
(Bela). Today
the eastern part
of the Dead Sea
is sparsely
populated. The
landscapes have
changed a little
since ancient
times; it makes
them attractive
for tourists.
The Dead Sea is
forty minutes
journey from
Amman.
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Aqaba |
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Aqaba is
a famous
Jordanian
window
to the
sea. The
resort
offers
perfect
sand
beaches
for the
family
rest,
beautiful
coral
reefs
for
diving.
Petra
and Wadi
Rum are
next to
Aqaba
and it
makes
the
place
very
interesting
for
tourists.
Aqaba is
a
charming
place.
It is a
small
world of
unique
historical
monuments,
perfect
hotels,
excellent
opportunities
for
shopping
and
hospitable,
friendly
people. |
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But the
main
sightseeing
of Aqaba
is the
Red Sea.
The
temperate
climate
and mild
sea
currents
form an
ideal
environment
for
coral
reefs,
marine
flora
and
fauna.
The
water is
perfectly
clear
which
provides
ideal
conditions
for
illumination.
One can
feel
pleasant
freshness
even in
the
hottest
season
of the
year due
to
constant
breeze.
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Aqaba is
proud of
organizing
day and
night
diving
in the
reef
zone of
the Red
Sea.
Besides,
every
hotel
helps
you to
organize
sea
fishing,
traveling
in boat
with
transparent
bottom
and
other
entertainments.
In
five-star
hotels
diverse
excursions
on the
ships,
interesting
journeys
to the
Egyptian
islands
of
Pharaoh
wait for
you.
The
eternal
rich
life of
the
reefs
amazes.
Thickets
are
mixed
with sea
anemones
above
which
there
are
different
bright
fishes:
blennies,
anemone
fish,
hump
head
fish,
bullheads,
needle-fish
and
thousands
and
thousands
of
others.
There
are
several
diving
centers
in Aqaba.
They
provide
sound
diving
equipment,
efficient
instructors
and
boats.
Those
who want
to see
the
miracles
of the
marine
bottom
can rent
a boat
with
transparent
bottom.
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For nine
months
the
water in
Aqaba is
ideal;
only in
summer
it is
very
hot. But
even in
summer a
lot of
tourists
visit
the
place to
have a
rest
walking,
bathing
and
entertaining
24 / 7.
Aqaba is
four
hours
journey
from
Amman if
you use
the
Desert
Highway
and five
hours
journey
if you
use the
Royal
Highway.
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