Easy hikes and walks in Jordan

Above Petra, the so-called Royal Tombs rise majestically, a series of large burial complexes with impressive facades. Entry costs a hefty 85 euros (70 Jordanian dinars).

Petra can be accessed from the back (dropped off by the jeeps), giving you a great point to point walk through the city. This path starts off with the feel of a hiking path, you’ll pass lots of vendors selling drinks and memorabilia before suddenly popping out at the Monastery.

Amman Citadel, Amman, Jordan 🇯🇴 The Amman Citadel, known locally as Jabal al-Qal'a, is a historic site at the center of downtown Amman. The hill has been inhabited for thousands of years, and it is a fascinating tapestry of history, with evidence of ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad civilizations. The site is a must-see for anyone interested in the rich history of the Middle East. Standing high above the city, the Citadel offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Amman, from its bustling souks to its modern high-rises. It provides a unique perspective on how the old city and the new city blend seamlessly together. Walking through the ruins gives a sense of the immense scale and power of the empires that once ruled from this very spot. The ancient stones whisper stories of trade routes, conquests, and daily life. The Citadel is home to several key landmarks, including the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church. The Temple of Hercules is a particularly impressive sight, with its massive columns still standing tall against the sky. The Umayyad Palace is a testament to early Islamic architecture, and its iconic domed audience hall is a popular photo spot. Together, these structures make the Citadel a living museum.

The Nymphaeum in Jerash, Jordan, is an elegant and well-preserved ancient Roman fountain dedicated to the water nymphs. Constructed around 191 AD, it served as a major source of water for the city, supplementing smaller public fountains. This monumental structure is a highlight of the ancient city of Jerash, showcasing the architectural and cultural richness of the Roman period. The Nymphaeum was originally a two-story construction, elaborately decorated with marble facings on the lower level, painted plaster on the upper level, and topped with a half-dome. Water cascaded through seven carved lion's heads into a large basin. The fountain is framed by finely sculpted Corinthian columns, and a pink-granite basin, likely added by the Byzantines, sits at its foot. Today, visitors can explore the site and marvel at the splendor of the Nymphaeum, imagining its majesty in its prime. The well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the ancient Roman city of Jerash, allowing one to appreciate the artistry and engineering of the time. Would you like to know more about Jerash?

From the biblical accounts of the New Testament, we know that the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah, called John the Baptist, was six months older than Jesus Christ. He is considered Jesus' forerunner, proclaiming to the people the turning away from sin and baptizing them in the Jordan. One day, Jesus also came to John to be baptized. However, the exact location of this event cannot be determined in a scientific or archaeological sense. Today, the Jordan River forms a long stretch of the border between the two countries of Israel and Jordan, and so it should come as no surprise that there is a place on both sides of the river—and thus in both countries—where Jesus' baptism is said to have taken place.

The automatic translation of the highlight name for this Greek Orthodox church into German is very misleading, as the program used incorrectly chooses the feminine form for "Saint John the Baptist."

The Jordan River is the most important source of freshwater for both Israel and Jordan. Of the 1,200 million m³ of water the Jordan carries annually, Israel draws 500 million m³ from the Sea of Galilee alone. This water is used primarily for irrigation in the Negev Desert and to supply drinking water to cities.

Pope John Paul II's visit to Israel and Jordan in March 2000 sparked a flurry of construction activity here. On the other side of the Jordan River, in Jordan, research into these sites began before 2000, with plans to open them to tourists over the next few years. Israel first became interested in opening this area a year before the Pope's visit in March 2000. Since then, the State of Israel has invested several million shekels in this project, and after lengthy planning and implementation of infrastructure work, the project was completed in 2011.