View on South Roman Theatre in the center of Amman, Jordan. Adobe Stock
View on South Roman Theatre in the center of Amman, Jordan. Photo: Adobe Stock
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11 Historic Sites in Jordan Besides Petra

After you've visited the country's most famous attraction, check out these memorable destinations.

Marilyn Jones
|
March 2022
  1. Roman Theatre, Amman. Built around A.D. 140 in the city now known as Amman, the 6,000-seat theatre is one of the world’s best surviving examples of classic Roman amphitheater architecture. 
  2. Jerash. Continuously occupied for more than 6,500 years, it is considered one of the best examples of ancient Roman provincial town planning. 
  3. Umm Qais. High above the Sea of Galilee, Umm Qais has existed since the Hellenistic period and is best known for its Roman ruins.
  4. Ajloun Castle. Constructed in 1184 by Muslim Izz ad-Din Usama bin Munqidh as a defense against the Crusaders, it commands an excellent vantage point above the town of Ajloun.
  5. Baptism Site of Jesus. Some Christians believe the site to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, turning the Jordan River into holy water. 
  6. The Citadel. Located in the center of Amman, the Citadel shows archaeological evidence of use by several fallen powers, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad empires. 
  7. Qasr Amra. The 8th-century Jordanian desert castle, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, features murals containing mythological, historical, and philosophical images.
  8. Kerak Castle. A maze of corridors and chambers on seven levels highlights this impressive 12th-century Crusader-era fortification.
  9. Church of St. George, Madaba. This Byzantine church holds the famous Madaba Map of the Middle East, a floor mosaic dating back to the 6th century, the oldest known geographic floor mosaic. 
  10. Little Petra. Located away from the city deep within the canyon landscape and often missed by visitors, Little Petra is where you’ll find a remnant of Nabataean trade and living quarters.  
  11. Mount Nebo. This is where the Biblical Moses was to see the Promised Land for the first time. 
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