Sulamani Pagoda is known as the “Jewel in the Crown” and is famed as the pagoda of mural art. Its interiors feature well-preserved murals depicting seated Buddhas, reclining Buddhas, and — rare for Bagan — walking Buddhas. Historical records say that when King Narapatisithu ascended Tuywin Hill, he spotted a ruby shining in a depression and interpreted it as a sign from the Buddha, prompting him to...
Thatbyinnyu Temple is the tallest temple in Bagan, standing at 67 meters high with seven terraces. The building’s façade consists of two massive overlapping cubic structures. The temple, a white stucco structure meaning "Omniscience," was built by King Alaungsithu (1113–...
Introduction: Kerak Castle is a fortress built during the Crusades, consisting of various stone palaces and countless passageways. It impresses more with its grandeur than beauty and is a typical military structure. Currently, only parts of the above-ground walls remain relatively intact, while the underground sections are largely preserved, including a church, bedrooms, …
Introduction Little Petra is a stone-carved city similar to Petra. Though not as grand as Petra, it is exquisitely detailed. Being less famous and rarely visited by tourists, its quiet environment offers an atmosphere of exploration and discovery. Of course, the best treasures you can find nowadays might be...
Introduction: There are about seven hundred tombs in the ancient city of Petra, but the most famous are the Royal Tombs. Among them, the largest is the Urn Tomb. The tomb chamber is square, 18 meters high, and 20 meters long and wide. When you speak inside, the echo reverberates endlessly. During the Roman occupation period, an arched structure was added below…
Introduction Like Karak, Shabak was also built by the — and captured by Saladin. The rule of the — lasted only 75 years. The castle is built on a mountain and features a forbidden gate and three layers of walls, with lush orchards at its base. Despite the builders' painstaking efforts, the golden age of the — was coming to an end, and no fortress, however solid, could halt its decline...
Introduction: Aqaba Bay features deep, calm waters with sapphire-blue, crystal-clear hues. Thanks to the influence of equatorial warm currents and sea breezes, the average water temperature remains above 15°C even in winter, making it ideal for a variety of water sports. The bay is home to healthy and vibrant coral reefs that display stunning colors, dotted with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish — including adorable clownfish, Picasso triggerfish, and parrotfish. You’ll also find whale sharks, which may look fierce but actually feed on plankton, as well as elusive eels that dwell among the seaweed. Viewing the underwater world through a glass-bottom boat or even dancing with the fish among the corals is an unexpected highlight of your trip to Jordan. Aqaba boasts top-notch diving sites and clubs, and seaside hotels often organize water recreation activities. Diving Centers: Offer activities such as snorkeling, water skiing, and fishing, and rent various equipment including underwater cameras. Phone: (03) 2016250 Mövenpick Water Sports Center: Organizes water sports and sailing excursions. Phone: (03) 2034020 ext. 1153 Royal Diving Club: Provides guidance and equipment rental for various types of diving and underwater photography. Phone: (03) 2017035 Special Note: From March to April in spring, diving is not recommended as it is the peak season for algae growth, which can pose significant risks to divers.
Introduction Walking through the Siq into Petra, the first sight that greets you is the Treasury, or Al-Khazneh. This "Treasure House" is the most magnificent ruin in Petra, with a 43-meter-high and 30-meter-wide façade carved entirely out of rose-colored rock. It's hard to define whether it’s architecture or sculpture. This is a Roman Corinthian...
Introduction: On the coastal road of Aqaba, there is a castle from the Mamluk era. The so-called Mamluks were soldiers of slave origin from various ethnic groups. The Ayyubid dynasty formed an elite guard corps of Mamluk slave soldiers. The Mamluk cavalry was renowned for its bravery and combat skills. In 1250, they fought against the Seventh Crusade — contesting Cairo — …
Introduction: At the highest point of the small hill on the western side of Petra stands an altar, which was a site for religious ceremonies conducted by the Nabataeans and also offers the most ideal vantage point to overlook the entire city of Petra. The stone chamber originally used for preparatory religious rituals has now been converted into a museum, displaying pottery, sculptures, … unearthed in Petra from the Nabataean and Roman periods.
Introduction T. E. Lawrence described Wadi Rum as vast, seemingly endless, and as expansive as a temple. The desert in southern Jordan was where he once rode freely and also served as the main filming location for the movie *Lawrence of Arabia*. Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most spectacular desert landscapes and is also…
Introduction The grand theater south of Jerash was once a central hub of city life. With 32 tiers of seating accommodating 3,000 spectators, the stage backdrop, constructed from rose-colored limestone and white stone, glows with a golden-brown luster in the sunset. The doors on either side of the stage were originally two sluice gates, which are believed to have...
Introduction: The Aqaba Archaeological Museum displays artifacts unearthed in Aqaba and Wadi Rum. Opening hours: 8:00–19:00. Phone: (03) 2019063. Location: Near the Mamluk Castle on the Corniche. Ticket/Opening Hours: 0.5 Jordanian dinar (holders may also enter the Mamluk Castle).
Introduction Compared to many other Roman amphitheaters around the world, the scale of Petra’s Roman Theater is not particularly astonishing. What makes it special is that, like most of Petra’s structures, it was entirely carved out of rock. This theater was built during the reign of King Aretas IV of the Nabataean Kingdom, and was later further developed and expanded in the Roman style by the Romans...
Introduction The Dana Nature Reserve was established by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to protect and study local plant and animal species. According to recent surveys, this relatively small area is home to 703 plant species, 45 mammal species, 300 invertebrate species, 2 amphibian species, 36 reptile…
Introduction: Walk about 200 meters forward from the arched gate, and on the left side of the road you’ll find the Temple of the Daughters (Qasr al-Bint). It is said to be the palace of the pharaoh’s daughter, or possibly a temple. This is a massive stone structure built between 30 BC and 40 AD, and now only 23...
Introduction The Siq (Al-Siq) is the gateway to Petra, essentially a 1-kilometer-long rock fissure reaching nearly 100 meters in height. Walking through it, one can't help but marvel at nature’s craftsmanship while envying the fortune of the people of Petra for finding such a natural sanctuary. During the Nabataean and Roman periods...
Introduction The village of Moses Spring is said to be “Beth-peor” from the Bible, the location of Moses’ tomb. Legend has it that after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and wandered in the wilderness without water, he struck a rock with his staff, causing water to flow from the solid stone, providing drink for three hundred thousand Israe…
Introduction In 1997, archaeologists discovered the Temple of Milqart in Pella, which dates back over 3,600 years. This temple, measuring 29 meters in length and 22 meters in width with four floors, is the largest known temple structure from the Bronze and Iron Ages to date. From around 1650 BC to...
Introduction Wherever there were Romans, there would inevitably be grand bathhouses, as bathing was the most important social activity in Roman life, akin to the role of coffeehouses in later European society or teahouses in China. Jerash boasts two public baths. Though not particularly large in scale, the floors and poolsides...