Laman Web Rasmi Jabatan Penuntut Malaysia Jordan

Glimpse of Jordan

Jerash
We highly recommend a visit to this large, well preserved, 2,000 year old Greco Roman ruin. Its hundreds of columns, temples and streets are worth at least a half day's exploration. Jerash, which was discovered and excavated in the 1920s, is in excellent shape. In summer, see the fascinating sound and light show similar to the kind of production done at the Sphinx in Egypt. Among the ancient attractions are mosaics, a triple arched gateway, an oval shaped forum and Roman baths. We also enjoyed seeing the 2nd century Temple of Artemis, a 4th century Christian cathedral, the Street of Columns and the foundation walls of a 7th century Omayyad house. A theater, a 2nd century Triumphal Arch, a 2nd century Temple of Zeus (in ruins) and a fine museum round out the visit. Jerash can be visited from Amman by taxi, car or escorted day tour. 25 mi/40 km north of Amman.

Icon Karak

The roster of peoples who once controlled this ancient hilltop fortress reads like a who's who of Middle Eastern history: Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Muslim conquerors and the Ottomans were among the successive occupants, as each overran their predecessor. The castle's heyday was in the 12th century, when it was one of the key fortresses the Crusaders used to protect the Holy Land. Today the castle still boasts an impressive view, as well as a moat, lookouts, a dungeon and a chapel - all in good condition. A small museum holds coins, pottery and other artifacts from the site. Farther south (closer to Petra) is Shobak, another fortress from the Crusader period. 55 mi/90 km south of Amman.

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Madaba
The prime attractions of the venerable city of Madaba (it's mentioned in the Old Testament) are its many 6th century Byzantine mosaics. Perhaps the most impressive of these is an enormous 6th-century map of Palestine and Egypt that is located in St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. A few blocks from the church is the town's museum, which contains mosaics found in other parts of the region, as well as other ancient artifacts. The nearby mosaic school, established to teach the restoration of these rare artworks, is the only one of its kind in the Middle East. While in the area, consider a jaunt to Mt. Nebo it offers an excellent view of the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea and (on clear days) Jerusalem. A 6th century church marks the spot where Moses at the end of his life is said to have seen the Land of Canaan (he too enjoyed the view). Other area attractions include Mukhaiyat (2 mi/5 km southeast of Mt. Nebo), with a large, impressive mosaic floor; Mukawir/Makawir (15 mi/25 km southwest of Madaba it was Herod's palace, where Salome danced and John the Baptist was beheaded); the beautiful mosaics in the church at Siyagha; and the Zarqa Ma'in hot springs (located in a rock canyon boasting a natural sauna). The Dead Sea is also nearby. A visit of two or three days will allow you to see all of the sights. On the King's Highway, 20 mi/30 km south of Amman.

Petra

This ancient rose colored city in the Wadi Musa Canyon is one of the Middle East's greatest historical and architectural treasures. Carved from solid red sandstone by the Nabataeans some 5,000 years ago, it's unlike anything you have ever seen (unless, of course, you've seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, in which case you'll recognize it immediately much of the movie was shot around Petra). Once you've arrived in the area by car or bus, you'll need to leave your vehicle and walk or ride a horse or camel through a 2 mi/3 km narrow pass called the Siq. The pass (or wadi) leads you to more than 800 tombs and other impressive structures. Don't miss the temple, the treasury (Il Khaznech), the monastery and the Royal Tombs.

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