Jordan is a land rich in ancient monuments and cities of great historical value. Some of these sites are known the world over. Discover the 11 main archaeological sites in Jordan.
A trip to Jordan is an unforgettable experience. While its capital Amman may seem like a non-stop hubbub at first glance, it soon becomes clear that this is a city rich in discoveries.
Leaving Amman, we set off in search of the treasures of the Jordanian desert. Between sites lost in the middle of the desert, marvellous cities like Petra and reminiscences of the Crusader era, there are so many places not to be missed!
Are you a history buff? Discover the 11 main archaeological sites in Jordan!
Towns and cities
All three sites are classified as Unesco World Heritage Sites.
Petra
Conservation status : ★★★★
Public knowledge : ★★★★★
Historical influence : ★★★★★
If one were to mention an archaeological site in Jordan, Petra would immediately spring to mind. Capital of the powerful Nabataean kingdom some 2,000 years ago, the site is remarkable in many ways. Petra impresses with its past splendor and power. We marvel at the construction of the city, with its monuments carved out of the mountain.
Of all the images of Petra, it’s the Khazneh temple that keeps coming back. At night, its forecourt is illuminated by candles, a marvellous image that we treasure for the rest of our lives. The Khazneh is one of the best-preserved monuments in a city that is, on the whole, in a remarkable state of preservation, not least because of its particular location.
Petra is the Pompeii of the Arab world, a unique testimony to the past.
Siq-al-Barid
Conservation status : ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★★
In tourist circles, it’s known as Little Petra. The reason is obvious: this archaeological site in Jordan is simply part of the same complex as Petra! Yet it’s actually a different town, located just a few kilometers up the mountain from Petra.
Like Petra, it was the Nabataeans who built Siq-al-Barid, as it is known today. The construction techniques are the same. However, at Siq-al-Barid, the troglodyte constructions, i.e. those carved out of the rock, are particularly striking.
The most striking monuments are the triciliums, the name given to dining rooms in Roman times.
Um er-Rasas
Conservation status: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★★
Located to the south of the capital Amman, this archaeological site in Jordan is one of those mixing civilizations, eras and religions. There are Roman, Byzantine and early Muslim remains from around the 8th century.
It is Byzantine and Christian civilization in general that leaves the most lasting memories of Um er-Rasas. Despite the Muslim conquest by the Abbasid caliphate, Um er-Rasas remained a place of pilgrimage for Christians. This is why the ruins of Byzantine churches are the most numerous among those discovered by archaeologists.
Um er-Rasas is easily accessible from Amman.
Archaeological complexes
Amman Citadel
Conservation status: ★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★★
The Citadel of Amman is one of Jordan’s archaeological sites, where cultures, civilizations and periods blend together. The hilltop features the ruins of a Greek temple, an Umayyad Muslim palace and a Byzantine church.
The most remarkable monument is the Ammon Gate, which dates back to 1200 BC, the time of the kingdom of Ammon! Finally, the Amman citadel offers a magnificent panorama of the Jordanian capital.
Jerash
Conservation status : ★★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★★
Of all the archaeological sites in Jordan, some say Jerash is the most beautiful. While beauty is subjective, it is unquestionably one of the largest and most complete. Like other Jordanian sites, it preserves ruins from several periods and civilizations.
The most imposing vestige is the Greco-Roman oval square surrounded by Ionic columns. The Greco-Roman remains are by far the most numerous. During our visit, we discover temples, arches – including Hadrian’s Arch – ramparts, a racecourse… everything that made a Greco-Roman city in ancient times!
Some Muslim remains, including mosques, were also discovered by archaeologists.
Umm Qeis (Gadara)
Conservation status : ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★★
Although officially called Umm Qeis, this archaeological site in Jordan corresponds to the ancient Greek city of Gadara. The town is mentioned in the Bible, where Jesus is said to have performed one of his miracles.
Today, many Roman ruins remain. You can wander the cobbled streets of ancient Gadara or enter one of its many temples.
Umm Qeis has the disadvantage of being located very close to the Syrian and Israeli borders. This makes it a little remote from the rest, and while the risks are low in Jordan, you still need to be careful about your safety. For enthusiasts, however, this site is well worth a visit!
Castles and theaters
Al-Karak Castle
Conservation status : ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★★★
The age of the Crusades is one of those complex and fascinating periods. The region around the Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian borders was the central theater of the Crusades in the 12th and 13th centuries.
To protect themselves, the Crusader knights built almost impregnable edifices. While the best-known of these is the famous Krak des Chevaliers in Syria, the Château d’Al-Karak is not to be outdone. At the time, it was known as the Krak du Désert.
Today, although the premises have been renovated, they retain a special soul from that era, and you can imagine yourself immersed in it as you stroll around. Last but not least, the view from the heights is splendid!
Aljun Castle
Conservation status : ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★★
Although not originally a castle, this archaeological site in Jordan is the Muslim counterpart of Kerak Castle. It was built at the same time. The aim was to enable the Muslims to control the Bedouin tribes, some of whom were allies of the Crusaders.
Aljun Castle is one of the few remaining examples of a Muslim fortress. This is one of the reasons for its historical interest. The site is quite well preserved, giving an idea of Arab military architecture.
Amman Theatre
Conservation status : ★★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★★
Historical influence: ★★★
Back to the capital with this archaeological site in Jordan. Separated from the citadel of Amman, the theater dates from the 2nd century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. What’s most impressive, however, is its seating capacity, with no fewer than 6,000 seats!
The Amman theater demonstrates the exceptional acoustic knowledge of ancient scholars. Despite its immense size, spectators at the very top could clearly hear the performances, a fact that can be verified today. In fact, shows are staged in the theater.
This building is surrounded by other Roman remains, including a public fountain.
Geographical curiosity
Map of Madaba
Conservation status : ★★★★
Public knowledge: ★★
Historical influence: ★★★★★
Our selection ends with a curiosity. It’s hard to say whether this is a fully-fledged archaeological site in Jordan… but it’s a must-see! The Byzantine church of St. George is home to a mosaic, the only one of its kind in the world.
This floor mosaic is a cartographic representation of the region. It dates from the 6th century. You can clearly make out Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Bethlehem. An exceptional and unique heritage, a must-see if you’re in the area!
For our rating system, we used the following criteria:
– State of preservation: based on its date of construction and renovations, what condition the site is currently in;
– Public awareness: how well known the archaeological site is to the uninitiated;
– Historical influence: the historical importance of the site and its influence on subsequent civilizations.