The Hidden Side of Jordan- Places Locals Keep Secret

In a land where water is more precious than gold, Jordan challenges travellers to witness survival transformed into art. Every drop here tells a story of human resilience, where ancient civilisations carved magnificent cities like Petra into solid rock, defying a landscape that promises death but delivers unimaginable beauty. Imagine floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, or walking the same paths as ancient civilisations through Roman ruins. Today I'll take you on a journey to uncover the true character of Jordan, from its natural wonders to the mysterious Mount Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land, places that may seem beautiful at first but hold secrets few people know about. The Jerash Archaeological Site, also known as Jerash Roman Ruins, is one of the most well-preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world. It showcases the grandeur of Greco-Roman architecture and urban planning. Jerash was originally known as Gerasa and flourished during the Roman period in the first few centuries AD as part of the Decapolis, a group of 10 cities promoting Greco-Roman culture. Its decline began in the 7th century after the Persian invasion and Islamic conquest, compounded by a devastating earthquake in the following century. Situated on a series of seven hills, Amman is the capital of Jordan and the largest city in the country. Its history dates back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of settlement as early as 7,250 BCE. A 6,000-seat amphitheatre from the 2nd century AD, the Roman Theatre in the capital is one of the most iconic landmarks showcasing the city's Greco-Roman history. It was built when Amman was known as Philadelphia, a city of the Decapolis, a federation of 10 towns in the Eastern Roman Empire. Designed to host plays, musical performances and other public events, the theatre was a focal point for communal gatherings. The Amman Citadel, or Jabal al-Qalaa, is a historic hilltop site overlooking the capital. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, with evidence of human occupation dating back to the Bronze Age. The site was once known as Rabat Amman, the capital of the Ammonite kingdom in the 13th century BC. Over millennia it became home to various civilizations, including the Ammonites and the Greeks. Within the citadel there is the Temple of Hercules. It features massive stone columns and the remains of a hand, believed to be part of a large statue of Hercules. The citadel is also home to the Umayyad Palace, a large complex dating to the early Islamic period, built in the 8th century AD. Qasr Amrah, located in the eastern Jordanian desert, is one of the most remarkable examples of early Islamic art and architecture. Constructed during the Umayyad Caliphate in the 8th century, it is celebrated for its unique frescoes. The French Fortress is an intriguing structure that is often mistaken to be an ancient palace or city ruins, but in reality is an abandoned game show set. It was constructed in 1998 as the primary set for the French television game show The Desert Forges, which then aired in 1999. The show featured contestants undertaking various challenges within the fortress and the surrounding desert landscape. Despite the ambitious production, the show struggled with low viewership, leading to its cancellation after only a few episodes and the abandonment of the so-called fortress. It can still be seen in the desert of Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum, located in southern Jordan, is a mesmerising desert valley. The desert is characterised by its unique rock formations and minimal light pollution. It features towering sandstone and granite mountains, narrow canyons and sweeping dunes in shades of red, orange and yellow. The desert gained global fame through its association with T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt during the First World War. It also served as a film location for movies such as The Martian and Dune. One of the most famous formations in the desert is the Mushroom Rock, which just like its name resembles a giant mushroom due to natural weathering processes over time. The desert is also renowned for its rock bridges, Umm Fruth Rock Bridge being one of the most iconic and frequently visited. It is a striking natural arch of sandstone, perched about 15 metres above the desert floor. There is also the Jebel Burda Rock Bridge, which is also one of the highest natural rock arches in the desert. The Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the traditional lifestyle of Jordan's nomadic Bedouin tribes. These camps range from basic accommodations to luxurious glamping sites, all infused with authentic Bedouin culture and hospitality. Most of the traditional camps consist of goat hair tents, which are naturally insulating and provide shelter from the sun and cold desert nights. The main hot springs is a natural wonder in a spectacular canyon, surrounded by rugged cliffs. The springs are rich in minerals such as sulphur, magnesium and potassium, known for their therapeutic properties. It is located on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, which lies just within the country's borders. Renowned as the lowest point on earth at approximately 430 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is a hypersaline lake with unique geological and historical significance. It is nearly 10 times saltier than regular seawater, with a salinity of about 34%. This high salinity prevents most aquatic life, giving it the name Dead Sea. Its dense waters also allow people to effortlessly float and is also known for its ability to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne. The Memorial Church of Moses, located atop Mount Nebo, is an important pilgrimage destination, as it is believed to be the place where Moses saw the Promised Land before his death. Tradition holds that Moses may be buried nearby, although his exact burial site remains unknown. The Siq, or Al Siq, is a dramatic canyon that was carved into rose-red sandstone by natural forces. It was formed by tectonic forces that split the sandstone mountain and was later shaped by water erosion over millennia. The walls of the Siq display a palette of colours, from deep reds to soft yellows, with intricate patterns created by natural sedimentation. It serves as the main entrance to the ancient city of Petra. Petra, often referred to as the Rose City, was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and home to the treasury. Al-Qasna, simply known as the treasury, was carved in the 1st century BCE as a royal tomb. The treasury's stunning façade, with intricate Corinthian columns and sculptures, is a masterpiece of Nabataean artistry. It reflects the Nabataeans' ability to integrate Hellenistic and Eastern architectural influences into their own unique style. The name originates from local legends that bandits hid treasure in the urn atop the structure. However, this turned out to be a myth as no treasure has been found. Another building that is even larger than the treasury is Ad-Der, or simply the monastery. Perched high above the main city, this massive rock-cut structure was built during the same era as the treasury by the Nabataeans. The name monastery is a later designation from the Byzantine period when the structure may have been used as a Christian hermitage or church. The façade is simpler than the treasury but equally monumental, with broad, unadorned surfaces accentuating its scale. Other than the main attractions, the ancient city expands into a large valley of around 264 square kilometres. It is dotted with numerous intricate tombs, temples and caves, as this was where the Nabataeans built their city's religious and commercial sites. In fact, the city was a major hub on ancient trade routes connecting Arabia, Egypt and the Mediterranean. Goods like spices, silk and incense flowed through the city. There is even a grand Roman-style theatre seen in the city, referred to as Nabataean Theatre. It is a remarkable structure carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffs. Following Petra's incorporation into the Roman Empire, the theatre underwent renovations, reflecting the Roman style while retaining its original elements. Wadi Mujib, another spectacular canyon with a river that empties into the Dead Sea. Fed by seven tributaries, Wadi Mujib's river flows year-round creating stunning pools and cascading waterfalls. It is also a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve that is one of the lowest nature reserves in the world. This is Jordan, a land of natural wonders and remarkable architectural marvels. Now if you don't want to miss the greatest wonders of Ireland, check out this video.