Petra is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Capital of the Nabataean kingdom before being annexed to the Roman Empire, this ancient city, from the time of the Romans, was progressively forgotten by the western world. Its ruins were rediscovered by European archaeologists only in the 19th century.

Today, it is possible to visit this archaeological site by entering through the Siq, as the narrow corridor between mountains is known. At the end of the Siq, the “Treasure” (Al Khazneh), which was likely to have been a royal temple or monastery, is one of the most fascinating ruins in Petra. Other outstanding ruins are the Roman Theatre, the Monastery and Avenida das Colunas. A hike up Aaron’s Mountain is rewarded with the best views of Petra and its magnificent stone-carved architecture.

2. Wadi Rum

Located in southern Jordan, the Jordanian desert of Wadi Rum is one of the most beautiful in the Middle East. Its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is explained by both natural and cultural reasons. Unlike traditional dune deserts, the Wadi Rum Desert boasts unique rock formations, covered in brown, cream, and red hues, which alternate with gorges and extensive valleys.

From a cultural point of view, in addition to cave inscriptions, there are references to this desert in the Bible and the Koran. At the beginning of the 20th century, Wadi Rum became associated with the English officer, immortalized as Lawrence of Arabia, who based his tactical strategy to defeat the Turkish Ottoman Empire on crossing this desert.

3. Dead Sea

Although the Jordanian territory is predominantly continental, a small part borders the Dead Sea, fed by the Jordan River. This salt lake is not only the lowest point on the planet, 430 meters below mean sea water level, but also has the highest degree of salinity, ten times higher than that of the other oceans.

The Dead Sea is an ideal destination to rest and regain strength. The water is very rich in minerals, and the high level of salinity allows you to float like in no other sea. Another attraction of this region is Al-Maghtas, an archaeological site inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located about 9 km north of the Dead Sea coast, this is where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

4. Jerash

Considered one of the best-preserved members of the Decapolis, a group of ten Greco-Roman cities on the eastern border of the Roman Empire, Jerash comes second on the list of Jordan’s most historically and culturally important sites, second only to Petra.

The main highlights of the ruins of Jerash are Hadrian’s Arch, built in 129 AD on the occasion of the emperor’s visit to the city, and the hippodrome, stage for sporting events and gladiator shows. The Archaeological Museum of Jerash is an excellent starting point to understand the rise and history of this site during the Roman Empire.

5. Amman

On a visit to Jordan, a visit to Amman, the capital and largest city in the country, is unavoidable, even if only as a starting point. Located between the desert and the fertile valley of the Jordan River, the city where about 50% of the country’s population resides offers a mix of ancient and modern.

Here, you will find a set of Roman ruins, with emphasis on the Roman Theater. The Citadel, one of the highest points in the city, is another place to visit, housing the Roman Temple of Hercules and the Ummayad Palace. The El-Malek Abdullah Mosque with its turquoise blue dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

6. Desert Castles

There is a group of buildings from the pre-Islamic period that dot the desert east of Amman. Most of these so-called castles date back to the 7th-8th centuries, built during the Umayyad dynasty that ruled from Damascus. They were used as a defense but also as a retreat for the caliphs. It was through this network of castles that the Umayyads were able to survive in the inhospitable conditions of the desert.

Many of these castles are now accessible by car, and can easily be visited in a day from Amman. The tour can include Qasr Kharana, one of the most famous castles, Qasr Al-Hallabat, famous for its mosaics and which includes the Hammam as-Sarah spa, and Qasr Amra, best known for paintings depicting hunting scenes, fruits and naked women .

7. Madaba

Just 35 km south of Amman, Madaba is known as the city of mosaics for having the oldest map of the Holy Land made from Byzantine mosaics. The map, with more than two million mosaics, can be found covering the floor of the orthodox church of São Jorge. Madaba’s history is exposed in the archaeological park and museum. The bell tower of the church of São João Baptista offers excellent views of the city.

8. Mount Nebo

Located northwest of Madaba, Mount Nebo is an important religious landmark. Biblical reference identifies it as the place from which Moses saw the Promised Land and where he died without reaching it. Those who climb the 817 meters of altitude are rewarded with magnificent views of the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, the city of Jericho and Jerusalem on clear days.

In addition to the view, at the top there are also traces of a church, built in the 4th century to mark the place of Moses’ death, and later transformed into a Byzantine basilica.

9. Al Karak

The city of Al-Karak, or just Karak, is located south of Amman, and is known for its castle dating from the 12th century, one of the largest that served the crusades in the Levant. In the 19th century, during the Ottoman Empire, the castle once again played an important role thanks to its strategic position between the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt and Syria. Overlooking the Dead Sea, the city of Karak is built on a triangular plain with the castle at the narrow southern tip. In the lower part of the castle, the archaeological museum explains the history of the city and the building.

10. Aqaba

Apart from the Dead Sea, the other waterfront in Jordan is found in Aqaba on the Red Sea, located in the extreme south of the country. Aqaba is the only port city in the country. The fine sandy beaches and coral reefs offer an alternative to the hot colors and oppressive heat of the desert, attracting diving lovers. The city has a 14th-century fort that contrasts with 5-star resorts that are among the most luxurious in the world.