Jordan, one of the most outstanding travel destinations, features so much of Asian, Middle Eastern and as well as European elements. This is why travelling to this country is often considered so wholesome. Visiting the best of Jordan’s tourist attractions has been made easier with Jordan Pass.
Jordan Pass is a single ticket that allows you to access 40 tourist sites in Jordan. Yes, you heard that right! We are talking about visiting 40 tourist locations with just one pass!
Many holidaymakers don’t even know what locations, or rather attractions are included in a Jordan Pass. We are going to take you on a quick trip to all of these 40 places so that you can customise your Jordan Vacation exactly the way you want it to be. Are you ready for the roller coaster ride? Fasten your seat belt, and here we go!
40 Tourist Attractions Included in Jordan Pass
With the introduction of Jordan Pass, the Jordan tourism board has made it incredibly simple and straightforward to access the country’s best travel spots. But still it is not possible to cover all those forty places in a single go. You can handpick your favourites from the places we are going to mention in this article.
Petra
Nestled between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra is one of the most celebrated tourist spots in Jordan and no wonder why everyone with a Jordan Pass heads for this magnificent heritage site. This rock-cut capital city of Nabateans has been inhabited since prehistoric times and.
The most fascinating part of Petra is its half-done structures. This means this place showcases beguiling architecture which never reached the final stage to achieve the outcome they were expected to be. Still, this UNESCO World Heritage Site mesmerises every visitor with its gigantic ancient remains.
Jerash
We do not hesitate to announce Jerash as the closest competitor of Petra. This ancient city in Jordan comes with a legacy of more than 6,500 years. Since Neolithic times, Jerash has been nurturing human settlements that came to a golden age under Roman rule.
The City of Jerash is acknowledged as one of the world’s best preserved Roman provincial towns. This whole place remained hidden under the sand for centuries. Not more than 70 years ago, Jerash was excavated, restored and revealed to the world with its enchanting Roman elements.
Jerash is one of the finest torchbearers of provincial Roman urbanism dotted with hilltop temples, paved streets, colossal theatres, relaxing baths, spacious public squares, ornamented gates, towers, fountains and infallible city walls. Your Jordan Holiday is incomplete without a visit to Jerash.
Wadi Rum
Jordan is the land of unusual landscapes and Wadi Rum is the face of that intriguing side of the country. This destination features dramatic sandstone elevations with some unbelievable natural arches. Once you are at Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA), you will be blown away by its other-worldly landscape.
Covering an area of about 74,200 hectares, Wadi Rum sits in the far-south of Jordan and east of the Rift Valley. The blood red sands of this desert area along with strange sandstone mountains create a somewhat Mars-like environment. Visiting Wadi Rum truly feels like stepping your foot into another planet. We guess nobody likes to miss this chance with a Jordan Pass in their hand!
Amman Citadel
The Amman Citadel is an absorbing archaeological site where you can find this crowd-puller at the centre of downtown Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Dated back to the Bronze Age, this place has a number of iconic ancient remains including the Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Church and the Umayyad Palace.
Gracing the top of Jabal Al Qala’a hill, the Amman Citadel overlooks the old city from a height of about 850 metres off the sea. When you are in Amman, don’t skip the Jordan Archaeological Museum that brought an impressive collection of artefacts even from Bronze Age and very famous Ain Ghazal statues.
Ajloun Castle
Ajloun is known for its mountains covered with lush vegetation and deep green forests. But wait, that is not what Ajloun is all about! The most outstanding element of this stunning destination has to be the Ajloun Castle. Set on top of Mount ‘Auf, this castle treats your eyes with fabulous views of the Jordan Valley and surrounding desert.
Ajloun Castle is a 12th century fortress built about 1250 metres above the sea level to keep the military vigilance effortless. The main structures have undergone many reconstruction phases and each of those phases kept adding new chambers, towers and carvings.
Quseir Amra
Erected during the early phase of the 8th century, Quseir Amra is an exceptionally well-maintained desert castle in Jordan. Once acting as the royal abode for the Umayyad caliphs, this fortress features a garrison speaking of its military past.
The most eye catching features of this beautiful pleasure palace are the hammam and the reception hall. Both of them are heavily decked up with figurative murals reflecting the secular art of that time. The wall paintings of Quseir Amra showcase influences from classical pagan themes with so much of animal and bird images, Byzantine style portraits and hunting scenes.
Umm Qays
The site of Umm Qays is an amazing archaeological experience loaded with ruins from different eras. Once known as the city of Gadara, this place has seen the best days of Roman times being the home to several philosophers and poets.
The entire village of Umm Qays looks breathtaking with its cobbled streets and old courtyards. As the village sits at a crossroad between three countries, the top of the village offers spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, the border of Syria, Jordan Valley and even Mount Hermon on a clear day.
Karak Castle
Located 140 kilometres south of Amman, Karak Castle is a captivating Jordanian landmark serving as a melting pot of history, culture and war. The castle was built by the crusaders in the 12th century on the highest hill of the old town of Karak. To ensure more safety, the whole structure was put inside a long stretch of wall.
This castle has been included in your Jordan Pass Tour because it still has got that raw charm of ancient archaeological edifices backed by mindfully done restoration works. Karak is an interesting retrospective of Crusader architecture with Arabian additions.
Qasr Al-Azraq
Situated on the edge of the dusty Azraq oasis, Qasr Al-Azraq is an interesting tourist point. The fort is made of black basalt and it works as a stimulating factor for the people to stop here. Built by the Romans in the 3rd century, this imposing fort is where TE Lawrence found a base during the Arab Revolt against the Turks.
Qasr Al-Azraq has been given a square structure with 80 metre long walls encircling the massive central courtyard. The main entrance from the South tower is made of two humongous basalt slabs. The fort flaunts many additions made during hunting sessions of the Umayyad caliph Walid II.
Qasr al-Hallabat
Nestled in the middle of Jordan’s eastern desert, Qasr al-Hallabat is originally a Roman fortress built under Emperor Caracella. The purpose was to protect the inhabitants from Bedouin tribes. This is again a structure that incorporated black basalt as one of the main construction ingredients.
The mosaic floors, connecting archways, small but attention-grabbing mosques, spacious palace courtyards are the things at Qasr al-Hallabat that can give visitors a glimpse of the time when things were certainly more mighty and grand.
Pella
Jordan’s biblical history is quite sturdy since time immemorial and Pella or the city of Peniel is one of those places with strong biblical reference. This is a must visit destination not just because of its religious importance but also for its scenic beauty, immersive culture and enthralling history.
Pella features plenty of ancient ruins patched with green pastures and blue sky in the backdrop. The Roman baths, Byzantine houses, Islamic quarters, courtyard and mosques here date back to over 6,000 years.
Umm Qays Museum
When you are roaming the archaeological site of Umm Qays, make sure to visit the Umm Qays Museum which is also included in your Jordan Pass. This museum helps visitors to gain more insights about Jordan and its evolution over a long period of time.
Umm Qays Museum also offers valuable additional background on the art pieces and archaeological specimens kept protected under its roof. Hire a guide to listen to some of the baffling facts along with fascinating tales on Umm Qays and Jordan.
Umm Ar-Rasas
The last UNESCO World Heritage Site from our list of Jordan Pass destinations is none other than Umm Ar-Rasas. This place consists of remains from the Byzantine, Roman and early Islamic eras. Umm Ar-Rasas was originally developed as a Roman military camp which later grew into a flourishing town in the 5th century.
This fortified military base is particularly known for well-preserved mosaic floors (specially the floor of the Church of Saint Stephen), ancient churches, square towers and so many thought provoking traces of Byzantine settlements.
Shobak Castle
Shobak is another enticing castle in Jordan which was strategically set atop a mountain. This magnificent castle was built in 1115 under the supervision of King Baldwin I. Perched in a wild landscape and remotely placed from any bustling settlement; Shobak wins the hearts of castle-lovers instantly.
Within the Shobak Castle there still exists a small world where you can go on an imaginary treasure hunt amidst the piles of historic ruins, churches and a secret passageway. The castle also comes with a watchtower, Christian carvings, Islamic tablets and catacombs.
Umm al-Jimmal
Rising out of the semi-arid northern basalt plain in Jordan, Umm al-Jimmal is both an ancient archaeological site and a modern-day town. Infused with Nabatean, Roman, Byzatinian, Mamluk, Umayyad and Ottoman influences; this is the home to almost 2000 years of history and heritage.
One can explore Umm al-Jimmal’s 150+ well preserved historical structures along with hosh-like plazas and winding alleys. A visit to this town will surely enrich your archaeological experience with so much of Bedouin cultural inputs.
As-Salt Historical Museum
As-Salt Historical Museum in Jordan is a specialised regional museum established in 1983 to narrate the history of the Al Balqa region and the civilization that developed in that area over different eras. The exhibits of the museum range from the Chalcolithic Age to the latest Islamic Age.
The building that houses the museum was originally built for the Touqan family in 1905. One of the most alluring parts of As-Salt Historical Museum is the display of traditional clothing along with the stunning mosaic collection from churches in As Salt.
Qasr Hamman Al-Sarah
Qasr Hamman Al-Sarah is a part of the neighbouring fort complex in Hallabat. As you can make it from the name itself, this is a hammam or bathhouse which was constructed over a hoard of innovative ideas.
During extensive restoration work, it was revealed that Qasr Hamman Al-Sarah has a meticulously laid piping system under the floor to heat the bathing rooms. Outside the main building, you can spot a nearly 20-metre deep well, an elevated water tank and remains of a timeworn mosque.
Church of the Apostles
Jordan has some of the best Byzantine ruins and remains across the globe and Church of the Apostles is one such marvellous specimen located in the city of Madaba. Even though the church was discovered only in 1902, the ancient mosaic inscription found at the church indicates that it was constructed in 578 BC.
In the year 1993, Church of the Apostles was completely renovated and the authority took the burden to add ceilings and walls in such a way that it could reflect its history and heritage in the most appealing way.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Another jaw-dropping Jordan Pass destination in Madaba is the majestic Madaba Archaeological Park. Visiting Madaba would go in vain if you don’t go to the Madaba Archaeological Park. Madaba Archaeological Park is basically an open air museum which we are sure you have never heard of! With a series of excavations, this place unearthed the Church of the Virgin Mary and Hippolytus Hall among several other ancient structures. Entrance of Madaba Archaeological Park is marked with the oldest mosaic found in Jordan dating back to the 1st century BC.
Burnt Palace Madaba
On your way to Saint George Church, there is a hidden treasure trove of Roman and Byzantine – the Burnt Palace. Now a part of the Madaba Archaeological Park, this centrepiece of the town encloses a Roman street, a church and a Byzantine palace.
This absorbing Byzantine complex was built somewhere in the 7th century and large iron door-clocks in the shape of lion heads indicate that it was meant for wealthy people of the palace. Mosaic pastoral motifs still woos visitors with their pictorial depiction of Roman days.
Aqaba Castle
Aqaba Castle (also known as Aqaba Fort) has served as one of the earliest and strongest crusader castles in Jordan. This castle is one of those few historical spots in Aqaba that bears the memories of the Great Arab Revolt.
Aqaba Castle dates back to the 15th century when Sultan Qanswah al-Ghawri was gracing the throne. It went into several phases of renovation during a number of historical dynasties from the Mamluks to the Ottomans. You can still cherish the splendour of this castle when visiting Aqaba.
Aqaba Museum
Another historical gem from Aqaba is none other than the Aqaba Museum itself. This museum has been set up in the former residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali. It carefully restores and exhibits several artefacts found during excavation works performed across Aqaba district.
Ancient items that you can take a look at Aqaba Museum cover a wide range of history starting from the mid 7th millennium BC to the beginning of the 12th century AD. Their ceramic and steatite vessels particularly are of great historical value.
Lowest Place on Earth Museum
As the name suggests, the Lowest Place on Earth Museum is situated about 405 metres below the sea level. Sitting on the coast of Dead Sea, this museum is truly exceptional not just because of its interesting location but also for the collection it has developed over the years.
Architecture of the Lowest Place on Earth Museum is inspired by the exquisite shape of fossilised Ammonite shells. Inside the museum, you will be amazed by its well presented archaeological remains covering a span of 4,500 years of human habitation in the surrounding area.
Rehab / Al-Mafraq
Rehab is a wonderful small town located at a distance of about 12 kilometres from Mafraq city. You can grab your Jordan Pass and visit this place which has got an enchanting story to tell with all those archaeological remains dating back as far as the Stone Age.
Rehab attracts history-lovers with its ancient churches, mosques, towers, cemeteries, water collection walls, residential houses and mystical caves. This spot is home to more than 30 churches. As per the dates and writings, one of them is believed to be the oldest standing church in the world.
Museum of Popular Traditions – Amman
Amman has so many hidden archaeological treasures and the Museum of Popular Traditions is one of them. This small museum may not look that impressive to you from the outside but trust us; it is more than what you could expect from such a tiny place.
In spite of its small size, Museum of Popular Traditions allows visitors to understand the history, culture and progressive evolution of the area. Five different galleries of the museum display some fantastic assemblage of costumes, pottery, mosaics, jewelleries and other artefacts.
Al-Hamimah
Hidden in the southern part of the Jordanian Desert, Al-Hamimah is a very old settlement which stands strong as the witness of the Abbasid Revolution. This revolution was of great importance because it was the first Islamic movement that brought down Umayyad supremacy and marked the beginning of Abbasid one.
Established by the Nabateans of Petra in 90 BC, Al-Hamimah was once a flourishing trading-stop located along the King’s Highway connecting Petra and Gulf of Aqaba. Ancient remains found here indeed deserve your time and attention.
Jordan Archaeological Museum
Established in 1952, Jordan Archaeological Museum soon made its way to the most important tourist spots in Jordan due to its narrative display of archaeological and historical collections. Sitting on the top of Amman Citadel, this museum contains pieces ranging from Palaeolithic Age to Islamic Age.
Madaba Archaeological Museum
If you love to explore historical places and have got the Jordan Pass, there is a huge interesting world waiting for you at Madaba Archaeological Museum. This spot attracts people with special interest in ancient history.
The museum was established in 1978 in a residential courtyard at the end of a blind lane coming out of Balqa Street. It includes a striking collection of jewelleries and mosaics.
As-Salt Historical Museum
Another good place to dig out the past of Jordan and the neighbouring areas is the As-Salt Historical Museum. Established in the year 1983, this institution has been given the status of a specialised regional museum that depicts the history of Al Balqa region through different eras starting from the Chalcolithic Age to the late Islamic Age.
St. Elijah’s Hill (Tal Mar Elias)
St. Elijah’s Hill was the very first monastery lying in the east of the Jordan River and sitting just west of the Al-Kafrayn village. This is one of the most important Baptism sites in Jordan and one of the most beloved Holy sites related to Jesus Christ. As per Biblical references, this is the spot where Elijah ascended to heaven in the 9th century BC.
Karak Museum
In their attempt to spread the true historical events of the region, Jordan tourism has included a number of remarkable museums in their Jordan Pass attractions list and Karak Museum is one of them. Opened in 2019, this museum sits in a historic Ottoman building in old As Saraya locality. Their most invigorating collections include pottery, coins, inscriptions and Roman artefacts.
Dar Al-Saraya Museum – Irbid
Sheltered in a gorgeous old villa made of basaltic rock, Dar Al-Saraya Museum is an interesting place to find the beauty of old times without any exaggeration. Even if you are not a fan of museum hopping, we would suggest you not to miss this one.
Consisting of seven halls encircling an open square, this museum houses a notable collection of big stone pieces like crowns, columns, tombs and presses that describes the artistic excellence of the city throughout history.
Qasr Al-Kharranah
Qasr Al-Kharranah, also known as Qasr al-Harrana, is one of the most sought-after desert castles in Jordan. This imposing castle sits pretty close to the Saudi Arabia border. It takes a drive of 60 kilometres from Amman to reach this beguiling ancient structure.
Surroundings of Qasr Al-Kharranah may look flat to you with no trees and anything around. But the thick walled castle is one of the most photographed spots in the country because of its unusual barren moonscape.
Iraq Al-Amir
Iraq Al-Amir which means “Caves of the Prince” in local vernacular is a series of caves cut into the cliff-side. Located within the limit of Jordan Valley, Iraq Al-Amir is a very distinctive area laced with hill tops and forest of olive trees.
Iraq Al-Amir sits about 15 kilometres southwest of Wadi Al-Seer town. The caves got their name from the fact that they were built by a Persian prince around 3rd century BC. Some of the caves even date back to the Copper Age.
Roman Theatre Amman
The Roman Theatre in Amman is one of the most mind-blowing archaeological sites in Jordan. Built by Antoninus Pius, this structure is the best Roman Philadelphian monument across the country.
The theatre flaunts an awe-inspiring tiered and semi circular seating arrangement divided in three horizontal sections. The most striking part is that all of it was carved into the Jabal Al-Jofeh to accommodate around 6,000 spectators at a time.
Qasr Al-Mushatta
We will end our list with the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan – Qasr Al-Mushatta. Qasr Al-Mushatta or the Palace of Al-Mushatta is known to the world for its insanely ornamented southern main face. You can’t skip this one of the largest and most ambitious Umayyad palaces in Jordan when you are on a Jordan Pass.
The palace is guarded by a square enclosure wall measuring not less than 144 metres on both sides. Qasr Al-Mushatta looks visually striking because of the orange hued fire-bricks that were used as the key construction material while building the palace.
Conclusion
When the Jordan government has put their best foot forward to preserve the history and heritage of the region, the Jordan tourism department is determined to make everyone’s holiday hassle free and rewarding with Jordan Pass. For an once-in-a-lifetime travelling experience in this lovely country, there could be nothing better than opting for a Jordan Pass Tour. So, get your pass now and pull your socks for an upcoming adventure!
