The Jordan Tourism Board is welcoming visitors to experience the marvels of seven Uneso World Heritage Sites, which offer enriching experiences of Jordan’s magnificent past and vibrant present.
From the remnants of ancient civilisations, defined by Petra – one of the world’s richest and largest archaeological sites set in a dominating red sandstone landscape – to the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, visitors can explore timeless wonders, all of them preserved with authenticity. They can also marvel at the ingenuity of people who once walked the land, their rich cultural and artistic legacy, and the mesmerising flourishes that nature has carved for itself.
Dr Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, said: “Our seven Uneso World Heritage Sites are a powerful testament to the diverse civilisational influences that shaped Jordan over hundreds of thousands of years. Each of the sites has something unique to offer to visitors, transporting them to the marvels of the past, and opening their hearts and minds to the wonders of nature as well as the rich cultural, trade and architectural legacy of our ancient communities.”
A WORLD OF WONDERS IN EASY ACCESS
Just a short flight from all major GCC cities, Jordan’s Uneso sites serve as perfect getaways for short haul visits – offering all members of the family fascinating cultural experiences. For those who love to connect with the pristine soul of nature, there are few other places that offer such a diversity of attractions – all accessible effortlessly.
The journey can start with Petra, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and inhabited since prehistoric times. The rock-cut capital city of the Nabateans, became a major caravan centre for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China and the spices of India, during Hellenistic and Roman times. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges.
In the south of Jordan is the Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) sprawling over an area of 74,200 hectares. Wadi Rum is defined by fascinating natural aspects such as desert landforms developed within continental sandstones. These landforms represent over a million years of ongoing landscape evolution.
Take another trip down history lane at As-Salt, built on three closely-spaced hills in the Balqa highland of west-central Jordan. It was a vital trade link and a thriving town with a distinctive layout and an architecture marked by large public buildings and family residences constructed of local yellow limestone. During the last 60 years of the Ottoman period, the region prospered from the arrival and settlement of merchants from Nablus, Syria, and Lebanon who made their fortunes in trade, banking, and farming.
Quseir Amra is another fascinating Uneso World Heritage Site, which was built in the early 8th century beside the Wadi Butum, a seasonal watercourse. It served both as a fortress with a garrison and a pleasure palace of the Umayyad caliphate. The fresco paintings of the bath building and reception hall are unique for Islamic architecture of the Umayyad period – and will delight all cultural and art aficionados.
EXPLORE THE HIDDEN GEMS AND TREASURES
In its strictest terms, the archeological site of Um Er-Rasas is still not fully excavated. Its origins were as a Roman military camp before evolving as a town in the 5th century. Today, it invites visitors to explore the course of history, covering the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD). The site also has 16 churches, some with well-preserved mosaic floors.
The most recent addition to the Uneso World Heritage Sites, Umm Al-Jimal rises out of Jordan’s northern basalt plain. It is both a modern town and an ancient archaeological site, home to almost 2000 years of fascinating history and culture – Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, Mamluk, Ottoman and Modern. Visitors can explore over 150 well preserved ancient structures.
For the spiritual and for every history lover, the Baptism Site is a must-visit. Situated on the eastern bank of the River Jordan, nine kilometres north of the Dead Sea, the archaeological site consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill) and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river. The remains include churches and chapels, a monastery, and caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated.
“Our Uneso sites take visitors to eras that have defined not only the region but also shaped religions and cultures, added Dr. Arabiyat. “For visitors, each of these locations have modern amenities that will make their trips memorable, in addition to the rich insights they gain from expert guides. From luxury hotels to desert camps, and an astonishing variety of authentic culinary delights, tours to the sites will be perfect for visitors from the GCC to gain enriching experiences.”
