Иордания

JENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COUNTRY

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan — contemporary young state on the Middle East, a constitutional monarchy, the territory over 89,2 square kilometers and population 5,5 million approximately (mainly Arab, Jordanian and Palestine). Capital Аmman. The King — His Highness Abdullah Hussein II.

Official language — Arabic, also in use English, French, German and Italian.

Climate — subtropical Mediterranean, roughly continental, extremely dry. An average January temperatures +8 up +14, July +24 up +40. The best time for traveling — spring and autumn. Near Aqaba bay the climate moor favorable and mild, due to the specific micro-climate in this zone, that's why this region may be attended during all the year around. The water temperatures in Red and Dead seas are never below +20 degrees.

Currency Unit — the Jordanian dinar, divided into 1000 fils (JD=0.708$).

THE TOURISM ROUTES, EXCURSIONS.

Jordan — an old, pristine, Biblical land. There are plenty of interesting places to visit, a lot of opportunities to go sightseeing on different tastes. The brief review of the most sufficient excursion routes is following.

Аmman — the capital of the Kingdom and the main business center of the all country.  Population approximately 2 million, with all vicinities around — 2.5 millions. In the Bible, the city was known as Rabat Ammon, in translation, the «Ammonites Citadel» (the folk, nation, which firstly inhabited this area in the first thousandth B.C.). As the centuries passed by, this territory had a lot of masters. In the 2d century B.C., when the region was under the Hellenic influence, the Ptholemeys had established here a new city — Philadelfia, on behalf of Philadelfius, the prime ruler of Egypt.   

When Romans came in 63 B.C., these Greek-Roman cities acquired a new status, for the purpose of fortifying its positions and to defend from the threats, in particular, from the Persia side. The new name was born, Decapolis (Greek) — economical and cultural autonomy, which was given by Rome to this important eastern threshold. So, in a prosper times of Greek-Roman epoch, Philadelfia became the great trade center. Аmman gradually was turned to the center of administration in Jordan region. This period named as the second Halifat of Islam era, the time of Dynasty Umayids rule. During the time of heydays Philadelfia was located on the seven mounts, in present time the city occupies 25 mounts and grows very rapidly.

The old center possesses plenty of ancient and unique places of interests. The history amateurs will find here the ruin of Roman and Byzantium times. The Roman old amphitheatre of 2 century A.D., in excellent condition, with  5000 seats; the Citadel Mount with antique remains, ruins of the Hercules temple, an ancient early Orthodox basilicas and churches, the Umayid palace. The magnificent archaeological museum, where you can see the legendary fragments of the Dead sea rolls. There are also a folklore museum and the museum of traditional crafts.

It is worth to see the museum of exclusive auto of Kingdom Jordan house, where truly unique and the only exhibits of auto and rare findings are represented. 

For shop amateurs there are plenty of as modern hypermarkets and malls, as traditional eastern bazaars in the down-town.

Lets walk without a rush on the old, original city streets, to feel the sensitive breath of time. You inevitably get an impression as the time has stopped…

The prominent Orthodox pilgrim sights — mount Nebo, mosaic town Madaba and Bethany — the place where Jesus Christ was baptized.

These three points are united conventionally in a one programme, by reasons of the common religious significance and the only one subject.

Mount Nebo — the most crucial events had taken place here, during the outcome of Moses and his folk from the Egypt land, when people on their way home passed the east Jordan bank. In accordance with an Old Testament, this point was the last stop on the way, exactly from this point Moses got sight of the Holy Land. By the story Moses was buried on the mount Nebo. The spectacle view from the Mount indeed breathtaking. From the point you can see the north Dead sea coast, a piece of greenery near the Jordan watercourse, and a bit further, Jericho, the most ancient town in the world. By the east side from the river, an ancient Moava plain is located. Here you can see the monastery, 4 century A.D. The adjoining building sites of triapsis church, adorned with mosaic, it is said, relative to the same time. The basic construction works were leading during 6 century A.D., afterwards, the monastery pagodas were added, whole in all, this building complex turned into buoyant, flourishing monastery site. The history of monastery has started from 1217. Afterwards the place was forsaken by unknown reasons. Now this site is regained under the aegis of Archaeological Institute of Franciscan order. Up to now the archaeological site is investigated enough, and suffice to say, its one of the most attended places in Jordan. This place consecrated by the hierarchs of many world churches, also by the Vatican.  

Мadaba — an ancient Moava town. In Byzantine period, from the 5^th century, the town became great spiritual center, 6-7^th centuries — the golden age of Madaba. During that time a lot of temples, churches were built. Another name of the town — the mosaic city. Here an every step brings you to the Byzantine epoch, in many private old houses you can come across with the fragments of mosaic, which dated at least, by 13-14th centuries.

One of the options is to walk on foot via Madaba streets The Archaeological park in Madaba includes all the main objects, many of them are located in an old, now-a-days centre of the town. Here there is a truly unique mosaic school, one of the prior tasks of which is restoration and recreating of mosaic masterpieces. The Church of the Saint Virgin Mary, was obtained in 1887 in a former living house. It was built in 6^th century on the place of latter Roman temple with mosaics, depicted the flora and geometric weaves of medallion. But the main, basic point on the way, is, of course, the Saint George Church. That is the major asset of the town. The church was built during the emperor Justinian rule, the mosaic covering on the floor for all the interior space ground. The map was one of the endeavors to depict the geography in mosaic style, on the subject of Holy Land. The archaeologists claim that this mosaic consists of 3 millions of small scales in a setting. The craftsmanship is really fascinating and astonishing. This map served as the basic itinerary for Holy Land routes and Jordan area. The events of the Old Testament draw the major part of the composition. The map was revealed in 1895. It is exist under the patronage of the Jerusalem Greek Orthodox Church.

One of the best and most beautiful churches in Madaba is the Church of Apostles, which you can find in the southern part of the town. It was built in 578 A.D., inside the church the unique and best Jordan mosaic, which means the sea personification. It is the figure of a woman, going out of the sea, it is depicted on the medallion, near the main entrance. Inside the Church another mosaic compositions, revealed from the different parts of the town.  

Close to the Saint George Church, from the south part, you can find the mosaic museum, traditional Jordan decorations and handmade carpets.

Bethany on the Jordan — the most significant and important finding in an archaeology of the region for the last ten-day period of past century. It is opposite the Jericho, where in accordance with the Bible descriptions, Jesus Christ came to be baptized by John, who spent the part of his life in the east desert of Jordan. The Bible texts became the main origin of information for determination of the authentic place. The mosaic map distinctly defines this place as «Ainon where the willows grow». (Аinon springs from an ancient Bet Ainon — «the spring place», or Bet Аynaim, later assimilated in Bet Anniya or Bethany.)  On the point of Wadi-Al-Harrar it was found a plenty of archaeology objects: churches, monastery, baptisteries, reservoirs, from which it is possible to conclude, that this point was actively used by Christians for baptizing. Here John the Baptizer lived. A lot of different things are connected with the Old Testament events. Also nearby located the Saint Elijah hill or Tal Mar Elihahs, from where the Saint ascended to the sky in a fiery chariot. Among the main findings here it is worth to mention the Cave Church and Basilica, not far from the altar of which the cranium of one of the priests was found. Nearby the church — the source of John the Baptizer. Beside that, there are at least 14 springs on the way from the Saint Elijah hill toward the river, which occasionally go out in a rainy seasons. On the Jordan river bank, there are remains of the three old churches, renamed also on behalf of John. This area directly connected with the name of Saint Mary Egyptian, who had been living here during the last 47 years of her life, after the coming from Alexandria. The two caves were revealed, which were using by local monks as devotion alcoves and for living. Described in this chapter points on the route, without any doubt, are dear for the heart of every Christian.

PETRA — is one of the world`s contemporary wonders and the most famous archaeological site. It is located in south-western Jordan, about 260 km south of Amman, near the city of Wadi Musa.

The ancient city is lying on the Sharah mountains, which form the eastern flank of Wadi Araba, the great valley running from the Dead sea to the Gulf of Aqaba, through which the river Jordan once flowed into the Red sea.

The region stands at an elevation of about 900 m and the landscape is featured by rousted-coloured sandstone rocky massifs (jabal), dissected by tectonic faults, causing a deep gorge (siq) flowed by Wadi Musa ( «river of Moses»).

The Siq landscape was finally shaped by fluvial and wind weathering. Beyond the Siq, the Wadi Musa widens into a large valley (Outer Siq).

Petra (which means «Rock» in Greek) was constructed and hewn about two thousand years ago by the Nabataeans, a nomadic people tribe coming from Arabia.  It thrived as an important caravan trading post of the «Spice and Silk Routes», serving as a crossroad between Arabia, Egypt, Palestine, Syria-Phoenicia, India, China and the Mediterranean Basin. In the Trajan Emperor times, Petra became part of the Roman Province of Arabia and it was still inhabited during the Byzantine period.

After the 5^th Century Petra`s wealth gradually declined because of redirection of trading routes and calamitous effects of some earthquakes, especially that one suffered on May 19^th, 363 AD. The Crusaders constructed a fort there in the 12^th century, but soon withdrew the city. Petra kept as a forgotten place only known by the local Bedouins until the early 19^th century, when first described to the western world in the writing of the Swiss explorer Jacob Burckhardt.

The site of Petra  was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 when it was described as «one of the most precious cultural properties of man`s cultural heritage». In 1993, Jordan government recognized 264 km² as a National Park and on July 2007, Petra was named one of Seven Wonders of the world.

Many centuries Petra was completely inaccessible for people, again revealed in a history scale recently, just in 1812. Petra inspires an indelible impression.

Nabatean Kingdom existed many centuries. Petra — perfect, genuine masterpiece of architecture and great engineering mind`s run of that epoch. Even in that old times Petra had a water aqueduct and dams. Nabateans have developed other hydraulic devices (water channels, pipes, underground cisterns) for managing water in a desert realm, creating real artificial oasis.

Siq — this narrow fluvial gorge — is 3-4 m wide, with 1,20 km long, and stands between 91-182 m in height, offering good examples of the geologic sandstone outcrops. The Siq was the main entrance into Petra for caravans. Two water channels run along both sides of the Siq, that demonstrate the ability of the Nabataeans to carry drinking water to the city. The remains of a monumental arch, collapsed in 1896, following an earthquake, and a Paved Road, originally constructed by the Nabateans and repaved in Roman times, feature the way. There are a number of votive niches containing baetyli, which suggest that the Siq was sacred to the Nabatean people. The most famous baetyli is the Sabinos Alexandros.

Invisibly and quasi unexpectedly in front of your eye the Pharaoh`s Treasury appeared — splendid façade in a rock, with chiseled architecture forms and ornament. This is the most famous and beautiful building in Petra. Also it is the main entrance into the city.

It was probably originally built as a royal tomb, between 100 BC and 200 AD. This monument hewn directly out of the sandstone cliff is one of the most well-preserved buildings in the ancient city. The Treasury façade (40 m high) was decorated with columns, classical rooflines and sculptures. Perched atop the façade is an eagle, a Nabataean male deity symbol. The central figure on the upper level tholos may be the fertility goddess of Petra, Al-Uzza. The portal is flanked by a colossal doorway dominates the outer court and leads to an inner chamber with a sanctuary with an ablution basin.

The Outer Siq area shows whole street, 4 rows, one above the other, of Assyrian type monuments with double bands of crow-step decoration, run along the cliff face. It isn`t known whether these served as houses of tombs but they appear to be of an early date.

The theatre was build in the 1^st century AD, carved by Nabateans and enlarged by Romans to extend the rear of the auditorium, which could then accommodate over 3,000 people. The Royal Tombs set into the rock-face of the Jabal Al-Khubtha massif. These tombs, thought to be those of several Nabataean kings, are certainly amongst the most impressive of the 500 tombs to be found in Petra. The Urn Tomb has served as a triclinium for funeral banquets, but which was adapted in the Byzantine period as a church. The small Silk Tomb is remarkable for the swirls of different coloured rock which make up its façade. This tomb combines various elements of both the Nabataean and the classical architectural style. The Sextus Florentinus Tomb is one of the few tombs, which can be accurately dated (130 AD), because a Latin inscription informs us, it was constructed for Sextus, Roman Governor of the Province of Arabia.

The City Center is the heart of the Petra and lies about the open ground of the Wadi Musa. The trail leads to the main street of Roman Petra (Cardo Maximus), which is carved with cut stone and lined with columns (Colonnaded street) and ends with the Temenos Gate. Towards the amphitheatre is an open marketplace, dated to the Trajan Emperor times. There is also a Nymphaeum or public fountain near the junction of the two watercourses Wadi Musa and Wadi-al-Mataha, and now it is shaded by a pistacho tree that is 450 years old.

The Great Temple is a Nabatean four large frontal columns construction with solid outer walls, and with two sacred enclosures. Probably it was dedicated to the main Nabataean goddess Al-Uzza. Some workshops for metal and stone have been found in the complex and these were probably in use later in the 1^st century AD when the temple was remodeled. The stone-built temple was totally destroyed in the earthquake of 363 AD. The Temple is at present under excavation.

The Qsar-Al-Bint is a large 23 m high free-standing structure, developed to Dushara, the principal God of the Nabateans.

Close to this point are two small museums and to the north-west a trail leads off towards Al-Deir or the Monastery. It is a Nabataean structure was perhaps used by Christians in the Byzantine period. However, the processional way, which we follow upwards from the restaurant near the museum, through the Wadi Al-Deir for an hour, is Nabataean.

The Aaron Tomb (the brother of Moses) — is one of the most important sanctuaries in Petra and in the whole country. This sacred place concerns the Pharaoh and Moses. Besides that it is the highest point in Petra mounts. This place is indeed sacred as for Christians, as for Muslims and Jews in the same degree.

To be fully satisfied by Petra and to explore it properly — one day is a very few time. You need to dedicate for secrets of lost town at least several days.

You can stay in a one of the comfortable hotels in Petra for Your convenience, so Your traveling will be much moor pleasant. In any case, no one visitor will be left indifferent after seeing this unique town. For the centuries Petra is still incomprehensible for human beings, the impenetrable conundrum of history, which keeps a plenty of mysteries…

Jarash — one of the main points of Decapolis, was founded by the Anthioh IV, one of the bright representatives of Seleukid dynasty. In a Bible this place mentioned as the Land of Galaada, where the olives, wheat and grape grow. Jarash is included in UNESCO list, as unique masterpiece of world culture and history. In other way it is called «The east Pompeii» or «the city of thousand colonnades». Jarash truly indeed named as one of the best preserved towns of the early Roman epoch. By territory the city is big enough. A great quantity of temples, theatres, the colonnade streets give a full, clear  impression about the classic province town of that period. In present days there are a lot of festivals and exhibitions, in particular, the prominent annual Festival of Arts, — are taking place here.  

Jarash — the city of old Hellenic epoch. Around the watercourse of Jarash river, inflowing in a Biblical Yabuk Zarka, the traces of precocity living from Halcolithic — Neolithic eras were found, a lot of flinty tools, dolmens, primal dwellings and caves.

Greek had established this town in 2 century B.C., on the place of ancient Forum and Zeus Sanctuary. After the Pompey conquest, in 63 B.C., the city has acquired the moor expansive authorities. Jarash became one of the basic Decapolis cities, great trade and culture centre of Greek — Roman epoch. Romans had built here one of the most famous, graceful, ancient towns.

The main entrance and the visit card of the city — the Adrian Gate. It was constructed on behalf of the emperor visit in region, 129-130 A.D. If you walk further, you come to the Hippodrome construction of 2d century, which served as the place for conducting sports arrangements and chariot races. You will see the great city walls of Diocletsian times, from 4 A.D., which encircled the town around.  

Also in a very good condition preserved the Colonnade street, or Cardo. Cardo extended from the north to the south, dividing the town on two parts. Along the street all main city buildings, trading stores, temples were located. It is recommended to see the following oblects: The South Tetrapillon, The Cathedral, Roman Dionis Temple, The Saint Fedor Church, the Nymphey. This is one of the most elegant city objects, with fine and beautiful stone weaves, the uncommon water frame in a good condition. The fountain is dedicated to mythical nymphs. It is worth to see the Propilley — the passing gates to the Artemida Sanctuary and the Artemida Temple in itself.

The remains of 15 Byzantine churches were found in town, they are dispersed on the whole city area. Most important from them — the Saint Cozma and Domian Church with splendid mosaics, John Baptizer Church and Saint George Church. The magnificent South Theatre for 3 500 persons, with an excellent acoustics — today the main stage for Jarash Festival. Zeus Sanctuary, the construct of 162 A.D., was served as the centre of Hellenic Anthioh town. It is worth to see either the North Tetrapilon with the pillars in an ionic style and North Theatre, which mainly served as the central place for culture events and Assembly building of Roman Gerasa.

Karak — the town, known in a Bible as Kir Heres, Kir Moave. It was Moave capital, where the Nabataeans had lived, as for Romans, Byzantines and Muslims. But the most prominent time in a history belongs to the Crusader period, 12 century.  

The comfortable position of the bastion allowed to keep under the strict control any movements and trade routes between Damask and Cairo. Construction was finished until 1142, the town became the administrative center of east Crusaders domains. The mount was called Petra Deserti, or «the stone of the desert», and the bastion — citadel Moava, which became one of the most renowned places in Middle Ages.  

The edifice extends from the north to south for 220 х 125 meters, it has a forceful defensive walls and the towers, encircled by ditch. In spite of strong defensive opportunities, the citadel was ambushed by Sal Allahatdine, especially when the famous proprietor Renald De Shatillion repeatedly had impinged the treaty acts about non-aggression. After the great battle on 118 A.D., which took place in Hattina, Renald was taken in prison and consequently decimated by Sal Allahatdine.

Citadel was partly renovated, it has arched passage and rooms, kitchens and peripheral placements, prison basements and halls. The main entrance passed via small gate from the east side. The gate, that is open now, dated by 13 century.  

Pella — one of the most interesting historical sites. The main reason for the rich town history is a quite favorable location. From the Neolithic ages, the events which were taken place here, gradually, reserved its cultured layers. The Jabal Sartab mount, where many archaeological findings were found, is located from the north of Wadi Jirm. Here many centuries ago were big fresh water reservoirs, and the plain extends far ahead to the Jordan side. Closeness to Jordan, as for the favorable climate, made Pella the easy passage between Trans-Jordan and Palestine, Arabia and Syria. First time is reminded in Hellenic times. Anthioh, the Seleukide ruler, had conquered the city all together with the other Decapolis lands in 3 century B.C. After 83 B.C. the town was under the rule of Jews Ruler Alexandro Yannay. With the conquests of Pompey, the prosper times and development had started, in the same time, Pella was kept as the main junction of east Rome.  

Afterwards the first Christian refugees from Jerusalem came, 1 century A.D., they established here their own commune up till the coming back to Jerusalem in 130. The 5-6^th centuries are the prime days for Pella. From 634 A.D., after the crucial battle near Fahl, between the Byzantines and Muslims, the new era had begun, at the same time the main positions were lost. Finally, after the strong earthquake in 749, the town was destroyed, people forsake it until the Mamluc epoch.

Umm Kais (Gadara) — was founded by Ptholemeys as important defense point from Seleukides. Gadara name springs from the Semite «Gader», which means the frontier. In Roman times it was one of the Decapolis towns. Here was the culture centre, where the elite from east Roma spent their leisure times, and relaxation with the medicine purposes. Not far from here two main springs are located. The town was known as Polis with all adjoining localities. The 2d century A.D. is known as Golden Gadara Age, under the emperor Trayan and after the annexation of Nabataean kingdom. This epoch was significantly positive for the town authority and cultural life. The great writers, poets, philosophers had been living here.

Wadi-Rum — one of the most beautiful deserts in the world, «the Moon Valley». Here, under the night sky, landscapes remind the moon surface. Your looks are impressed by the wonderful combination of rocks in the desert sands and very special nature. Here you can see also one of the Jordan wildlife reserve and indeed, one of the most exotics and rare notable places in the country.

Described by Lawrence of Arabia as «Vast and echoing», Wadi Rum is an outstanding desert landscape. Sheer-sided mountains of sandstone and granite emerge from open valleys to reach heights of over 1 700 meters; and narrow canyons cut deep into the mountains, often concealing ancient rock drawings, many of them still wait to be interpreted. Millions years ago, here was an ocean, the sand basements over the granite folds form a main picture of Wadi Rum. Erosion, operating here during the period of million years, gives specific magnetism to this unique place, the stones leave you completely out of breath by its unusual forms.

This remarkable landscape is now a protected area covering 720 square kilometers and available for everyone to explore and enjoy.

The mountains of Rum are home to several Bedouin tribes and their goat hair tents are a feature of the landscape. Today, many Bedouin earn their living from tourism, but they still retain their goatherds and other traditional ways of life.

Wadi Rum still supports a surprising variety of desert loving wildlife, including small populations of the Syrian wolf, striped hyena and Nubian ibex. Small mammals, insects and reptiles are more common and there are many birds of prey to be seen during migration seasons.

This place historically notable, as basic bridgehead for Arabic rebellion, in a long struggle run against Ottoman rule, in the beginning of 20th century.

            Wadi Rum — the native extension of borderlines of Arabia desert. From this point the main roads are spreading out toward Syria and east banks of Mediterranean sea. The Nabataean used desert for supplying caravans with the water contents.

            There are several ways, by which you can experience the highlights of Wadi Rum.

            Go by camel: this is the most traditional and most eco-friendly form of transport for the desert — and quite an experience in itself. Camel treks last from 1 hour to several days. The most popular, treks are shown on the map. Prices and tickets are available from the Visitor Centre reception. A hat, sun block and water are advisable to avoid dehydration and sunburn.

            Go by horse: horseback tours are available from independent tour operators, but these should be booked in advance. See the information panels at the Visitor Centre or ask reception staff for details.

            Hike a trail: there are several hiking trails in Wadi Rum of widely different length and «toughness». Rum can get very hot and trails are not always easy to find, so it is better to choose the cooler parts of the day and take a Bedouin guide. Always carry lots of water and use a hat and sun block.

            Climb up high: if you are fit and healthy, it is possible to climb to the top Jebel Rum, one of the highest mountains in the protected area, offering stunning views. You must, however, book in advance, as numbers are strictly limited, and be accompanied by an experienced Bedouin guide. Details from the Visitor Centre reception. There are many other world-class opportunities for experienced climbers but sites are restricted and there is a strict code of conduct. Emergency services are also limited. You climb at your own risk.

             Take a jeep tour: this is the quickest and easiest way to explore the desert. The main  tour routes are shown on the  map, and they take from 2 to 8 hours to complete. Customized tours can be arranged on request, jeeps are run by Bedouin cooperatives and can be booked from the Visitor Centre reception. Prices per tour are fixed and displayed at the reception points. As most jeeps are open-topped, hats, sun block, water and sunglasses are advisable to avoid sunburn and dehydration.

            Rest and relax — Bedouin style: enjoy the cafes and restaurants at the Visitor Centre or in Rum village, which offer traditional Arabic food as well as international cuisine. Or visit a Bedouin tent and take a nap during the noonday sun — or share a campfire meal with them in the evening, accompanied by Arabic music. Ask at the Visitor Centre reception for details.

            Nights of a thousand stars: there are two ways to stay overnight in Wadi Rum, camping and bed-and-breakfast. Camping in this mountainous desert, under a panoply of stars, is an experience not to be missed. You can chose from «wild campsites» without facilities, where you must take your own tent, to luxury Bedouin-style campsites with all facilities and entertainments. Most of these «deluxe» sites are outside the protected area, near the village of Disi. There is also a permanent campsite in Rum village, with showers, toilets and restaurants nearby, and it is possible to stay in a Bedouin tent in the open desert. Locations of campsites are shown on the map and full of options and prices are available at the Visitor Centre. Bed and breakfast is possible in Rum village — ask at the Visitor Centre.

            Aqaba (Red sea) — the present name Aqaba comes from the ancient Aqabat Aila, which means the Aila passage. Here from the very old times the road passed via granite mountains and Wadi Al Utm toward the north. The town previously had several names — Aila, Elime, Elot, Ailana.

            Before this place was too rich in copper. The place Tal Al Halifa located nearby, it is said, is the town of the King Solomon, and Etsion Geber was known in the Old Testament.

            In Roman time the emperor had built a new road from Damask to Aila. The region was comfortable enough for cargo movements. During the Osman rule, it was mainly the passage for the pilgrims. In a time of World War I in Aqaba were formed the headquarters of emir Abdullah Ben Al Hussein, the patriarch of Emirate Pro-Jordan, which we know now as Jordan.

            The middle of 20^th century defined a completely new destination for town. This status became important in a case of the sea gate. Aqaba had started new type of development with uprising of the Special Economic Zone, as all possible favorable conditions and exemptions were created for the business progress. For Jordan Aqaba is a popular center of economic, tourism and culture.

            Аqabа — true paradise for the diving amateurs and sea fauna. Here you can find a modern diving centers, provided with all possible equipment and coach state. This place will be interesting in the same degree for antiquity archeology amateurs.

Dead sea — one of the world`s natural wonders. Formed over millions of years at the lowest point on earth, this unique geographical phenomenon has been a celebrated center of skincare since ancient times — even before Cleopatra was seduced by its therapeutic powers. Now a world famous natural health, rehabilitation and beauty spa, this inimitable mineral rich sea in the middle of the African Fault is renowned for its unique, natural ability to regenerate the skin`s own vital functions.

The water of the Dead sea has 29 % of salt and mineral contents, the highest of all seas with especially high concentration of calcium, magnesium. Bromine and of bitumen which makes the skin more photosensitive and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

The healing power of the air is related to its unique content and the special atmospheric layer. This layer is created through the high rate of evaporation caused by high temperatures all year around, low humidity and high atmospheric pressure. The extremely pure and dry air is the richest in oxygen content in the world. Of moor than 330 sunny days of the year, the atmospheric layer filters out the harmful UVB sunrays, allowing tanning rather than burning, the UVA rays that do penetrate are suitable for therapeutic purposes. In addition, high concentrations of dark peloid  mud, suitable for therapeutic purposes, are found on the shores of the Dead sea.

The idea about complete absence of life in a dead water, from the science standpoint, does not exist. In the dead water exist, at least, three types of interdependent bacteria.

In the Old Testament, Dead sea is known as the Salt or East sea. Greek and Roman called it the Asphalt sea, Arabian and Muslims — the Lot`s sea. The name also concerns the story of Sodom and Gomorra, in Koran — with the story about the Lot prophet.

Along the shore, there are plenty of salt pillars, emergent from the soil. Here you can see the famous Lot`s wife figure, near her — wonderful immense salt crystals, formed during the centuries.  

In ancient times people considered Dead sea the extremely dangerous and death place, the sea waters — deathly intoxicated. The situation has changed in 19 century, after the scientific analysis of water probes, taken by the German traveler U.Zeetsen during his visit. In dead water had been found a lot of valuable minerals. Today these minerals and substances are widely used in chemical, cosmetic and many other productions.

Bathing in a Dead sea is very specific occupation, swimming is forbidden here. With very high level of water density and salt concentration, every subject will be pushed out on the surface, its impossible to drown. In a case of occasional getting the water into the eyes, you feel very unpleasant feeling, but its harmless, as the water carries out disinfection functions.

The Lot`s Cave — the events, directly connected with prophets and saints, have found their place in every corner of the country. Biblical geography defines the place called Deir Ain Abata on the south east bank of Dead sea, as the place, where Lot and his daughters had found a shelter during the wracking of Sodom and Gomorra.  

Archeological excavations also have brought to the surface an interesting findings. The cult edifice of the late Halcolite was found here, and many remnants of habitations of early and middle Bronze Age. The tri-nave basilica of the beginning 6 century was found, which acted until 8 century. On the Madaba map this place called Zoar. Near the church still you can see the mosaic floors, the same floor you will find close to entrance of the cave. This place was important for ancient pilgrims. The kitchen and necropolis kept from the monastery. Under the floor — the water reservoir, monks cells and pilgrim quarters.   

The Hot Springs (Main) — around 30 km to the south-west from Madaba, the road serpentine will conduct you to the deep rift Main (Hammamat Мain). This is the only place in Jordan with hot thermal springs, where there is a resort complex with all necessary tourism services. In the depth of mountain rift, among the black, lifeless rocks, there is a beautiful green oasis and a few waterfalls with hot (+65-70 degrees) and cold water. Due to the high content of sulphur, calcium, magnesium, potassium, mineral salts in this water — you get a really healing and rejuvenate effect. Whole in all, there are about 60 springs in a rift — in a range from the hot to cold, and from «man» to the «woman» (rhodone).