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Kerak Castle

Kerak Castle is a magnificent crusader's castle just outside the town of Kerak. Construction began in the 1140s, at a strategic location on top of a hill. It was part of the Crusader's Kingdom of Jerusalem. In the ensuing decades the castle was expanded. Towers and a moat were added.

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Kerak Castle

Kerak Castle is a magnificent crusader's castle just outside the town of Kerak.  Construction began in the 1140s, at a strategic location on top of a hill.  It was part of the Crusader's Kingdom of Jerusalem.  In the ensuing decades the castle was expanded.  Towers and a moat were added.

In 1183 Saladin besieged the castle, but was turned back by King Baldwin IV.  In 1187, Saladin began another siege.  The castle fell in 1189, and shortly thereafter the crusaders were finally expelled.  The Mamluks and Ottomans continued to use and expand the castle.  It was finally abandoned after World War I.

The castle is an excellent example of Crusader architecture, an eclectic mix of Gothic, Arab, and Byzantine designs.  The fun of visiting Kerak Castle is exploring all its nooks and crannies.  Nothing is off limits to visitors, but be careful as there are some steep drops.  Some of the best preserved areas are in the extensive underground passages.  Be sure to check out a map so you know where you're going.  There is also a small museum in the lower court, which goes into detail about the history and archaeology of Kerak and the castle.

Kerak is located about 75km south of Amman.  It is the main town in west-central Jordan and capital of the Kerak Governorate, so it is not too hard to access by bus.  Trips take nearly two hours each way.  Tour groups regularly visit the castle, and trips can be arranged through your accommodation.  This is one of Jordan's signature attractions, and is well worth the effort of getting here.  The old town of Kerak is also fun to wander for an hour or two, and a good place to grab some lunch.

East of Kerak is the site of the Battle of Muta'a, fought between the army of Islam and the Byzantines in 629AD.  The top three men in command, Zaid Bin Harithah, Jaafar Bin Abu Talib, and Abdullah Bin Rawahah, were all killed in the battle, and became Islam's first martyrs on foreign soil.  The Muslim force of around 3,000 was outnumbered 10:1.  Though they lost the battle, they lived to fight another day.  There are tombs and shrines dedicated to Zaid and Jaafar at the battle site.

Location:Kerak Hours: Open 08:00-16:00 in winter; 08:00-18:00 in summer Admission: 1JD

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Wasat Al Balad

Market

It may look dirty, sketchy, and chaotic, and indeed it is dirty, sketchy, and chaotic, but downtown Amman, also known as Wasat Al Balad (center of the nation), is the beating heart of the city. It's easy to get lost in the winding and hilly streets, lined with shops selling just about everything. While most of Amman is peaceful and orderly, downtown is awash in humanity. Despite the shabby look, it's actually quite safe. As in the rest of the city, you don't have to worry too much about pickpockets and scammers.

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Amman Waves Waterpark

Park

The water park has lots of thrilling rides to keep the children entertained. It is the perfect place to relax and have fun especially for children who are bored of shopping and visiting tourist sites.

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Madaba

city

Madaba is one of Jordan's many ancient cities. This charming town is located about 30km southwest of Amman. It has been settled for thousands of years, and was mentioned in the 9th century BC Mesha Stele, which helped archaeologists corroborate several episodes from the bible. Madaba thrived as a Roman town, and during the Byzantine period many magnificent churches were built. After Islam took over, the city began to decline and was abandoned by 1100. In the 19th century, the area was resettled by Christians facing persecution elsewhere in Jordan.

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Salt

city

In an alternate universe, Salt is the capital of Amman. It was the region's capital under the Ottomans and was slated to be the capital of British Transjordan before a disagreement precipitated the move to Amman. Today it is a charming and ancient town 30km northwest of the capital. The area is littered with Roman ruins and the town's citadel dates from the early thirteenth century.

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Umm Al Jimal

Town

The town of Umm Al Jimal was likely founded by the Nabateans in the first century BC. It was incorporated into the Roman Empire in the second century AD, but soon after was destroyed in a revolt. During the Byzantine Period, the city prospered as a military outpost and trading center. It's heyday was during the sixth and seventh centuries, before war and a devastating earthquake in 747 caused its abandonment.

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Jerash

city

Jerash (or Gerasa as it used to be known) is one of the best preserved Roman cities outside of Rome. The area has been settled since prehistoric times, but it did not become significant until General Pompey conquered the region in 63BC. Under the Romans the city prospered due to its position on the Via Nova Traiana, a highway between Aqaba and Damascus. The population reached 20,000 at its height. During the Byzantine and early Umayyad period, Jerash continued to thrive, but a devastating earthquake in 749AD left the city in ruins. Modern Jerash has a population around 30,000 and is built just to the east of the ruins, on top of the residential neighborhoods of Gerasa.

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Dead Sea

beach

The Dead Sea is a unique environment. It is so named because nothing can live in the hyper-saline water, which fluctuates around 31.5% salt. The Dead Sea is also the lowest point in the world -- its surface 423m below sea level. Because of decreased inflow from the Jordan River, the Dead Sea is slowly shrinking. The entire southern half has become disconnected and is now maintained only for industry. Plans are in the works for a canal connecting the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, which would refill it and address Jordan's chronic water issues. It would also permanently alter the Dead Sea's unique chemistry.

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Umm Qais

city

During Roman times, Umm Qais was known as Gadara. It was a city of the Decapolis, a loose confederation of cities in the Roman province of Syria. Other members included Philadelphia (Amman), Gerash, and Damascus. Gadara thrived under the Romans, but quickly declined after their empire fell. It was a small village when Islam arrived in the seventh century, and abandoned soon after. Archaeological excavations did not begin until 1982.

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Mount Nebo

Mountain

Mount Nebo is a ridge that rises 817m above sea level about 35km southwest of Amman. In the Old Testament, Mount Nebo is where Moses first glimpsed the Holy land (and where he was later buried). The view has not changed. It's simply breathtaking. On a clear day you can see all the way to Jerusalem. Be sure to go in the afternoon or evening on a clear day, because the view isn't as good in the morning.

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Wadi Abdoun Bridge

Bridge

There aren't many bridges in Amman -- not surprising since it's in the middle of the desert -- but when they do need to build one, they do it right. The Wadi Abdoun Bridge connects North Amman and West Amman. It was built between 2002 and 2006 in order to cut travel times between North and West Amman. The total length is 417m. It is Jordan's only cable stayed bridge, and is built in an s-curve to accommodate local traffic patterns.

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Indochine Restaurant at Grand Hyatt Amman

Cuisine: Vietnamese Price range: $15-$50 Address: Hussein Bin Ali St., Amman 11183, Jordan Tel: + 962 6 465 1234 Experience a touch of historical romance at Indochine. The restaurant captures the 1930s colonial Vietnam with its atmosphere. The open theatre kitchen makes the wait for food entertaining.

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La Cuccina

Cuisine: Italian Price range: $25-$100 Address: Abdoun

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Fakhr El-Din

Cuisine: Lebanese Price range: $20-$30 Address: Jabal Amman, 2nd Circle Tel: +962 6 4652399 / 4641789

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Kan Zaman

Address: Yadoudeh, Airport Road Tel: +962 6 4128393 An impressive old castle from the 19th century on a hilltop converted to a beautiful restaurant. The restaurant offers local and International dishes.

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Romero restaurant

Cuisine: Italian Price range: $11-$20 Tel: +962 6 4644227 Address: Jabal Amman, near 3rd Circle and Intercontinental Hotel Website: http://www.romero-jordan.com

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Al Quds

Price range: less than $10 It is not a place to spend all evening, rather come and eat, the prices very reasonable, the food is good.

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Hashim

Price range: less than $10 Hashim restaurant is popular with locals for its falafel, hummus and ful. Great value for money, as everything is fresh, tastes good and is very cheap.

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Reem Al Bawadi

Address: Al-Madeenah Al-Munawarah Street, 8th Circle Tel: +962 6 5343733

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Wild Jordan

Price range: $5-$10 Address: 1st Circle, Othan Bin Afan St, Jabal Amman Tel: +962 646 335 42

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Amman Marriott Hotel

Being close to the business district makes it ideal for business travelers, and being close to shopping areas and tourist attractions makes Amman Marriott Hotel ideal for leisure travelers also.

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Four Seasons Amman

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The Four Seasons is the ultimate luxury hotel with a convenient location. The hotel offers fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, babysitting services, and business services such as computers, secretarial services, and wired or wireless internet access in meeting rooms. From: USD 355

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Grand Hyatt Amman

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A 5 star luxury hotel located in the business district Jabal Amman, ideal for business travelers. Enjoy a wonderful variety of cuisines in the hotel’s fine dining restaurants.

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Kempinski Amman

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A uniquely designed 5 star luxury hotel that serves as a convenient base for doing business as well as visiting tourist and leisure attractions.

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Le Meridien Amman

Le Meridien Amman is an ideal gateway to all that Jordan has to offer, since it is strategically located in the centre of the business district. It is just a short walk away from the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre. Many of the city’s top malls and shopping areas are also within easy reach.

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Al-Waleed Hotel 3-star

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With a fine location in the popular area of Swefieh, the Al Waleed Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a long list of services and facilities, including free wireless internet. The hotel is at the centre of one of the major shopping areas of the city, with many sights within easy walking distance.

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Amman West

The 4-star Amman West Hotel is located on the 4th Circle, a central yet quiet location. Guests have easy access from the hotel to all the city's sights and entertainment. Enjoy this fine position and the facilities and services offered, including an outdoor swimming pool and free wireless internet. From: USD 135

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Imperial Palace Hotel Amman

A 4-star hotel offering a great position in Amman, 30 minutes driving from Queen Alia International Airport and 10 minutes driving from the city centre.

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Sheperd Hotel

Sheperd Hotel is a cozy 3-star family hotel located in the heart of the business district of Amman, just a short walk from downtown. Shepherd Hotel offers good and personal service, and will make you feel right at home.

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The Ibis Amman

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A 3-star hotel located in the heart of the business and leisure district. Enjoy free wireless internet and comfortable accommodation close to the Jordan University, shopping centres, cafes and restaurants.