Guide to Jordan’s UNESCO Sites

1. Petra

Created by the Nabataeans some 2,000 years ago, the intricate caves, temples and tombs of Petra in southwest Jordan are, understandably, the country’s most iconic heritage site. Flaunting an 8,000-seated amphitheatre and the 39m mausoleum known as Al-Khazneh, or The Treasury, the rock-carved site has provided an enchanting backdrop for many a Hollywood film. And this so-called Rose City takes on an ethereal nature when visited at night. Multiple hiking routes weave through here, but the Al-Khubta trail is probably the most popular. Starting from the visitor centre, you walk through the eye-widening Petra Siq – which measures just three metres wide in parts – and take in the myriad royal tombs before climbing the 800-plus steps to the Jabal al-Khubta vantage point. Siq al-Barid, a smaller, archaeological site, often dubbed Little Petra, is located around five kilometres from here. It plays home to similar Nabataean frescoes while also offering a glimpse of local Bedouin and agricultural life.

2. As-Salt

The city of As-Salt, distinguished by its hotchpotch of yellow limestone architecture, is found in the Balqa highland of the west-central region and was once a vital trading link, attracting merchants and skilled craftsmen from places like Nablus, Syria and Lebanon between the late 19th century and 1930s. Lose yourself in its winding streets of European and Ottoman architecture and the 300m Hammam Street. Here, traditional markets stalls stand cheek-by-jowl and you’ll see why it was deemed a place of tolerance and urban hospitality when UNESCO awarded the city heritage status in 2021. With shared communal plazas and an integrated Christian and Muslim population, the sense of community here is palpable. Must-see sights include the historic Old Salt Museum with its Art Nouveau-stained glass windows and frescoed ceilings, and the Haddadin Stairs which take you to the Al Qala’a lookout point.

3. Wadi Rum

There’s a reason Wadi Rum, east of the Rift Valley in southern Jordan, has provided the backdrop for so many films. The protected Mars-like desert terrain spreads across an area of 740 sq km like a crimson carpet. With its plethora of narrow gorges, natural arches and towering cliffs of honeycomb weathering features, there's nowhere on earth quite like it. 

Visit this iconic site and you’ll learn all about the area’s heritage via the visitor centre in Wadi Rum village. You can also glimpse the imposing Jabal Al-Mazmar. Now named the Seven Pillars of Wisdom after Lawrence of Arabia’s book, this is a popular spot for hikers and climbers. Guide-led tours will also take you to the 100m fissure known as Khazali Siq, renowned for its 45,000 carvings and inscriptions. Dating back 12,000 years, and depicting human and animal figures, they’re among the most historically important petroglyphs in the Arabian Peninsula.

4. Al-Maghtas, ‘Bethany Beyond the Jordan’ Baptism Site

Pilgrims from all corners of the world visit Al-Maghtas, east of Jericho in the southern Jordan Valley. This Biblical site, around five miles north of the Dead Sea, is part of Western Jordan’s ‘Holy Land’ and Christians believe Jesus was baptised here. After centuries of religious leaders confirming its importance, it finally gained heritage status in 2015. While modern-day visitors often gather on the Western Bank of the Jordan River, the baptism location, known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, is thought to be inland by a natural spring near the churches of St John the Baptist. Here, you’ll also find a number of Roman chapels and religious hermit caves to explore. When visiting Al-Maghtas, consider tying in a day trip to the Dead Sea and the pilgrimage site of Mt Nebo for panoramic views.

5. Quseir Amra

The archaeological ruins of Quseir Amra, discovered by Czech explorer Alois Musil in 1898, are one of many desert castles built by the Arab Umayyad dynasty. They served as trade centres, caravanserai and places for powerful rulers to interact with the region’s Bedouin tribes. But this particular one, built in the 8^th century by Yazid bin Abd al-Malik, is also believed to have served as a hunting lodge for its residents. With a still intact reception hall and traditional hammam, it was also very decadent. Among its most striking features are the secular and Byzantine-inspired murals – depicting animals and hunting scenes – as well as Greek and Arabic wall inscriptions. You’ll find Quseir Amra close to Wadi Butum, around an hour east of Amman. Though this one is the best preserved, many visitors tie it in with a day trip to nearby desert castles Qasr al-Kharana and Qasr Al Azraq.  

6. Um ar-Rasas

On the edge of Jordan’s semi-arid steppe, southeast of Madaba, you’ll find the historical site Um ar-Rasas. While it’s among the country’s lesser-visited attractions, this UNESCO Site – inscribed in 2004 – is no less impressive, with archaeological findings spanning three historical eras. While the Ancient Romans built the original military camp here, the site became a religious hub during the Byzantine era and eventually an Islamic centre during the Early Muslim period. Amazingly, it’s thought the site may have also been inhabited from the Iron Age. Explore closely enough and you’ll glimpse everything from millennia-old archways and pillars to the mosaic of St Stephen’s Church which depicts myriad ancient walled cities from the region. The 14m Byzantine Stylite tower also suggests this could have once been an important pilgrimage site. You’ll find Um ar-Rasa around 30km southeast of Madaba and 76km south of Amman.

Don't forget the Jordan pass

Tailor-made for visitors, the Jordan Pass is the ultimate sightseeing package, giving you access to over 40 of Jordan’s attractions including Petra. The pass allows you to skip the queues for tickets, offers downloadable brochures and information, and even includes the cost of your visa, saving you money. 

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Fly direct from London to Amman in just five hours with Royal Jordanian.

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For more inspiration, and to start planning your dream visit to Jordan, head over to the official website. 

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