Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
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Located 10 miles northwest of Nablus, the ancient royal city of Sebastia. It is best to get from Nablus magnificent columns across the street leading to the top of a hill.
In Samarian hills are the ruins of the Herodian royal city of Sebastia. A huge Roman theater, Salome, which is said to have performed his famous dance, and a famous colonnaded street are some of the best preserved ruins.
The walk through the ruins Sebastia offers a breathtaking panorama.
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 Located on the border of Samarian mountains, Tulkarem was settled by the Canaanites in 3000 BC Tomb of the early Canaanite period were discovered on the outskirts of the city. He later became a Roman named as Birat Soriqa and the Islamic period onwards was known as Tulkarem. The city had its importance when the Ottomans became the capital of the region.

The Archaeological Museum of Tulkarem, which is located in the center of the city includes many artifacts from the Roman period onwards. There are many historic sites in Tulkarem, including the tomb of Daughters of Jacob and Roman Irtah press.
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 The twin cities of Ramallah and El Bireh is 16 miles north of Jerusalem. Built across several hills about 900 meters above sea level, Ramallah, also known as "The Bride of Palestine". Its pleasant, temperature climate, is a favorite summer resort. and the city hosts the dance and folklore festivals throughout the summer.
Ramallah is very good services for visitors, with comfortable places to stay, some of the best restaurants in Palestine, nightlife, good transportation, other services related to tourism and hospitality, the friendliness of its people.

El Bireh was built by the Canaanites. It is known as a center of learning and their political and cultural activities. Friends of the Boys School was established here in 1886, the Palestinian Legislative Council is in the city.

Joseph and Mary rested here on his return journey from Jerusalem to Nazareth. The cool summer climate, the physical proximity of Jerusalem, and the relatively quiet environment, is an ideal resting place for a night or two.

Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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the ancient city of Rafah is and has been for many years the southern port of Palestine, a port that was the cause of many battles, fought against the invaders of Palestine in the north and south of Egypt.
One of the oldest cities of Palestine, Rafah, formed a natural border between Egypt and the Fertile Crescent. Marble obelisks and columns were erected to mark the border between Palestine and Egypt.
The name of the city, currently home to 130,000 residents, appeared with the name of Gaza in pharaohs' scripts dating from the 16th century BC The city was used as the main point guard Hawras along the coastal road, which was witnessed an increase in activity when the pharaohs came into full power.
Rafah, was known in the Islamic period as a rest stop for traveling traders. Historians in the 11th century described the city as an industrious center, with a market, a mosque, and several hotels and shops. Archaeologists believe that the sands of the western part of Rafah cover ruins belonging to the Roman era.
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The city of Qalqilya, north-east of the West Bank, has its roots and origins in the Canaanite period. Qalqilya The name dates back to Roman times and medieval European sources, like his contemporaries residents refer to it as "Qalqilya".

Qalqilya has a mild climate, Mediterranean climate: warm and rainy in winter and hot in the summer humidity levels reach 70 percent during the months of July and August. Average annual rainfall is 550 millimeters.

A local council was first established in Qalqilya in 1909 during the last decade of the Ottoman Empire. Its first municipal council was established in 1945.

The city has a great stadium, which hosts national competitions and tournaments. The city also has the only zoo in Palestine that was created in 1986 and comprises 20,000 square meters. The same complex houses an amusement park, including electric cars, trains and other entertainment for children.

During a visit to Qalqilya, enjoy beautiful scenery, food and specialty spend a relaxing day in the country.
Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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Nablus, about 63 kilometers north of Jerusalem, is the second largest city in the West Bank. It is a thriving industrial and commercial center to fill archaeological sites and ruins in various stages of excavation. Visitors have been particularly fascinated with the Roman Theatre, near the city center. It has a steady stream of visitors throughout the year.Nablus is known worldwide for its fine olives, olive oil, olive oil and wood products. In the Old City, you can stroll for hours through the market. Nablus is known for tasty sweets. Knaffe sampling from a delicate combination of melted cheese, strips of grain, sugar and honey sauce is a must for any visitor to Nablus.Another important site is the well of Jacob, 2 miles east of Nablus in the village of Balata. It is the site where Jesus is said to have asked a woman Samaritian draw water from a well for him. Today Jacob's well is in a Greek Orthodox monastery is open to the public.Nablus has Samaritian a neighborhood west of the city. The Samaritans history dates back to 721 B.C.E. Samaritans follow the Torah, but differ about Judaism from northern sites Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac and Joshua's altar. Samaritans have identified sites on Mount Gerzim in the Nablus area as places for these events. Therefore, a small independent and community speaks Arabic and Hebrew Palestinian Jews.Nablus soap has been made for years of soda and olive oil. Although manufacturing methods have changed slightly over the years, done in Nablus soap is still renowned for its purity and is exported to markets across the Middle East. Several traditional soap factories in Nablus offer tours of their manufacturing process soap. The soap is made from olive oil, making it a journey. After the tour of soap can test their samples in one of the city, recently restored Turkish Baths.Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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Jerusalem known as Beit Makdes Jerusalem in Arabic and Hebrew, has been known for centuries as a center of three great religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is an incredibly wide with human diversity, representing different races, religions and ethnicities. Jerusalem towers over other cities because it is a spiritual city. For the faithful, a visit to Jerusalem, is a powerful affirmation of faith.

Jerusalem focuses on the famous walled old city, surrounded by high walls and is located next to the Mount of Olives. A walk is the most popular way to visit the Old City of Jerusalem. Start at the Damascus Gate, one of the city's famous eight doors, and walk through the city's maze of crooked streets and alleys. In the Muslim Quarter of the Old Town is the Dome of the Rock (Al Qubbat Sakhra), one of the oldest examples of Moorish architecture. The huge dome houses the oldest rock on which rested Arc of Noah after the flood and where Abraham almost sacrificed his son. Built on the site where Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven in his famous night journey, this sacred place for Muslims around the world is visually spectacular, with mosaic tiles bright blue, a golden dome, and exquisite, mathematically exact proportions. Nearby are the famous mosque of Al-Aqsa and the Islamic Museum, which was established in 1927 and houses beautiful stained glass windows and a collection of old copies of the Koran.

Another tourist route in the Old City is the Via Dolorosa, which traces the path of Christ to his crucifixion .. Begins near Lions Gate and end at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian quarter. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is revered as the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, burial, and resurecction. In the course of many centuries, pilgrims have traveled to the shrine to see the gold connector held the Cross of Christ, the crypt where it was established, the stone where his body was anointed, and the tomb where he was buried.

Manure from the entrance door of the old city, you can walk to the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall. This wall is one of the most sacred Jewish.

East of the Old City is the Mount of Olives, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire city of Jerusalem. The Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of all Nations, and the tomb of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the mountain. Midway are two famous churches: the church of Santa Maria Magdalena, a beautiful example of old Russian style domes and vaults, which was erected in 1885 by Tsar Alexander III, and the Franciscan Church of Dominus Flevit, a simple structure built on the remains of a monastic chapel of the fifth century. Inside the window above the altar has a breathtaking view of the city, including the Dome of the Rock in the distance. Perhaps this point of view that best reflects the splendor and diversity of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

The sources of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim attachment to Jerusalem are deep and complex. The Jews in the city has "one Holy," and the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish life is reflected in the vow made by Jews on religious occasions, "Next year in Jerusalem."

The crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth and his burial in Jerusalem, to the holiest city for Christians. Christian attachment to Jerusalem is reflected in the various names for the city listed in the Bible, such as the City of Justice, Faithful City, City of God, Holy City and the City of Truth.

For Muslims, Jerusalem is second only to Mecca and Medina as a sacred shrine. Over the centuries the Dome of the Rock, which looms above Jerusalem, has been revered and cared for by all Muslims. One woman said to the Prophet Muhammad, "O apostle of God! Give standard for Jerusalem." And he said, "is the land of the resurrection and the judgment of assembly, go there and pray. Indeed, there is a prayer is like a thousand other places."
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Wericho the city of palm trees, is the oldest inhabited city on Earth, dating back almost 10,000 years. The excavations in the ruins of Tel Al Sultan in Jericho show settlements and 10,000 BC has an abundance of water sources and is believed to fresh spring water in Tel Al-Sultan is why the first inhabitance in Jericho. Its original name, Yereha (perfume), expressed his exuberance and preserved in its current Arabic name, Ariha.Because it is near the Dead Sea, which is over 400 meters below sea level, Jericho is kept warm throughout the year. Jesus walked the streets of Jericho during his several visits to the city. It's wonderful to travel area monasteries and historical sites for hikers, Jericho has nice scenic routes.One of the majestic sites in Jericho is the Monastery of St. George, excavated in the wall of a canyon overlooking the gorge of Wadi Qelt. This Greek Orthodox monastery was built in V century as a spiritual center of hermits.Another site is magnificent Palace of Hisham. This beautiful desert ruins of the Umayyad caliph Hisham Ibn Abdul Malik was completed in the eighth century. Hisham Palace contains royal buildings, a mosque, fountains, and spectacular mosaic floors. Tourists enjoy the remarkable presentation to the outdoors with a stroll through lush temples and mosaics. Many of the delicate artifacts are Hisham Palace in the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem.Qumran, which is about 20 miles south of Jericho, is the site of the monastery of the Essenes, where more than 2,000 Dead Sea Scrolls were founded by an Arab shepherd in late 1940.Nabi Musa is a beautiful 12th century Mazar (shrine of pilgrimage), on the old road of pilgrims. Believed to be the place where the prophet Moses is buried, is named after him. From Nabi Musa track runs west to the Byzantine Monastery in Wadi Mukelik cave and follows Khan el-Ahmar.Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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Located in the northern part of Palestine, in Jenin is located on the border of the Samarian hills. He served as a transit station in road traffic. Jenin is the En-old Gannim of the Bible and the village is referred to as Ginaea. The Romans were the first to name the city of Jenin, in the sixth century. The name is derived from En-Ganim, in the sense of spring Ganim and reffering to the region of abundant springs.

That was 4 kilometers from Jenin in the village where Jesus Christ leppers Berqin curing the 10 residents in a cave on the edge of the village. Today visitors can see interesting ruins of a Byzantine church, built over the cave.

Jenin was occupied by the Crusaders in 1103 and released by the Muslim leader Salah Al Din Al-Ayyoubi in 1187 during the famous battle of Hitteen.

A beautiful drive through the countryside takes you to Jenin, where you can enjoy the delicious shish kebab and Musakhan dishes. Jenin is a characteristic oriental city with its houses built on the slopes of hills and surrounded by carob trees, fig trees, palms and trees are watered by small streams.

Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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Khan Yunis, located in the southwest of Palestine, is the second largest city in the Gaza Strip near the town of Gaza. It is 25 kilometers south of Gaza, 20 kilometers north of the Egyptian border and 4 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea.
The name of the city consists of two words, Khan Younis and the sense of shelter, referring to Prince Dawadar Younis in 1387 he built a garrison of soldiers guarding travelers and pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and Mecca. The square is surrounded by this impressive historic fort that dominates the view.
In the old days, the city serves as a station for trade caravans. He obtained special importance for its strategic location connecting the Nile Valley to the Fertile Crescent, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.
Khan Younis is a market town for agricultural products from surrounding villages. Worth a visit on Wednesday and Thursday during the week, Bedouins colorful market, where merchants sell everything from embroidery to fish. There are also several cafes around the city center where you can sit and eat local food or sip Arabic coffee.
Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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 Gaza is at the crossroads between Africa and Asia. Famous for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and archeological treasures, Gaza has been a trading port and cultural center for thousands of years.Alexander the Great conquered Gaza in 332 B.C.E. He was later ruled by the Romans. In 637, Gaza became part of the Islamic Empire. The Crusaders invaded Gaza in 1100 and were defeated by Saladin in 1187. The Ottomans took control of Gaza in 1517 and remained in power for over 400 years.Napoleon Bonaparte arrived in Gaza on their way through Palestine in 1799. During the First World War, Gaza was the scene of famous battles, and today there is a serene, beautifully landscaped British war cemetery in the city.Gaza City is rich in history. Omari Grand Mosque is in the Daraj neighborhood of the city. This famous mosque was built in the seventh century on the site of a Roman temple and the name of the second Caliph Omar Ibn Islamic Khattaab.Gaza is also known for its rich archaeological resources. Byzantine ruins and tombs have been excavated in the northern part of Gaza. You can visit these magnificent archaeological sites and see colored mosaics with figures of animals and plants.Another must in Gaza is the Arts and Crafts in the village. An attractive design inspired by traditional Islamic architecture gallery, the town offers to sell embroidery, copper, rugs, and pottery. Also, modern art exhibitions of renowned national and international artists.And do not forget the Gaza Strip that includes other towns such as Khan Yunis, Rafah and Deir Balah, with unique cultural richness and historical sites.Just around the corner from the mosque is the famous souks Dhahab, one of the oldest gold in world markets. Another interesting place in Gaza is the Church of San Prophyrus. This fifth century Greek Orthodox church has a decorated ceiling and an amazing collection of icons.Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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A few miles south of Jerusalem is the city of Bethlehem. Christians around the world known as the little town where Jesus was born. Still small, Bethlehem has maintained a friendly and has thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Many Christian holy places, churches and monasteries are located in the city. One of the main attractions is the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square, built over the cave where Jesus was born. The adjacent Church of St. Catherine possesses marvelous wood carvings of the Stations of the Cross. A few minutes walk from Manger Square is the Chapel of the Milk Grotto, where the Holy Family took refuge on their way to Egypt, where Mary and baby Jesus feeds.


This is also where the red rock, now darkened by age, became white plaster after a fall in the milk of Mary fell. Milk Grotto is a serene chapel adorned with images of the Virgin and Child. Milk Grotto along the street, you can also find handicraft factories that produce rich luster of pearl and olive wood items.


At the northern entrance of the city is the Tomb of Rachel the Matriarch, wife of Jacob, who died while giving birth in Bethlehem to Benjamin. In the city are remnants of two Aqueducts That Brought water from Solomon's Pools to Jerusalem.


Visit the Museum of Arab women just off Manger Street. This museum is recreated a Diwan (a traditional living room) and displays of clothing, jewelry. old photos and personal items from the era of British rule. A tour of the museum offers an example of elegant refinement Palestinian families enjoyed in the pre-1948.


The Herodion, in the hills south of Bethlehem, one of the many spectacular places worthy of a visitor with a special attention. The view from the top of this strategic fortress built by Herod the Great provides an overview to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Although he died at Jericho, Herod was buried here.
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Beit Sahour is located southeast of Bethlehem. It is the scene of the olive groves, known as Shepherd's Field, where the angel announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus Christ. Two points of interest here: a Franciscan chapel, and a Greek Orthodox church was built over a cave in the fifth century. There are also some exceptionally olive trees in the field. While in town, be sure to ask about the Beit Sahour Municipality FOLKLORE MUSEUM.

A walk of about six miles east of Shepherd Field winding road takes you to the Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba. Built on a cliff, has spectacular views over the gorge of the Kidron Valley and was part of the tour of Palestine during the 19th century. The founder, San Saba, came from Cappadocia in the fifth century. There are legends about San Saba having lived in a cave with a lion for many years. San Saba died at the age of 94, and his skull is still preserved in the church at the monastery. The monastery has 110 rooms, while today there are only a few monks who live there. The monks are friendly and hospitable, but the tradition established long ago prevents the entry of women, which should enjoy the scenery from the outside.

Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
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About two miles west of Bethlehem, Beit Jala, a village situated between olive groves and vineyards, with stunning stonemasonry and a spectacular view of Jerusalem. The unique location of the city and the moderate climate makes it a popular summer destination for visitors looking for clean, peaceful environment and beautiful scenery.

In recent years it has become in Beit Jala, known for its modern hotels and good restaurants offering a variety of foods to please different tastes. Olive oil is one of the main products of the people. Has a unique flavor characteristic of the trees in the area. One of the most important monuments in Beit Jala is the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, established in 1925 and the name of the patron saint of Beit Jala.
Ministry of tourism, antiquities
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This is a great place in which it seems that time has stopped, virtually untouched by man and its destructive forces. Here, water and wind have carved the imposing and towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described that TE Lawrence: "Vast, lonely ... as touched by the hand of God. "

A maze of monolithic rock landscapes rises from the desert floor to 1,750 feet, creating a natural challenge for experienced climbers. Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces, explore the canyons and the water tanks and discover the drawings of rocks dating from 4,000 years ago, and other spectacular treasures that owns this stunning wilderness.

Also known as 'The Valley of the Moon', this is the place where Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and TE Lawrence established his headquarters during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in the First World War, his exploits are closely linked to the history of this amazing place.

There are several possibilities for exploring Wadi Rum. Visitors should contact the Visitor Center where, in addition to the facilities for visitors, you can rent a 4x4 vehicle with a driver / guide and explore Wadi for two or three hours, exploring some of the best known. You can also rent a camel and a guide. Travel time can be set earlier in the Visitor Centre, as the rooms under the stars in Bedouin tents where you can enjoy a traditional meal at the fireside enlivened by Arabic music.

When transport is organized, there are several tours available: the Burdah stone bridge, the highest in Wadi Rum, through the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and many other interesting places. You can use a full day drive or a day and a night if you go by camel. There are many alternative routes, so ask your travel agent or check directly at the Center for Bedouin village visitantes.El inhabiting the area still retains its semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Bedouins are hospitable and welcome visitors with joy, often inviting him for coffee or lunch.

important:

When visiting Wadi Rum remember to bring something warm, as temperatures go from 32 ° C per day, up to 4 ° C overnight.

Always ask permission before photographing local Bedouin.
Always dress modestly when visiting an area inhabited by Bedouins. Their culture is far from Western cultures, more liberal, and very short pants and shirts could be considered disrespectful.
Jordan Tourist Office
This is a great place in which it seems that time has stopped, virtually untouched by man and its destructive forces. Here, water and wind have carved the imposing and towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described that TE Lawrence: "Vast, lonely ... as touched by the hand of God. "

A maze of monolithic rock landscapes rises from the desert floor to 1,750 feet, creating a natural challenge for experienced climbers. Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces, explore the canyons and the water tanks and discover the drawings of rocks dating from 4,000 years ago, and other spectacular treasures that owns this stunning wilderness.

Also known as 'The Valley of the Moon', this is the place where Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and TE Lawrence established his headquarters during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in the First World War, his exploits are closely linked to the history of this amazing place.

There are several possibilities for exploring Wadi Rum. Visitors should contact the Visitor Center where, in addition to the facilities for visitors, you can rent a 4x4 vehicle with a driver / guide and explore Wadi for two or three hours, exploring some of the best known. You can also rent a camel and a guide. Travel time can be set earlier in the Visitor Centre, as the rooms under the stars in Bedouin tents where you can enjoy a traditional meal at the fireside enlivened by Arabic music.

When transport is organized, there are several tours available: the Burdah stone bridge, the highest in Wadi Rum, through the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and many other interesting places. You can use a full day drive or a day and a night if you go by camel. There are many alternative routes, so ask your travel agent or check directly at the Center for Bedouin village visitantes.El inhabiting the area still retains its semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Bedouins are hospitable and welcome visitors with joy, often inviting him for coffee or lunch.

important:

When visiting Wadi Rum remember to bring something warm, as temperatures go from 32 ° C per day, up to 4 ° C overnight.

Always ask permission before photographing local Bedouin.
Always dress modestly when visiting an area inhabited by Bedouins. Their culture is far from Western cultures, more liberal, and very short pants and shirts could be considered disrespectful.
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The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a lost time have little to do with our modern civilization, and they ask to be appreciated at their true value: as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.
Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. Must be seen to be believed.
Often described as the eighth wonder of the ancient world, Petra is without doubt the most precious treasure of Jordan and its most important tourist attraction. It's a huge city completely carved into the rocks by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe hardworking who settled in the area over 2,000 years and the city became an important step linking the silk routes, those of the spices and other connecting China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.

The entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow canyon, a mile long, surrounded by cliffs that rise to 80 meters high. Simply walk through the Siq is an unforgettable experience. The colors and rock formations are dazzling. When you reach the end of the Siq catch your first glimpse the front called Al-Khazneh (Treasury).
It is an awesome experience. A massive façade, 30m wide and 43m high, carved into the rock face of pale pink and dwarfing everything around it. It was built in the first century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king and a sample of the engineering genius of this ancient people.

The Treasury is the first of the many wonders that are found in Petra. You need at least four or five days to explore the city thoroughly. As you enter the Petra valley you will be overwhelmed by the natural beauty of this place and its impressive architecture. There are hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs with intricate carvings, unlike the houses that were destroyed by the earthquake, were built to last for all eternity and 500 have survived, empty but bewitching as you file past their dark entries . There are also a theater built by the Nabataeans in Roman style, with capacity for 3,000 people. There are obelisks, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets, high up, overlooking the valley is the impressive Ad-Deir Monastery, a rise of 800 rock-cut steps leading up El.En inside the site also you can find two great museums, the Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum. Both have a great background from excavations in the Petra region and provide a colorful overview of Petra stopped.
A thirteenth-century shrine, built by the Mamluk Sultan Al Nasir Mohammad to commemorate the death of Aaron, brother of Moses, can be seen today at the summit of Mount Aaron in the Sharah range.
On-site, several artisans from the town of Wadi Musa and a nearby Bedouin settlement set up small stalls selling local handicrafts such as pottery and Bedouin jewelery and bottles of colored sand in the area.

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Not allowed access to the area to motorized vehicles. If you do not want to walk, rent a horse or a horse-drawn carriage to tour the Siq, 1 mile long. For the elderly or disabled, the Visitor Center, located near the entrance to the Siq, grants a special permit (for an additional fee) for transfer to the inside Petra to visit the main attractions. Once inside the enclosure, you can rent a donkey or, if you search a little adventure, a camel. Both options include the support of a caregiver and travel routes of the site.

Petra was established around the sixth century BC, Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and laid the beginnings of a commercial empire that reached Syria.

Despite successive attempts by the Seleucid king Antigonus, the Roman emperor Pompey and Herod the Great to take to their respective empires, Petra, the Nabatean city remained in power until about the year 100 AD when the Romans took it . Remained inhabited during the Byzantine period, when the Roman Empire established its interest in the East, in Constantinople, but then, its importance declined. The Crusaders built a fort here in the twelfth century, but soon withdrew, leaving Petra under the control of the local population until the nineteenth century, when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812 returned to discover it.
Jordan Tourist Office
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The ancient city of Jerash, Petra rivaling the list of favorite destinations in Jordan, has always been occupied by human settlements, more than 6,500 years.

Jerash lies on a plateau surrounded by steep wooded areas and fertile basins. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it fell under Roman rule and was one of the ten great Roman cities, the Decapolis.
The city's golden age came under Roman rule, during which it was known as Gerasa, and today is considered one of the best preserved Roman cities worldwide. Hidden for centuries in sand before the excavations and restorations carried out during the past 70 years, Jerash reveals a perfect example of the great Roman provinces formal planning that can be admired throughout the Middle East: floor and colonnaded streets, temples on the tops of the mountains, handsome theaters, spacious public squares, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and columns.


Beneath its external Greco-Roman city of Jerash also preserves a subtle blend of East and West. Its architecture, religion and languages ​​reflect a process by which two powerful cultures were mixed and coexisted: the Greco-Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the ancient traditions of the Arab East.


The modern city of Jerash is located east of the ruins. The old and the new city are separated only by a wall, but the careful preservation and city planning have enabled the city to develop itself out of the ruins, so there is no invasion of the sites old.


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The Jerash Festival, held in July, dipped to the ancient city into one of the most spectacular cultural events and encouraged the world. The festival of folk dances representing local and international groups, ballet, concerts, theater, opera, performances of popular singers and sales of traditional handicrafts, all lit by artificial light creates a suggestive atmosphere around the wonderful setting of the ruins Jerash.

from Jordan Tourist Office
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Undoubtedly, the most impressive in the world, the Jordan Rift Valley is a beautiful and dramatic landscape, which in the Dead Sea is over 400 meters below sea level. As the lowest point on earth, this vast expanse of water is the final destination of many rivers, among which is the river Jordan. When the waters reach the Dead Sea are surrounded by land and have no way out, so it evaporates leaving a thick, rich blend of salts and minerals that provide industry, agriculture and medicine some of the Dead Sea products exquisitos.El is flanked by mountains east and west by the hills of Jerusalem, giving it an almost otherworldly beauty. Although the area is sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, it is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adama, Zeboiim and Zoar.

One of the natural and spiritual landscapes in the world's most spectacular east coast of the Dead Sea, which has evolved to become the center of both religious tourism, tourism and health and welfare of the entire region. A series of good roads, excellent hotels with spa and fitness facilities as well as archaeological and spiritual discoveries make this region a tempting destination for international visitors, like one day it was to kings, emperors, traders, prophets and pilgrims in antiquity.

The highlight of the Dead Sea is the warm and salty waters, which contain ten times more salt than the rest of the world's oceans and are rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and other minerals. Its warm and incredibly rich in minerals floating have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod and the beautiful Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. All have been delighted with the black mud and encouraging the Dead Sea and floated easily over the water looking at the sky while soaking her healthy minerals while they warmed with light rays of Jordan.

important:
If you want to combine a visit to the Dead Sea with a diving trip to Aqaba in Jordan during your stay, enjoy the experience first of the Dead Sea. Doing the opposite will understand that the recommended option is the best to see any cuts or scratches that can occur on coral reefs.
Jordan Tourist Office
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Given the wealth of other attractions, visitors today often overlook the magnificent Red Sea in Jordan. Besides being a delightful place for discerning visitors, it is an ideal base from which to explore the various attractions of southern Jordan.

Aqaba is synonymous with fun. It is a microcosm of all the wonders of Jordan, including a fascinating history, with outstanding sites, hotels and first-class activities, impeccable facilities for visitors, and possibilities for shopping, not to mention the friendliness and hospitality of its people, who enjoy helping visitors what they need.

But perhaps Aqaba's greatest asset is himself the Red Sea. Here, enjoy one of the best diving in the world. The mild climate and gentle water currents have created the perfect environment for corals to grow and develop a multitude of marine life. Here you can swim with sea turtles and dolphins dive into schools of multicolored fish. If you are night diving excursions, admire the nocturnal sea creatures such as crabs, prawns and lobsters, while looking for your midnight snack.

Aqaba has several dive centers. All offer diving equipment in optimal conditions, professional instructors and boat transfer to various dive sites.

For these people it is possible to see the wonders of the sea through a glass bottom boat or a submarine or if you prefer, relax in the sun on the beautiful beaches of the resorts in the area. Of course, besides all this, there are many water sport activities available as well as an interesting and important marine park.
For over 5,500 years, Aqaba has played an important role in the economy of the region. Was the rallying point for land and sea routes from Asia, Africa and Europe, paper still plays today. Due to this crucial role, there are many historical sites to explore in the area, including what is believed to be the oldest church built in the world.
Aqaba International Airport is located just 20 minutes drive from downtown and receives regular flights from Amman as well as from several European cities. From the center of the city, the borders of Israel, the Sinai of Egypt and Saudi Arabia are less than 30 minutes by car.
from the tourist office in Jordan
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Amman, capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city full of contrasts, a unique blend of ancient and modern, strategically located in a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley.

In the commercial center of the city, ultra modern buildings rub shoulders, hotels, trendy restaurants, art galleries and boutiques with traditional cafes and craft workshops. Evidence anywhere in the ancient past of the city.

Due to the prosperity enjoyed by the city today and its temperate climate, almost half of Jordan's population is concentrated in the Amman area. The districts are mainly residential streets and avenues lined with perfectly aligned and elegant white houses, as a municipal law establishes the use of local stone on the facade of the houses.
The center is much older and more traditional. There you will find smaller businesses producing and selling almost everything from jewelry to household utensils.

The people of Amman are multi-cultural, polite, hospitable and form a very diverse society. They welcome visitors and proudly display their fascinating and vibrant city.

from THE TOURIST OFFICE OF JORDAN
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