The Kingdom of Time. Jordan has given itself a name that pays tribute to all the civilisations that have populated this desert territory over the millennia. To visit the country is to marvel at the grandiose and often mysterious archaeological vestiges they have left behind.
Starting with the Roman ruins at Gerasa (30 km north of the capital, Amman). They are grandiose and truly breathtaking. The preservation of the immense oval square lined with columns, the huge forum, the circus… all signs of the power of the ancient empire. In Amman, the capital, nicknamed ‘the white city’ because of the reflections of light on the houses with their flat roofs, it is the rumour of the fruit and vegetable souk that attracts like a magnet. The friendly smiles of the merchants are a perfect match for the explosion of colour in their produce. Later, the goods will make up the oriental delights on the table of the Fakhreldin, where after the round of mezzes, roasted or braised meat accompanied by couscous and followed by refreshing and greedy desserts will be served.
Taking the road south – the Road of Kings – which crosses desert mountains glowing red in the setting sun, you head for the marvellous Petra. The ancient city of the Nabataean civilisation is carved out of coloured rocks that look like Neapolitan slices. The Nabataean people left some 800 tombs, some of them richly decorated. Enigmatic and fascinating, Petra – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is a treasure whose secrets are still being revealed.
A few kilometres away, in Madaba, you’ll find another marvel: a 4th-century mosaic jealously guarded in the Orthodox church of Saint George. It tells the story of the genesis of Jerusalem, a rare document on the founding of Christianity. Concerned about respect for religious beliefs, Jordan has undertaken a vast operation to safeguard these archaeological treasures, which are unique in the world.
On the way back to the Kings’ road, the Wadi Rum desert awaits travellers. Red sand, high cliffs with strange shapes, mysterious canyons: Rum is a place that has fascinated the greatest film directors. Indeed, this desert valley was the setting for the films Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Star Wars and many others. The Bedouin tents of Rum Imaginatio Luxury camp, with their modern comfort offer delicious refuge for relaxing moments over a cup of tea. Then it’s on to Aqada, the pearl of the Red Sea, a seaside resort appreciated for its modernity and water sports.
By Marie-Line Darcy
INFO: https://visitjordan.com