PETRA
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LIKE A KING IN JORDAN
The Way of Kings covers some of the most beautiful spots in Jordan
From the mosaics of Madaba to the canyon Wadi Mujib , Karak Castle , Mount Nebo and the Dana Nature Reserve , in one ride
In the central highlands of Jordan , a road over 5,000 years old plows through extraordinary landscapes that harbor countless attractions, from the impressive canyon of Wadi Mujib to the enigmatic mosaics of Madaba , not forgetting the legendary Mount in which is buried Moses , the Dana Nature Reserve or the imposing Castle of Karak . This is the Way of Kings , a trip to the past that guarantees the most colorful landscapes and serene feel more appeased.
Starting the route from the north, the first point of interest is found Madaba . Known mainly for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics , Madaba hides the known mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land , from the sixth century . This mosaic, made ??up of two million local stone tiles in bright colors , representing hills , valleys , towns and cities that can be found to the delta of the Nile mosaic This map covers the entire floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George , located northwest of the city. The mosaic panel that frames the map originally measured 15.6 m X 6 m, about 94 m2 although today retains only a quarter of the original mosaic .
12.5 miles from Madaba is Mount Nebo , the place from which Moses saw the Promised Land which was not allowed to enter. It is also the place where he is buried and is the most revered shrine in the country. Composed by the remains of a fourth century basilica and other older buildings , its highest point stands on the plateau of Transjordan and reaches 800 meters above sea level. From this point , visitors can admire a panorama embracing much of the Holy Land to the south , you can see the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert and west , the Jordan Valley and the mountains of Judea and Samaria . In turn, and ever westward , this point also offers views of Bethlehem , Herod's fortress , the domes of Jerusalem and the oasis of Jericho.
Extending to the Dead Sea , the spectacular canyon Wadi Mujib is a must. It is one kilometer deep and four wide, although the King's Road must overcome 18 kilometers down a Wadi wall and go up the opposite . The landscape of olive groves, groves , hills, flocks of sheep and rural villages is identical on either side .
Karak City , known for its Crusader castle , is located in Kings Highway 22km from the Dead Sea. The majesty of the silhouette of this fortified city and castle make understandable why this place was a turning point for the fate of many kings and nations. As a former stronghold of the Crusades , Karak lies 900 meters above sea level and sits the ancient walled city. The city rests on a triangular plateau and the castle is located in the narrow southern tip . One can distinguish dark rough construction of the Crusaders of the fine limestone blocks used in later Arab architecture .
To end this route by the Camino de los Reyes , nothing better than sustenance at the Biosphere Reserve of Dana . This is a unique haven of peace and tranquility that offers an enormous variety of landscapes, from rocky slopes forested mountains , sand dunes or rocky deserts .
It covers an area of 308 square kilometers and descends steeply from 1,200 meters to its highest point 200 meters below sea level, to the Jordan Rift Valley. Encompasses the beautiful mountain towns Rummana , the ancient archaeological ruins of Feynan , the town of Dana and Wadi sandstone cliffs Dana . Accommodates a variety of 703 species of plants, 215 species of birds and 38 species of mammals. Archaeological discoveries prove the presence Paleolithic , Egyptian , Nabataean and Roman in this area.
In addition , visitors have the opportunity to meet Dana 's native inhabitants , who have inhabited this region for the past 400 years.
Jordan, an oasis of peace in the Middle East
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , surprises the traveler to be a modern, dynamic , stable and completely safe . From the haunting, primeval starkness of Wadi Rum to the vibrant center of Amman, and from the majestic ruins of bygone civilizations to the timeless splendor of the Dead Sea , Jordan is revealed as a unique destination offering breathtaking and mysterious places , high standard accommodation , exquisite cuisine and countless activities to inspire, motivate and rejuvenate the visitor.
www.sp.visitjordan.com
Jordan - Petra, the city Rosacea
Petra , hidden behind a canyon south of Jordan, is the most magnificent treasure of the country. Tribute to a lost civilization , Petra is the only justification trip to Jordan .
Petra , hidden behind a canyon south of Jordan, is the most magnificent treasure of the country. Tribute to a lost civilization , Petra is the only justification trip to Jordan . Fully excavated in natural rocks , the ruins of the Nabatean city show its temples , theaters , streets ... The input signal will lead you to the Siq , a narrow gorge that leads into Petra . Once inside the canyon, the cliff walls seem to close when the unexpected occurs , the landscape widens and appear amazing monument that dominates Petra , the Treasury . A car journey will take you directly to the heart of ancient history on a journey that can never forget .
HISTORY
Petra was a city oasis spectacularly situated between the mountain cliffs of southern Jordan desert , and almost halfway between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba . Its inhabitants , the Nabataeans , Petra settled over 2000 years ago . Its prosperity was due to trade caravans as different routes converged at this oasis , trade of India and Arabia came to the Red Sea through Petra before reaching the Mediterranean and the routes from Mesopotamia and Petra crossed East way to Egypt. Despite the growing power of Rome in the West, the Nabataeans were able to remain independent until 106 AD , when the Emperor Trajan Petra became a Roman province . The place was so remote and inaccessible , which was unknown since the time of the Crusades until the nineteenth century that a Swiss J. Burckhardt , disguised as Arab sheik and accompanied by a Bedouin guide visited the city . Taking secret notes and sketches, wrote : "It seems quite likely that the ruins are there in Wadi Musa Petra the ancient dela " . Despite Burckhart rediscovery , it was not until 1924 when the first archaeological excavations were conducted in Petra , under the supervision of the British Archaeological School in Jerusalem. Groups Jordanian and foreign archaeologists have brought to the surface several areas of the city , revealing much data on the life of its former inhabitants. A large part of the attraction of Petra comes from its spectacular position in a narrow gorge . From the main entrance you can walk down the Siq gorge , and cut through the cliff walls , watching his step betilos with ancient inscriptions and rock carved dwellings . The Treasury, Petra's most famous monument suddenly appears at the end of the Siq . Used in the final scene of the film "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" , this huge facade is just one of the first secrets of Petra . Several trails and climbs reveal hundreds of buildings , facades , tombs, baths ... On top of a mountain and overlooking the city , is the Tomb of Aaron , brother of Moses.
THE SIQ
The main route of entry into Petra in classical times it was the Siq , a long barrel caused by a cataclysm. It has a length of 1.2 km and its cliffs about 100 meters. The main entrance is marked by an arch of which only the ruins are .
TREASURE
The Treasury view Primara just left the Siq , is really astonishing , therefore, that the descriptive prose will never do justice to this experience. Entirely excavated in the rock , large Corinthian columns of the facade and decorated intrincante are preserved from wind and rain in the rock ledge at the top . Inspired by the classic Hellenistic art , its construction dates from the first century AD, and measures 40x28 meters. It is still matter of dispute whether it was tomb or temple. Figures on the facade carved detail , mythological deities represent the Nabataeans.
THE MONASTERY
The most spectacular monument of Petra , along with the Treasury , is the Monastery . It is located a considerable distance from the city center on a high plain and open , so if you want to get to it will have to do a lift through its 850 stairs. Worth it! . It lacks architectural elements such as the Treasury and the capitals are Nabataean type . It was built in the second century , and was used as a monastery during the Byzantine era .
DJIN BLOCKS
After several meters from the front door, are the mysterious djinn (spirits ) three massive rocks as monumental tombs excavated . On top of one of them are writings and decorations.
TOMBS OF DOOR Siq triclinium OBELISCO
It is the only tomb of Petra with this type of decoration , named for the four existing obelisks on top of the monument . The obelisk was a symbol Nabataean funeral . The triclinium , is a design classic Nabataean characterized by three rooms.
STREET OF FRONTS AND THEATRE
After the Treasury is delas Facades Street , a row of houses ( graves ) with decorations of Assyrian origin . The street leads to the Theatre Facades , Nabataean design expanded later by the Romans. Data construction of the first century AD and had a capacity of 7000 spectators . Observe the health of its 33 rows and perfect acoustics.
TOMBS
Of the more than 500 tombs found in Petra , the Royal Tombs are perhaps the most impressive. This group consists of : dela Urn Tomb , Silk Tomb , Corinthian Tomb and Palace Tombs . Dating its construction in about 70 AD
TOMB OF THE URN
This large tomb can compete in size with the Monastery and Treasury , measures 17x18 , 9 meters. For the three apses as inscriptions found inside we know that this tomb was converted into a Byzantine church in 446 AD
TOMB OF SILK
This tomb smaller , damaged by natural elements in it Colored highlight your stretch marks and four double columns supporting a cornice.
TOMB CORINTIA
The design of this tomb has confused many architects because it seems to be the mixture of several elements . The top is an imitation of the Treasury and the low is an obvious copy of the Siq Tricliminio door . From what little remains of this tomb due to earthquakes follows that was excavated for viewing only.
TOMB OF THE PALACE
On the north side of the Corinthian Tomb , is located the Palace Tomb , named after the great resemblance to a Roman palace in the façade are four doors, the two plants are topped by triangular pediments while side by pediments games. The top of the building consists of a series of columns .
SEXTIOS TOMB florentinus
Away from the Royal Tombs found the tomb dedicated to the governor of the province of Arabia , Sextios Florentinus , the only tomb in Petra which is dated ( 130 AD). over the front door is an inscription in Latin, in honor of the dead and attributes that occupied .
COLONNADED STREET
Once you have reached the colonnaded street , you're in the heart of the city of Petra . Possibly in the past, center of daily life with its markets , houses ...
ALTAR OF SACRIFICE
Accessible only after much effort long walk through steps carved into the rock . The place is perched on top of a mountain of 1,035 altitude, and we recreated with spectacular views over Petra . Next to the mountain of the Altar, there are two obelisks of 7 meters, representing two divinities of Petra : Dushares and Al- Uzza .
TOMB OF ROMAN SOLDIER
Moving the Obelisks and down a different career path , you can reach Wadi Farasa , where is located the Roman Soldier Tomb , a day connected to the opposite Triclinium a colonnaded street . Its style of architecture suggests that the tomb was excavated after the Roman annexation ( 106 AD).
Rosacea CITY
His final destination is the amazing city of Petra rosacea . At one time strength of the Nabateans , former Arab people , Petra was renowned for its original architecture in the rock , and the ingenuity of their aqueducts , bridge and water channels . A leisurely 5 hour trip from Amman will lead you along the Road of Kings or three hours along the Desert Road to Petra . It is advisable to spend at least one night in one of the many hotels that there are , for more comfort and depth to your visit. The map shows the main points of Petra , and includes the names of other sites to which you can get with a little more effort. Petra admits 1-3 day visit . The tour guides are available and staff Petra Tourist Center , located at the entrance of the ruins will be happy to answer your questions or provide help.
Opening Hours : Daily from 8am to 6pm .