Discover the beauty of Jordan with an insightful exploration of remarkable sites, including the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo.
Contents:
1. Shobak Castle
After our initial day spent exploring the ancient site of Petra in Jordan, we opted to spend another day discovering more of the region by traveling north to the Dead Sea. Instead of a direct route, we took a scenic path that allowed us to visit several noteworthy locations along the way. To facilitate our travel, we engaged a driver from our hotel, which proved to be a cost-effective and convenient decision, particularly since we were traveling with a friend, Georgia.
Our first stop was Shobak Castle, located not far from Wadi Musa. This historical site, also known as Montreal, dates back to 1115, making it a remarkable destination for history enthusiasts.
2. Madaba and The Madaba Map
Following our visit to Shobak Castle, we proceeded to the city of Madaba. One of the main attractions in Madaba is the famous mosaic map, known as “The Madaba Map,” located in the Church of Saint George. This map illustrates a historic perspective of what is now known as Jordan and the surrounding countries, making it one of the oldest depictions available.
3. Mount Nebo
After leaving Madaba, we continued our journey to Mount Nebo, a site referenced in the Bible as the location where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land and where he subsequently passed away. This site is significant for pilgrims of various faiths, including Christians, Muslims, and Jews. On clear days, visitors are rewarded with expansive views that include Israel and Palestine, in addition to the Dead Sea.
4. The Dead Sea Experience
Next, we arrived at the Dead Sea, renowned for its surreal experience as one of the lowest points on earth. The prevailing understanding of its formation is that it was once part of the ocean, subsequently severed due to tectonic shifts. Over time, it has evaporated, increasing its salinity to nearly tenfold that of ocean water. This unique salinity facilitates effortless floating.
5. Conclusion
This experience at the Dead Sea was not only refreshing, but it also included indulging in the famous mud known for its skin benefits. Many travelers seek out this mud due to its purported therapeutic properties, further enhancing the allure of this unique destination.
The return journey to Petra provided even more opportunities for exploration, especially as the sun began to set, casting beautiful light over the landscape. We were excited to end our day with a visit to Petra at night, a spectacle highlighted by a candlelit performance that draws many visitors.
Stay tuned for our next post detailing the enchanting experience of visiting Petra at night, along with insights into the lesser-known Little Petra.
