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Jordan is a paradise for history buffs. Amman, Ajloun, Jerash, and Petra offer a rich and complex history dating back thousands of years, starting from the Paleolithic period, followed by the Ancient period, and stretching into the Medieval and Early Modern Period.
Before we start our journey through Jordan, I would recommend buying the Jordan Pass before you arrive. It not only exempts you from the visa fees (if you are eligible for a visa on arrival) but also allows you free entry or significant discounts on admission fees across Jordan's popular attractions.
Ajloun and Jerash Jordan
Let me take you through a virtual journey of an epic day trip to the enchanting Ajloun and Jerash.
Ajloun Castle
After a scenic drive of about 1hr 30mins from Amman, nestled in the middle of Jordan's picturesque landscape of greenery and rolling mountains is the splendid Ajloun castle. This 12th-century fortress offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
The castle overlooks a large part of the Jordan Valley, making it a strategic location for an outpost to control the region. Initially built by the Umayyad Dynasty in the 8th century and later expanded by the Ayyubids, it played a crucial role in defending the region from invaders.
The castle displays a variety of artifacts and exhibits such as pottery, ceramics, coins, weapons, mosaics, etc., showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic style, and providing evidence of economic activity and historical events.
The castle features a variety of architectural elements, including stone corridors, a central courtyard, fortified walls, and a watchtower that provides panoramic views of the surrounding forests.
Going around the whole castle takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes overall. You can then drive back down to the foothills and arrive at Jerash (25 minutes) to explore the Roman ruins.
Trekking Through History in Jerash
Why do I call it a trek? Well, it's quite a trail climbing up and down as you stroll past the ruins, and what a beautiful stroll it was. The ancient city of Jerash is a true archaeological marvel. The grand colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, arches, and the Plaza - it felt like I had stepped back in time to the glorious days of the Roman Empire.
The Roman Theatre here is a remarkable example of Roman engineering and architectural prowess. The main seating area is in a semi-circular shape with a steep incline to provide a good view for all spectators. The stage area is well-planned with a proper backstage, and entrances and exits for performers. The awe-inspiring aspect of the theatre for me was how the design of the theater incorporated features to amplify the sound of the actors and musicians, such as the shape of the cavea and the use of resonant materials in the absence of microphones, etc.
The theater was also equipped with a water system to supply drinking water to the spectators and for use in theatrical performances, and a hypocaust (an underfloor heating system that was used to keep the theater warm during cold weather). How thoughtful is that!
Another highlight of Jerash the mesmerizing Oval Plaza, where the echoes of ancient civilizations still linger in the air. The intricate mosaics and towering structures in Jerash are a testament to the city's historical significance and architectural prowess.
Tip: Jerash is bustling with locals eager to offer their photography services for Instagram-worthy shots. They're incredibly skilled and often request a purchase in return after. So, use your discretion.
Going around Jerash takes between 2 to 2.5 hours in total. Its is then an hour's drive back to Amman. We skipped lunch that day and decided to go back to Amman for just a snack and some coffee in the evening.
Embracing the Spirit of Adventure
For hiking enthusiasts, Ajloun and Jerash offer a plethora of trails and paths waiting to be explored. The rolling hills of Ajloun provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely hike, offering stunning views and encounters with local wildlife along the way.
We didn't have enough time for a hike, but on a good weather day, a short hike is a must-try.
My Fairy Trail helped us carve our itinerary exactly the way we wanted. Reach out and be rest assured about a safe, exciting, memorable trip to Jordan.
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