T H E
O V E R V I E W
Desert rose
Petra may take the plaudits, but
Jordan’s capital is well worth a look
While visitors to Jordan often speed
though to reach the Dead Sea or the
mighty ruins of Petra, the capital city
of Amman is a place that deserves
to be explored. From the chaotic
downtown district, packed with ancient
sites and markets selling modern bric-à-brac,
to the flashy shopping malls and cafés in the
bourgeois western quarter, there's a beguiling
combination of old and new to be found there
–
you just have to know where to look.
Call to prayer
As well as the many Islamic
sites – including the stunning
Umayyad Mosque – Jesus
Christ's Baptismal Site on
the Jordan River has been a
focal point of pilgrimmage for
centuries. A visit involves a
trip out of town, but as most
drivers will act as impromptu
tour guides, the entire
excursion is worth it.
Dead Sea
The world’s most famous hypersaline
lake is just 40km from Amman, making it
perfect for day-trippers. Taxis are plentiful
in the hilly city and many drivers will
happily make a round trip for a surprisingly
reasonable price. Float effortlessly on
the salty water and rejuvenate your skin
with the famous mud. If you don't get
to visit, head down to Soap House (8B
Rainbow Street; tel: +962 (0)6 463 3953)
to stock up on Trinity cosmetics, which
incorporate minerals from the Dead Sea.
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