Madaba Governorate is a region located in the central part of Jordan, and is home to many of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. From ancient ruins to stunning landscapes, Madaba has a wealth of attractions to explore. Here are the top 20 places to see in Madaba Governorate.
1. Madaba Archaeological Park: Located in the city of Madaba, the Madaba Archaeological Park is home to some of Jordan’s most important archaeological sites. Highlights include the Hellenistic-era Temple of Hercules, the Byzantine-era Church of the Virgin Mary and the Umayyad Palace.
2. Mount Nebo: Located on a hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley, Mount Nebo is believed to be the site of Moses’ death. The mountain is also home to a number of important Christian sites, including the 4th-century Monastery of Moses and the 6th-century Church of the Prophet.
3. Madaba Mosaic Map: Located inside the Church of St. George in Madaba, the Madaba Mosaic Map is a 6th-century Byzantine floor mosaic depicting the region from the Nile Delta to Jerusalem. It is the oldest known geographic representation of the Holy Land.
4. Karak Castle: Located in the city of Karak, this Crusader-era castle was built in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitaller. The castle is an impressive example of medieval military architecture, with its impressive walls, towers and gates.
5. Wadi Mujib: Located in the Dead Sea region, Wadi Mujib is a dramatic canyon carved by the Mujib River. The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex and wild goats, and is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers.
6. Bethany Beyond the Jordan: Located near the Jordan River, Bethany Beyond the Jordan is the site where Jesus was baptized. The site is home to a number of important religious sites, including the Baptism Site, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John the Baptist and the Greek Catholic Monastery of St. John the Baptist.
7. Mukawir: Located on a hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley, Mukawir is the site of the fortress built by Herod the Great. The fortress was destroyed by the Romans in the 1st century AD, but the ruins remain an impressive sight.
8. Ma'in Hot Springs: Located near the Dead Sea, the Ma'in Hot Springs are a popular destination for visitors looking to relax and unwind. The hot springs are home to a number of therapeutic pools, where visitors can enjoy the healing waters.
9. Mujib Nature Reserve: Located in the Dead Sea region, the Mujib Nature Reserve is one of Jordan’s most important conservation areas. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, wild goats, wolves and hyenas.
10. Nebo Wildlife Reserve: Located near Mount Nebo, the Nebo Wildlife Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, wild goats, wolves and hyenas. The reserve is also home to a number of important archaeological sites, including the Monastery of Moses and the Church of the Prophet.
11. Madaba Roman Theatre: Located in the city of Madaba, the Madaba Roman Theatre is a 2nd-century theatre which was used for theatrical performances and gladiator fights. The theatre is now a popular tourist attraction, with its impressive ruins still visible.
12. Wadi al-Hasa: Located in the Dead Sea region, Wadi al-Hasa is a dramatic canyon carved by the Hasa River. The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex and wild goats, and is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers.
13. Dhiban: Located in the northern part of Madaba Governorate, Dhiban is an ancient city which dates back to the Bronze Age. The city is home to a number of important archaeological sites, including the Temple of Dushara and the Palace of Dhiban.
14. Wadi Zarqa Ma'in: Located near the Dead Sea, Wadi Zarqa Ma'in is a dramatic canyon carved by the Zarqa River. The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex and wild goats, and is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers.
15. Wadi Mujib Siq: Located in the Dead Sea region, Wadi Mujib Siq is a dramatic canyon carved by the Mujib River. The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex and wild goats, and is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers.
16. Al-Karak: Located in the city of Karak, Al-Karak is a fortress built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. The fortress is an impressive example of medieval military architecture, with its impressive walls, towers and gates.
17. Amman: Located in the central part of Jordan, Amman is the country’s capital and largest city. The city is home to a number of important historical sites, including the Citadel and the Roman Theatre, as well as a number of modern attractions.
18. Azraq Wetland Reserve: Located in the eastern part of Jordan, the Azraq Wetland Reserve is a protected area which is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans and herons. The reserve is also home to a number of important archaeological sites.
19. Al-Jafr: Located in the south of Madaba Governorate, Al-Jafr is an important religious site which is home to the tombs of Prophet Muhammad’s uncle and grandfather. The site is also home to a number of important religious sites, including the Mosque of Al-Jafr and the Shrine of Al-Jafr.
20. Wadi Rum: Located in the south of Jordan, Wadi Rum is a dramatic desert landscape which is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, wild goats, wolves and hyenas. The desert is also home to a number of important archaeological sites, including the rock-cut tombs of the Nabateans.
Madaba Governorate is a region full of history and culture, and these top 20 places to see are just a small sample of what the region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for ancient ruins, stunning landscapes or unique wildlife, Madaba has something for everyone.