Yolo Jordan

Umm EL Jimal: home to 2000 years of culture

Rising out of Jordan’s northern basalt plain, beautiful Umm al-Jimal is both a modern town and an ancient archaeological site, home to almost 2000 years of fascinating history and culture – Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad, Mamluk, Ottoman and Modern. It was a thriving agricultural center and a stop on the Hijaz to Damascus caravan route. One can explore over 150 well preserved ancient structures, built in neighborhoods along meandering alleys and around hosh-like plazas. Umm al-Jimal is also a modern community with much to offer to its visitors. Your visit to this town will enrich your archaeological experience with a still living Bedouin cultural heritage, in the downtown shops and residents’ homes. Just 90 minutes from Amman by car, a visit to Umm al-Jimal makes an easy day trip that can include other similar sites in Northeast Jordan, or even the Desert Castles.

 

69430346_2636888969694658_4264256982753476608_o-1024x683
10616e17-1d50-45fe-82d2-226103ae1c98

Umm el jimal

Umm El Jimal was built in an ancient Nabataean settlement using black basalt blocks supported with similar rectangular blocks.

This amazing city contains many basins for public or private use. The antiques of the Byzantium churches in Umm El Jimal include an ancient mosaic representing the Jordan River with the cities and villages mentioned in the Holy Book. Near Umm El Jimal, there is a residue of a Byzantium settlement in Umm El Rasas with a 15-meter tower on its upper end, used by the Monks for solitude. Historically, Umm El Jimal was famous as the link to the roads of Palestine and Jordan with those of Syria and Iraq.

The bedouin experience

Experience  Bedouin life by wandering with a shepherd or camel herder. Visit a ‘beit shahar’ or bedouin tent to taste Arabic coffee while listening to Rababa and stories about Bedouin life: customs, traditions, and values.

f6f0dae8-c12d-4222-968c-433ad305b0ea
413088ab-c2ff-4225-8692-bb7bd52fbe13

Experience basalt stone carving

Transform basalt stone in to a piece of art using the right tools and the help of a local trainer. Take the pieces of art home to share with your family and friends.

Local cuisine

Taste traditional Jordanian food prepared by local families like lebneh, olives, Mansaf. Enjoy a demonstration of cooking Zarb underground. Share your experiences over coffee and tea.

13a43d44-7c27-43f5-ae3f-33dd49bfa95e

The City Map

Blog

Jordan added to the EU’s Safe Travel list

After a meeting held on Wednesday the 30th of June 2021, the European Union governments have agreed to add 11 more nations to the list of epidemiologically safe third countries from which they will permit non-essential travel, like for tourism.This new …

Amman city
Blog

The town of Ajloun

Ajloun Castle
Blog

The capital of Jordan “Amman”

Jordan’s capital Amman – is a city of contrasts, a mixture of ancient and modern, where many civilizations left their mark. Originally Amman was built on 7 hills, but now it spreads over at least 19 hills. The oldest records refer to …

Blog

Roman Ruins of Jerash

A close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan is the ancient city of Jerash, which boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Jerash lies on a plain, surrounded by hilly …

ruins, columns, temple-5488603.jpg