Amman
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of total contrast. On the one hand, Amman is a modern, progressive Arabic city with trendy bars, cafés and restaurants and a buzzing nightlife.
But you don’t have to look hard to find evidence of the past, all over the city, such as the ancient Roman Citadel which looks down on the city from its position on Jebel al-Qala’a, the highest hill in Amman.
Unlike cities in the Gulf, glass skycrapers are few and far between. The architecture in Amman has a traditional feel as local law dictates that all houses have to be built from the same local stone in a uniform white colour to a certain height.
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The overall feel of the city is laid back and liberal. In the evening cafes in the downtown area come alive, and although Jordan is an Islamic state, the country is proud of its ethnically and religiously diverse population. Jordan is a very tolerant country and alcohol can be bought freely.
Top things to do in Amman include a visit to the Royal Automobile musem, and a visit to the downtown souks.
Where to stay: Le Royal Amman (+962 6 460 3000 / www.leroyal.com); Le Meridien Amman Hotel (+962 6 569 6511 / www.lemeridienamman.com); Landmark Amman Hotel & conference Centre (+962 6 560 7100 / www.landmarkamman.com; InterContinental Jordan (+962 6 464 1361 / www.intercontinental.com).
Jerash
Just 40 minutes drive from Amman, the city of Jerash is one of the best preserved examples in the Middle East of an ancient Roman city. With its triumphal arches, majestic theatres and half fallen columns Jerash has survived incredibly through time.
In ancient times, Jerash had a population of about 20,000 inhabitants and its citizens prospered from the agricultural land surrounding the city. The city is so well preserved, that wandering round the ruins, it’s very easy to imagine life there 2000 years ago – the centre bustling with shops and merchants, the thousands of spectators seated on the stone steps of the hippodrome. You can even see ancient track marks from carriages in the stone.
Not to miss is the daily Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) staged by the Jerash Heritage Company at the Hippodrome The show runs twice a day (11am and 3pm) everyday except Fridays and features forty-five legionaires in full armour displaying drill and battle tactics, ten gladiators fighting to the death and Roman chariots competing in a classical seven lap race around the the ancient hippodrome.
www.jerashchariots.com
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