Matt Smith ’21 is a junior history and Middle Eastern studies major at Elizabethtown College. He is currently studying abroad in Amman, Jordan, and he has had the opportunity to take several day trips outside of Amman. There are sites near Amman to satisfy anyone’s interests!
Matt first recommends the city of Umm Qais, an ancient city about two hours away from Amman that contains Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. Guided tours can take visitors through both the ruins and the natural side of the city (on the “eco-hike!”).
Another city Matt thinks is worth visiting is Madaba, a small city 45 minutes from Amman. Madaba’s two most significant sites are the Madaba Mosaic Map and the Madaba Archaeological Park.
Matt’s favorite trip was to Al-Salt, a city only 28 minutes from Amman by bus. Much of the architecture in Al-Salt was built by the Ottomans, and Matt shared that visiting this historic city was like walking back in time!
For those who like hiking, swimming, and the outdoors, Matt recommends Wadi Mujid, the location of Siq Trail. This site, about an hour and 15 minutes away from Amman, allows daring visitors to hike up a trail to a waterfall.
The last place Matt recommends is Jerash, one of the most significant sites for Roman ruins outside of Rome. Highlights of the ruins include the Temple of Artemis, the oval forum, and Hadrian’s arch.
While there are many great sites around Amman, Matt advises visitors to explore and discover places on their own. Some of our best adventures are the unplanned ones!
To read the full list of Matt’s recommended day trips, visit his blog post published by CIEE on November 5, 2019. Click on the hyperlinks above to learn more about CIEE and their Amman, Jordan program.
About the Author – Matt Smith ’21, Fall 2019, Semester in Amman, Jordan
Matt Smith is a History and Middle Eastern Studies major at Elizabethtown College. He also has a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Additionally, he’s an E-town Global Scholar and has previously worked for The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking. Prior to studying abroad in Jordan, Matt participated in an E-town Faculty-led Study Abroad Program in South Africa.
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