Jordan is a land where history and faith come alive. From ancient kingdoms to early Christian mosaics, Spanish tourists can walk through places mentioned in the Bible. This Middle Eastern gem is safe, welcoming, and deeply inspiring. By renting a car in Jordan, you can travel at your own pace and stop for panoramic views or impromptu prayer moments.
Jordan holds some of the best-preserved biblical landmarks in the world, with ties to both the Old and New Testaments. Here are the historically verified sites, spiritually significant, and accessible by road.
Historic Capital of the Ammonites
The hilltop Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a) directly links to ancient Biblical times. Once known as Rabbath-Ammon, this area served as the capital of the Ammonite kingdom. Today, it’s an archaeological park located in central Amman. The Citadel hill became the Ammonite capital after 1200 BCE. These ruins connect to Biblical stories involving the Ammonites and their surrounding kingdoms. Among the most striking remains is the Temple of Hercules, a large Roman structure from the 2nd century. Just steps away, you’ll also find the ruins of a Byzantine church, showing the shift from Roman paganism to early Christianity. It’s a great experience to stand near Hercules’ giant stone hand and then explore a sacred early Christian site.
Oldest Known Map of the Biblical Holy Land
Madaba is a must-stop for Bible history buffs and is just a 45-minute drive from Amman. This small town is known as “The City of Mosaics,” and its highlight sits inside St. George’s Church. Spanish travelers can easily park in town and explore the church to see the Madaba Map. This 6th-century mosaic map on the church floor is considered the oldest surviving map of the biblical Holy Land. Made with over a million colored tiles, it shows regions from Egypt to Palestine.
St. George’s Church was built over the ruins of a Byzantine church where the mosaic was discovered in 1884. Seeing the map inside an active place of worship adds a more sense of reverence as you walk on centuries of history. The map places Jerusalem at its center, labeled in Greek as the “Holy City,” and includes other sacred places like Bethlehem and the Jordan River. It’s a rare, 1,500-year-old view of the spiritual past.
Biblical Region of Baptisms, Sodom, and Lot’s Story
The next stop of the Jordan road trip is the Dead Sea, which is about an hour from Amman. At Earth's lowest elevation, the Dead Sea has deep biblical connections. Spanish tourists can float in its salt-rich waters and reflect on the ancient events believed to have unfolded nearby. Along the Jordan River, Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) is just 9 km north of the Dead Sea. It is known as the area where John baptized Jesus. The infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah also stood nearby. When you gaze at the desert bluffs around the Dead Sea, you look at the region where fire and brimstone rained down in Genesis. Even the salt formations here recall Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt.
Crusader Fortress Overlooking the Biblical Kingdom of Moab
Driving two hours to the south of Amman takes you through scenic hills to Kerak Castle, a massive fortress high above Al-Karak. It was built in the 1140s, overlooks the ancient land of Moab, and holds layers of Crusader and Biblical history. In medieval times, Crusaders called it “Crac des Moabites,” meaning the fortress of Moab. This region is tied to the story of Ruth and is near the place where Moses’ brother Aaron is believed to have died.
Walking through Kerak’s stone corridors gives you a sense of the Biblical kingdom and the knights who once guarded this land. Kerak Castle blends Christian and Islamic history. It was once part of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem until Saladin captured it in 1188. Today, you’ll find a mix of Crusader architecture and later Islamic touches, with towers, dark tunnels, and a small museum inside.
Biblical Land of Edom and Nabataean Sacred City
Petra is one of Jordan’s most iconic sites and a must-visit for anyone exploring biblical sites in Jordan. Located about 3 hours south of Amman by car, it’s best reached via the scenic Desert Highway. Spanish travelers in Jordan must include Petra for its beauty, history, and biblical ties.
While Petra is famous for its stunning rock-cut architecture, like the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), it also sits on the land once ruled by the Edomites, a people mentioned in the Old Testament. The Bible refers to this region as Edom, home to Esau’s descendants. Petra later became the capital of the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab people known for their advanced water systems and trade skills.
The Nabataeans carved temples, tombs, and entire streets into sandstone cliffs, turning Petra into a powerful city on key trade routes. Their influence remains visible in every corner of the site. Walking through the narrow Siq and seeing the majestic Treasury is only the beginning. Petra’s High Place of Sacrifice, royal tombs, and sacred altars show how religion shaped this city.
Sacred Mountain Linked to the Death of Aaron
Another site worth exploring after Petra is Jabal Haroun (Mount Hor), located about 4 km southwest of Petra’s central valley. At the summit of this 1,350-meter-high mountain stands a small, white-domed shrine believed to be the Tomb of Aaron, the brother of Moses. This sacred site is respected by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.
Aaron was the first High Priest of Israel to die on Mount Hor. Local tradition places that event on this very mountain above Petra. The climb is steep and takes effort, but hikers can follow the path of a biblical figure and walk the same slopes linked to Aaron's death. At the peak, you’ll find a 14th-century shrine built by local Muslims to honor Harun (Aaron). Inside is a tombstone said to mark his grave. The surrounding views of Petra’s rugged mountains create a reflective and peaceful mood. The hike takes 3 to 4 hours roundtrip from Petra’s Monastery area.
Ruins of Mephaath and Early Christian Churches
A short drive through quiet desert plains brings you to Umm ar-Rasas, about 30 km southeast of Madaba. Though often missed by tourists, this archaeological site is rich in biblical and Christian history. Umm ar-Rasas is believed to be the biblical town of Mephaath and is one of the Moabite cities marked for judgment.
The site later became a Roman military outpost called Kastron Mefa’a, guarding key trade routes. In the Byzantine period, Christian monks and pilgrims built 16 churches here. Many still have preserved mosaic floors, stone walls, and archways. You’ll also find a tall square tower, which may have served as a lookout or hermit dwelling.
One of the site’s highlights is the Church of St. Stephen, which contains Jordan’s largest floor mosaic. It was made in AD 785 and shows detailed depictions of 15 Holy Land cities, including Jerusalem, Amman (then called Philadelphia), and Nablus. These mosaics, labeled in Greek, still impress visitors with their color and design.
Sacred Summit Where Moses Saw the Promised Land
Just 10 km west of Madaba and about an hour’s drive from Amman, Mount Nebo is one of Jordan’s most significant biblical landmarks. It is the mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. On a clear day, the summit offers a sweeping view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Jerusalem. Standing where Moses once stood uniquely connects visitors to the Old Testament. At Mount Nebo, you’ll also find the Memorial Church of Moses, a modern structure built over ancient Byzantine ruins. Inside are preserved mosaics from the 6th century and interpretive displays about Moses. A large bronze serpent sculpture stands near the viewpoint.
Timing your trip well makes all the difference when exploring Jordan’s biblical landmarks. Each season offers a different kind of experience, especially when traveling by car.
Spring is the most pleasant season for exploring sacred sites in Jordan. The weather is warm but not hot, and the air feels fresh. This is the ideal time to visit Petra and hike up to the Tomb of Aaron, as the trail stays dry and the heat is manageable. Wildflowers bloom around Mount Nebo and Madaba. At Kerak Castle, spring breezes make the high hilltop ruins easier to explore. The Dead Sea is warm, perfect for floating and visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan nearby.
Fall offers similar mild temperatures, with fewer tourists and golden light perfect for photography. The cooler air makes walking through Amman Citadel and Umm ar-Rasas much more comfortable. Mosaic floors at sites like the Madaba Map or the Church of St. Stephen are easier to admire without heat glare or large crowds. The dry conditions also make driving between desert locations more enjoyable, especially when heading south to Petra or east to Mount Nebo.
Summer brings intense heat, often above 40°C during midday, especially in the southern and lowland areas. Visiting sacred sites like Petra, Kerak, or the Dead Sea during peak heat is challenging. If you travel during this season, explore early in the morning or after 4 PM. Wear breathable clothing, use sunscreen, and carry water. While Amman and Madaba may feel slightly cooler, long walks or hikes should be avoided in the heat, especially the one to Aaron’s Tomb.
Winter can be quiet and peaceful, but rain and wind may affect travel plans. Amman, Mount Nebo, and Madaba can get chilly; rain is common in these higher areas. Trails like the one to Aaron’s Tomb may become slippery. However, the Dead Sea usually stays warm enough for a dip, and indoor sections of churches and museums around Umm ar-Rasas and Madaba remain accessible. Just dress warmly and check the forecast before heading out.
Exploring Jordan’s sacred places by car offers a more profound and personal journey. Spanish tourists can go beyond the usual routes, visiting historic fortresses, hilltop churches, and ruined castles that shaped Biblical history. In each stop, you can reflect and deeply connect to stories from the Old and New Testaments. To make the most of your journey, consider renting a car with Finalrentals. Pick up your vehicle in Amman and enjoy the best rates, reliable cars, and flexible options.
