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Aqaba Standing proudly on the northern tip of the Red Sea, Aqaba is your southern doorstep into simplicity, purity and splendor. Walk through its streets and explore the hidden treasures of this truly fascinating city. Adorned with the kindness of its people and the hospitality they offer, Aqaba will embrace you with its own brand of magic. It is a cool base for some sun and beach time. Enjoy the crystal waters of the Red Sea and experience the corals dancing to the warmth of the penetrating sun. The warm waters of Aqaba provide a perfect habitat for an array of unique and dazzlingly colored fish. Thanks to Aqaba’s clear waters, this rainbow of colors can be experienced without even having to enter the water. Trade and pilgrimage routes over land and by sea led here from Egypt, Arabia and north. Nowadays Aqaba is both a bustling resort city and a tourist center .The land of eternal sunshine pampers its visitors with a spectacular landscape, a beautiful bay and mild weather that blesses the city all through the year.
Ancient city of Ayla The city of Aqaba is both rich in its heritage and its history. The ancient city prospered under many eras and witnessed many different dynasties. Formerly in biblical times it was known as Elot, and during the Roman and Islamic eras it was referred to as Aela or Aliana, whereas, the Ancient Greeks had named it Berenice. The Mamlukes called the city Aqaba in reference to the mountains located west of the city on the road to Egypt, its name today derived from “Aqaba Ayla�, the word Aqaba is referred to any road or path with high edges and steep slopes, which refers to the narrow passageway leading to Wadi Yitm. The city was rediscovered and excavated in 1989, inscribed in fortified stone walls 165m x 140m, with a thickness of 2.6m. it was surrounded by 24 towers that were positioned around the city in a u-shape. Two main streets ran through the city and met in the middle, dividing it into four sections. Each section had gate, the Northern gate come from Egypt, the Eastern gate was the Damascus gate, Hejaz gate on the south and the western gate led to the sea, making it vital as a trade route and connection between the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Peninsula. After the Muslim conquest in 636 AD. The Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, established the first Islamic city outside the Arabian Peninsula within Ayla, and this city was referred to as the Door to Palestine. The city served as a station for pilgrims heading towards the Holy cities and Macca. Its location was crucial for the effective spread of Islam throughout the Arab region, Africa, and Europe. Aqaba would further thrive under the Ummayad Dynasty, the Abbasids, and Fatmids.
Al Sheikh Zayed Mosque Nestled in the heart of rosy mountains is Masjid Al Sheikh Zayed. Located in the new developing area, it overlooks the sparkling sea and is set to transform Aqaba into a vibrant center of tourism, commerce and cool coastal living. Standing high with its two minarets and 28 domes, Al Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an architectural masterpiece inspired by the design of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The Mosque is surrounded by intricate gardens decorated with fountains and lush landscape designs. Al Sheikh Zayed Mosque is adorned with Islamic geometric art. The original decorations crafted by Jordanian artisans gave the mosque a rich sense of Islamic heritage.
Aqaba Fort Every corner in Aqaba tells a tale. The Aqaba Fort offers a glimpse into Jordan’s history. It dates back to the region of the Mamluke Sultan Qanswah el-Ghawri (1501-1517 AD). The fort was used and renovated during many historical dynasties from the Mamluks themselves to Ottomans. Situated on the coastline, it would later on serve as vital base for overthrowing the Ottomans Empire. The fort was part of the pilgrimage stops aligning the Northern Way (Darb Al-Sham).Larger than the other forts, considering its location at the Red Sea. Pilgrims and travelers would flock to the area seeking safety and lodging within the gates of the fort, which offered compartments and accommodation for passers-by. The fort was designed in a rectangular 56.5m x 58m shape, with towers protruding from the corners, from the middle of the northern side stood the two towered gatehouse. The towers where structured with around internal space, and a polygonal exterior. However, with time they were rebuilt to take an overall rounded structure. While walking through the area, one can find the Hashemite Coat of Arms which was inscribed above the main gate of Aqaba Fort.
Fourth Century Roman Church During the Byzantine period, a great deal of construction took place throughout Jordan. All of the major cities of the Roman era continued to flourish as the regional population grew. As Christianity expanded across this region in the fourth century, churches began to sprout up across Jordan. From this growing Christian scene came one of the most exciting discoveries in recent times, where archaeologists in Aqaba have unearthed what they believe to be the world’s oldest church, from the late 3rd Century AD. It is slightly older than the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, both of which date back to the 4th Century. It has since been back-filled with earth for protection. Aqaba church, a mud-brick building with traces of “dipinto” that could have represented a procession of figures, would be slightly more ancient than any of the known public meeting church buildings. It is also unique because of it subsequent history.
Petra - more than a wonder The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritages Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra It is not known precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper as the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the 1st century BC, which grew rich through trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices. Petra was later annexed to the Roman Empire and continued to thrive until a large earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of the city in the 4th century AD. The earthquake combined with changes in trade routes, eventually led to the downfall of the city which was ultimately abandoned. By the middle of the 7th century Petra appears to have been largely deserted and it was then lost to all except local Bedouin from the area.
In 1812 a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt set out to ‘rediscover’ Petra; he dressed up as an Arab and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the lost city, After this, Petra became increasingly known in the West as a fascinating and beautiful ancient city, and it began attracting visitors and continues to do so today. Petra is also known as the rose-red city, a name it gets from the wonderful colour of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. The Nabataeans buried their dead in intricate tombs that were cut out of the mountain sides and the city also had temples, a theater, and following the Roman annexation and later the Byzantine influence, a colonnaded street and churches. In addition to the magnificent remains of the Nabataean city, human settlement and land use for over 10,000 years can be traced in Petra, where great natural, cultural, archaeological and geological features merge. On December 6, 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage Site
Wadi Rum - Discover the Valley of the Moon “The Valley of the Moon”, depicted as Mars in several Hollywood feature films Wadi Rum is an Arabian fairy-tale waiting to be discovered. Home to nomadic Bedouin tribes, Wadi Rum is a a quiet getaway of stars, sand, and sun; a perfect complement from Amman’s epicenter. Once inhabited by the Nabataeans of prehistoric times, Wadi Rum allows you to get lost in large landscapes and horizon lines. The calmness of the desert is sure calm your spirit and de-clutter your thoughts. Wadi Rum is waiting for you.
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba Enter a resort experience unlike any other in historic Aqaba, Jordan. Nestled against the Red Sea, Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba is the first 5 star deluxe hotel in the ancient port city of Aqaba. Inspired by millennia of history and heritage, Al Manara resort blends authentic Jordanian tradition with the tastes of the refined global traveler. Step into thoughtfully appointed accommodations with luxury Frette linens, unique collectible pieces designed in Aqaban style and terraces overlooking the Red Sea and private hotel lagoon. Enjoy authentic dining options at resort restaurants, from dynamic Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine to a Zaarb feast on private beach. Explore Jordan’s majestic Golden Triangle, home to Petra and Wadi Rum, with the advice of seasoned concierge service. Reserve your stay at Al Manara, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba - part of the emerging Saraya Aqaba complex - for an enriching, once-in-a-lifetime experience in the storied Levant.
The new Al Manara, A Luxury Collection Hotel is inspired by charming Middle Eastern tales and embodies sophisticated luxury and rich heritage. Nestled between Aqaba’s rose-red mountains and overlooking the pristine Gulf of Aqaba, the hotel’s unmistakable architecture features arabesque motifs, invoking the unique and colossal beauty of the country. Samuel Creations/MMac Associates echoed the strong Arabian influence of the architecture when designing the hotel’s interiors, in particular the manor house.
Each of the 207 rooms at Al Manara, including 43 suites and two villas, feature inviting balconies and floor to ceiling windows with views of the Red Sea and striking mountain ranges. Vibrant soft furnishings showcase local weaving skills reflecting family traditions that have been handed down through generations. Guest rooms, set with dark wood furniture accented with mother-of-pearl, combine local elements such as a brass-topped coffee table and other decorative items, along with plush Luxury Collection beds and relaxing bathrooms with rainforest showers.
The main dining venue Taybeh Al Manara, serves northern Mediterranean cuisine with an international flair, with talented chefs preparing fresh specialties at live cooking stations, alongside an efficient a la carte service. Kubba Levantin, a casually elegant Middle Eastern restaurant, offers a journey of flavors from the Levant with an emphasis on local fresh produce and spices. The outer terrace overlooking Saraya Aqaba’s lagoon is sure to become a favorite spot for hotel residents and discerning Aqabites alike, drawn by highlights such as the charcoal grill and traditional bread oven and special tasting menus with paired beverages. Al Manara’s waterfront bar and restaurant Amwaj will serve the freshest seafood from the Red Sea alongside an international fish selection unrivalled in Aqaba, with a special smoked fish menu with cocktail pairings.
Set against the rugged backdrop of an expansive granite mountain range, guests seek out this opulent seaside escape, taking advantage of year-round sunshine over the hotel’s private beach and boutique pool. Being the only coastal city in Jordan, Aqaba offers variety of water sports discoveries such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, parasailing and paragliding.
Overlooking the picturesque and serene Saraya Aqaba Lagoon, the spa at Al Manara is a hidden sanctuary of discovery and transformation for body, mind and spirit. The spa offers an extensive sensory experience, a diverse range of treatments and a comprehensive array of alluring facilities. Inspired by local traditions and enhanced with the latest techniques, the spa presents the world’s finest skincare products by Subtle Energies, Terres d’Afrique and Sodashi.