Destination
Umm Al-Jimal
Duration
1 day
Program type
Cultural
Duration
Day trip
There is a city in northern Jordan built entirely of black stone, and almost no one visits it. That is precisely its power. Umm Al-Jimal — known to those who find it as the Black City — rises from the basalt desert in houses, churches, and towers carved from dark volcanic rock, a settlement that thrived through the Byzantine and early Islamic periods before falling silent. Walking its streets today feels less like a tour and more like a discovery: door lintels still hang in place, staircases still climb toward rooftops, and the ordinary architecture of daily life survives in a way few ancient sites allow. This is a day for travellers who want Jordan's history without the crowds, ending, as any good day should, with a generous Jordanian lunch and the quiet hospitality of the north. Guided throughout by a licensed expert, this is one of Jordan's true hidden treasures — dark, dramatic, and rarely seen.
Explore one of Jordan's most unique archaeological sites.
Discover the mysterious Black City of Umm Al-Jimal.
Experience ancient basalt architecture.
Learn about Byzantine and Islamic heritage.
Enjoy authentic Jordanian culture and hospitality.
Capture unforgettable desert landscapes and historical views.
Morning departure from the designated meeting point in a comfortable air-conditioned tourist vehicle.
Travel north through Jordan's beautiful desert landscapes while enjoying the changing scenery.
Arrive at Umm Al-Jimal archaeological site and begin exploring the remarkable ancient settlement built from black basalt stone.
Discover the remains of houses, churches, streets, towers, and public buildings that reveal the daily life and history of the civilizations that inhabited the area.
Learn about the Byzantine and early Islamic periods that shaped Umm Al-Jimal throughout centuries.
Enjoy photography opportunities while exploring the unique architecture and peaceful desert surroundings.
Continue to the selected restaurant for a delicious traditional Jordanian lunch.
Enjoy free time to relax, experience the local atmosphere, and appreciate the beauty of northern Jordan.
Return comfortably to the departure point.
A remarkably preserved basalt settlement, often called Jordan's "Black City," offering a rare glimpse into daily life across centuries of continuous habitation.
Every structure here was built from local volcanic stone, giving the site a striking dark silhouette unlike anywhere else in Jordan, with corbelled roofs and stone staircases still intact.
More than a dozen churches once served this settlement, their basalt walls and inscriptions offering insight into a thriving Christian community of the Byzantine era.
Umm Al-Jimal continued to flourish into the early Islamic period, its layered history reflecting centuries of continuity rather than a single moment in time.
Well-preserved houses reveal room layouts, courtyards, and staircases, offering an unusually intimate view of how ordinary residents once lived.
The surrounding basalt plain stretches in stark, dramatic openness, its dark stone and wide horizons defining the character of this corner of northern Jordan.
This region holds some of Jordan's least-visited but most rewarding archaeological sites, offering an authentic alternative to the country's better-known trails.
A traditional Jordanian lunch and the warmth of the local community round out the day, reflecting the enduring hospitality of northern Jordan.
Families
Couples
History Lovers
Archaeology Enthusiasts
Cultural Explorers
Photography Enthusiasts
Local Travelers
International Visitors
Site entry tickets are not included so you can use a Jordan Pass if you have one. We’ll advise the best option.
Yes — every program runs privately for your group, on the date that suits you.
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