Jordan’s historic city of As-Salt is filled with religious and historic importance, making it a must-visit destination during a trip to the kingdom.
Built on three hills in Jordan’s west-central region, As-Salt was a vital trading center between the eastern desert and the west during the late Ottoman period, attracting many merchants, tradespeople, and craftsmen from different parts of the region who settled and worked in trading, banking, architecture, and farming jobs. Their impact and contributions to the city helped Salt flourish, grow, and develop into the place it is today.
In 2012, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed the historic Jordanian city of As-Salt on the World Heritage List as “the city of tolerance and civilized hospitality.” According to UNESCO, the city’s urban center includes about 650 important historic buildings that reflect a combination of European Art Nouveau and Neo-Colonial styles as well as local traditions and customs.
(Al-Khader Church)
Additionally, Salt is home to one of Jordan’s most renowned churches, the St. George Orthodox Church/Al-Khader Church. Originally built in 1682 in an ancient cave, the St. George Church is one of the oldest and most visited churches in the city. Many people believe that Saint George appeared to a shepherd inside a cave and told him and the villagers to build a church in the specific location. Saint George is also highly respected by Muslims and Christians alike and worshipers from both religions are welcome to pray at the church. The local community renovated the holy site in 2004 and it remains opened to the public every day. Salt is also home to the beautiful Dormition of Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, which dates back to 1914.
(Dormition of Virgin Mary Orthodox Church)
Only a 30-minute drive from Jordan’s capital city of Amman, a day-trip to Salt to visit the city’s churches and experience its cultural and religious features will certainly be worthwhile.