Ma'an: Traditional Houses, Early Churches and Landscape

Ma'an is best understood through its traditional townscape, early churches and surrounding natural landscape. If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Ma'an, these features can help you first get a sense of the destination: the focus is on historic buildings and finds, as well as views, valleys and outdoor activities.

Traditional Houses in the Townscape

Ma'an has numerous old archaeological and traditional houses. More than 40 of them are built from stone, mud, wood and reeds in a clustered layout. The houses stand close together in groups, with one or two streets running between the groups. Both the individual buildings and their close grouping shape the townscape. Shops dating to around 1900 complement this architectural picture and provide a distinct historical reference point.

One of the area's best-known traditional houses is the house of Ghalib Halasa. Halasa was a Jordanian writer and novelist from Ma'an. For those interested in culture, the house is a tangible link between the traditional buildings and a person who came from the town.

Early Churches and Their Finds

The first early church in Ma'an was discovered by chance in 1934. It was 16 metres long and 9 metres wide; its floor was covered with mosaics bearing the names of other Christian sites in the region. The sentence “Then they shall bring calves upon your altars” (Psalm 51:21) survived from one inscription. At the entrance, there was also the inscription: “This is the house of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it” (Psalm 117:20).

A second early church is on the western slope of a hill. It has three apses and was discovered in 1977. An inscription from the late 6th century was found there, mentioning the Ma’in Hot Springs. The third early church, called the “Church of the Monastery,” was discovered in 1972 on a hill south of the village and also has three apses. It is in the immediate vicinity of Ma'an.

The finds highlight different features: the first church is notable for its dimensions, mosaic floor and inscriptions. The second combines three apses with an inscription referring to the Ma’in Hot Springs; for the third, its name, “Church of the Monastery,” and its location south of the village are distinguishing details.

Landscape and Activities

Ma'an offers views of the Dead Sea area. Valleys lie west and south of the town. Ma'an is also considered the last village on the route to the Ma’in Hot Springs and Zara. These details connect the views and landscape with a described route without conflating their distinct features.

Ma'an’s natural landscape is considered suitable for paragliding and mountaineering. Alongside the houses and churches, these specific outdoor activities may also be of interest when planning a trip. If you are looking for hotels in Ma'an, you can first consider whether you are more interested in the historic townscape or in the landscape and activities.

Context in the Madaba Governorate

The Madaba Governorate is also home to several archaeological sites: the Omari Mosque, the Ma’in Baths, the Church of the Map, the Church of the Apostles, the Church of Al-Khader, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Church of the Prophet Elijah, Dhiban and Atarz. This regional context complements the picture of Ma'an, whose distinctive features here are its traditional houses, early church finds and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Jarash, Ajloun, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Aţ Ţayyibah, Irbid, Madaba

For the main travel overview: Jordan.