Mukawir
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GeneralShamu
New York City, NY1,174 contributions
Sept 2022
Takes a bit to drive up to the entry point of this fort area. The route is to walk down, across and then back up to the top of the hill where the actual ruins are. Lovely fort, especially if you can time it with watching the sunset. Restrooms on site and relatively clean.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle C
Orlando, FL151 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
This site receives fewer tourists than the other historical hotspots which made it that much more enjoyable. Of all of the Biblical sites we visited in Jordan, this one was the most primitive and the most haunting. The site is simple and not extensive. We could envision John the Baptist being imprisoned here for 2 years before being beheaded. There is a long graveled path leading to the site. First, you must climb down uneven stone steps (and back up them when you leave) to reach the path. Views from the top of the site are great.
Written 25 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahmad G
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia2 contributions
Oct 2011 • Solo
Forty kilometers south of Madaba. A unique feeling sitting atop this barren hill, watching the surrounding valleys and imagining Salome dance to Hadrian.
Quite a number of steps going up. Few ruins and not much to see on the hill, it is the feeling you get that makes it superb.
Parking lot available, been there few times, almost never crowded.
Nice view of the dead sea and Palestine. Not to mention sunset; take your camera.
Quite a number of steps going up. Few ruins and not much to see on the hill, it is the feeling you get that makes it superb.
Parking lot available, been there few times, almost never crowded.
Nice view of the dead sea and Palestine. Not to mention sunset; take your camera.
Written 7 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simbal09
London, UK168 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
The ruins of Machaerus, as it is known, is a fortified hilltop palace which was built by King Herod and is where John the Baptist (described in the Bible) was imprisoned and executed. It sits over 1000 metres (3500 feet) above the level of the Dead Sea and is surrounded by deep ravines which provide an exhilarating and scenic drive along narrow switchback roads to reach the free car park. Entry fee for all visitors is JD1.50 and the Jordan Pass is not accepted. From the relatively small parking area, it is a strenuous and physically demanding walk down and up uneven paths/steps to the ruins from which, on a clear day, magnificent views reward those who make it. Health & Safety is not a feature here and the ruins include a deep drop into the centre of the site which could prove fatal if one fell for it is partly guarded by a very low wall which simply offers awareness and no protection. The visit typically lasts 90 minutes.
Written 28 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariana-jo
Amman, Jordan138 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Mukawir is located on a hilltop that provides amazing 360 views of the whole area and the Dead Sea. No wonder that King Herod chose this place to build his fortress.
Its a steep walk to get there so wear very comfortable walking shoes and if visiting in the summer make sure you have a hat and water on you. Once you get to the hilltop, the view is breathtaking, but you are disappointed with the lack of care for the site as few ruins have been uncovered and there are no signs explaining anything or telling the story of this place. Definitely make a stop here when visiting Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea areas but don't be disappointed, just enjoy the view and try to imagine what this hilltop must've witnessed at the days of King Herod.
Its a steep walk to get there so wear very comfortable walking shoes and if visiting in the summer make sure you have a hat and water on you. Once you get to the hilltop, the view is breathtaking, but you are disappointed with the lack of care for the site as few ruins have been uncovered and there are no signs explaining anything or telling the story of this place. Definitely make a stop here when visiting Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea areas but don't be disappointed, just enjoy the view and try to imagine what this hilltop must've witnessed at the days of King Herod.
Written 1 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RazanMasri
Amman, Jordan9 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
I was driving and went with 2 friends,
I took the airport road towards Madaba road and started driving inside Madaba all the way straight towards the signs of Mukawir.
Once arrived, we walked through it while we took photos and enjoyed the silence and serenity. We sat by the cliff and watched the magical sunset.
I recommend you visit, it is pretty amazing and sunset scenery is beautiful you can see the dead sea, and the sun actually sets by the sea.
You can also see desert mountains behind you incredible.
You can check out my blog www.razanmasri.com or my facebook page and instagram Razan Masri for photos.
I took the airport road towards Madaba road and started driving inside Madaba all the way straight towards the signs of Mukawir.
Once arrived, we walked through it while we took photos and enjoyed the silence and serenity. We sat by the cliff and watched the magical sunset.
I recommend you visit, it is pretty amazing and sunset scenery is beautiful you can see the dead sea, and the sun actually sets by the sea.
You can also see desert mountains behind you incredible.
You can check out my blog www.razanmasri.com or my facebook page and instagram Razan Masri for photos.
Written 14 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kusel
Maryland, USA172 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
The historic hilltop site of Machaerus lies south west of Madaba near the village of Mukawir. It is about 35 Km from Madaba and easily reached by car or taxi, if one is not on an escorted tour.
Under Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, John the Baptist is believed to have been imprisoned here and subsequently beheaded, and it became a pilgrimage site when the late Pope John Paul II visited Jordan in 2000. But Machaerus' interesting history goes back much further. Some 3,400 ft above Dead Sea level, surrounded by steep and deep ravines, a fortress was first built by the Hasmoneans, then destroyed by the Romans. It was rebuilt by Herod the Great as a desert fortification similar to Herodium and Masada, creating a string of fortresses to guard the Jewish state in Peraea against the Nabatean kingdom of Petra further south. It was besieged by Roman troops during the first Jewish revolt against Roman rule, with its final destruction systematically carried out c.a. AD 72. Here, however, the rebels did not commit suicide as in Masada but were allowed to leave. The Roman siege ramp can still be seen clearly today as well as examined up close. The remains visible on the hilltop are essentially those of the Palace of Herod the Great.
Though I read that minibuses could take you from Madaba to Mukawir, I chose a taxi for greater flexibility and another scenic route via the highly recommended Dead Sea Panorama Museum (& Restaurant) in order to learn more about the history and science of the Dead Sea and where one can enjoy spectacular views of the Dead Sea straight down maybe 2000 ft below. From there in 40 min or so I reached Mukawir village and Machaerus. The roads of this detour were sometimes steep and windy but well engineered and with amazing views. For travelers staying at a Dead Sea hotel, Machaerus/Mukawir can also be visited easily or combined with a stop at the Dead Sea Panorama site. Moreover, the hot springs at Hammat Ma'in, where Herod the Great visited often to sooth his illnesses are also not far away and can be included on such a trip.
At the car park the entrance fee was 1.5 Dinars. From the parking lot one first walks down some steep steps constructed of overly large stone blocks, some of which I found better to avoid and walk around as I descended. One then enters the wide path that leads upward to the palace ruins. When I was there workers were replacing the original gravel-dirt path with flat pavement stones, which looked nice, but seemed slippery on the steeper inclines. From a distance it looked like it would take me 30-40 min to hike up, but it took less than half that time, including plenty of stops to look around.
After its systemic destruction there is no overpowering architecture left to grab your attention. Visible mostly are the wall foundations of several rooms, such as the peristyle, with a cistern below, the dining room or triclinium, where Salome may have danced for Herod Antipas at his birthday party, ultimately leading to the beheading of John the Baptist. A few columns have been reconstructed. From the thermal baths a 1st century BC mosaic fragment was recovered, thought to be the oldest ancient Hellenistic-period mosaic found in Jordan. It can now be seen in Madaba's Archaeological park, close to the entrance. Numerous caves exist around the hill and a small part of the lower city has been excavated, but exploring what little there seems to be requires a lot more effort. Ruins of two of several watch towers, an aqueduct connection, and other cisterns can be found, but descriptive signs to help locate them are lacking. There are many shepherd trails around the hill to hike and explore further. I was alone most of the time. In clear weather there a wonderful views to the Dead Sea, but when I visited it was too hazy to see clearly. Regardless, the palace ruins, the stark and desolate landscape, and the general quietness all around made it a contemplative and worthwhile visit.
Under Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, John the Baptist is believed to have been imprisoned here and subsequently beheaded, and it became a pilgrimage site when the late Pope John Paul II visited Jordan in 2000. But Machaerus' interesting history goes back much further. Some 3,400 ft above Dead Sea level, surrounded by steep and deep ravines, a fortress was first built by the Hasmoneans, then destroyed by the Romans. It was rebuilt by Herod the Great as a desert fortification similar to Herodium and Masada, creating a string of fortresses to guard the Jewish state in Peraea against the Nabatean kingdom of Petra further south. It was besieged by Roman troops during the first Jewish revolt against Roman rule, with its final destruction systematically carried out c.a. AD 72. Here, however, the rebels did not commit suicide as in Masada but were allowed to leave. The Roman siege ramp can still be seen clearly today as well as examined up close. The remains visible on the hilltop are essentially those of the Palace of Herod the Great.
Though I read that minibuses could take you from Madaba to Mukawir, I chose a taxi for greater flexibility and another scenic route via the highly recommended Dead Sea Panorama Museum (& Restaurant) in order to learn more about the history and science of the Dead Sea and where one can enjoy spectacular views of the Dead Sea straight down maybe 2000 ft below. From there in 40 min or so I reached Mukawir village and Machaerus. The roads of this detour were sometimes steep and windy but well engineered and with amazing views. For travelers staying at a Dead Sea hotel, Machaerus/Mukawir can also be visited easily or combined with a stop at the Dead Sea Panorama site. Moreover, the hot springs at Hammat Ma'in, where Herod the Great visited often to sooth his illnesses are also not far away and can be included on such a trip.
At the car park the entrance fee was 1.5 Dinars. From the parking lot one first walks down some steep steps constructed of overly large stone blocks, some of which I found better to avoid and walk around as I descended. One then enters the wide path that leads upward to the palace ruins. When I was there workers were replacing the original gravel-dirt path with flat pavement stones, which looked nice, but seemed slippery on the steeper inclines. From a distance it looked like it would take me 30-40 min to hike up, but it took less than half that time, including plenty of stops to look around.
After its systemic destruction there is no overpowering architecture left to grab your attention. Visible mostly are the wall foundations of several rooms, such as the peristyle, with a cistern below, the dining room or triclinium, where Salome may have danced for Herod Antipas at his birthday party, ultimately leading to the beheading of John the Baptist. A few columns have been reconstructed. From the thermal baths a 1st century BC mosaic fragment was recovered, thought to be the oldest ancient Hellenistic-period mosaic found in Jordan. It can now be seen in Madaba's Archaeological park, close to the entrance. Numerous caves exist around the hill and a small part of the lower city has been excavated, but exploring what little there seems to be requires a lot more effort. Ruins of two of several watch towers, an aqueduct connection, and other cisterns can be found, but descriptive signs to help locate them are lacking. There are many shepherd trails around the hill to hike and explore further. I was alone most of the time. In clear weather there a wonderful views to the Dead Sea, but when I visited it was too hazy to see clearly. Regardless, the palace ruins, the stark and desolate landscape, and the general quietness all around made it a contemplative and worthwhile visit.
Written 23 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva049
London135 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
I really wanted to visit Mukawir as this site seemed to have one of the stronger historical claims of having a link to a major Biblical event. This is purported to be the site where John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod.
There's very little left of the palace that was once here, some pillars/foundation stones, etc. and the site is actually quite small. But don't let that put you off. I had such a sense of peace and tranquillity here that it was really one of the highlights of my trip. It was a wonderful contrast to the hustle/bustle of Petra and it really was special to be able to sit at the top of the hill by myself on a beautiful sunny day with a wonderful view of the Dead Sea to the west contemplating the events from 2000 years ago.
If the Biblical story resonates with you, then definitely go. If not, I would say you'd probably be better off spending your time elsewhere. The entry fee was 1.5 Jordanian dinars and when I went, there was no one else there. There was a busload of people arriving as I was leaving so maybe I was just lucky!
When you get there, don't be put off when you see the hill. It looks daunting, but it really isn't. I thought it would take me at least 40 minutes to get up the hill (assuming I made it to the top as I'm not exactly the fittest person in the world) but it ended up taking me 15 minutes. The walk really is a lot easier than it looks and before you know it you're at the top. The most difficult part was actually navigating the stairs going down at the beginning of the path (which is made up of uneven stones). Be sure to wear good footwear as that will make it a lot easier for you.
They also have facilities there (bathrooms which were okay/so-so and a shaded cafe area which looked really nice).
There's very little left of the palace that was once here, some pillars/foundation stones, etc. and the site is actually quite small. But don't let that put you off. I had such a sense of peace and tranquillity here that it was really one of the highlights of my trip. It was a wonderful contrast to the hustle/bustle of Petra and it really was special to be able to sit at the top of the hill by myself on a beautiful sunny day with a wonderful view of the Dead Sea to the west contemplating the events from 2000 years ago.
If the Biblical story resonates with you, then definitely go. If not, I would say you'd probably be better off spending your time elsewhere. The entry fee was 1.5 Jordanian dinars and when I went, there was no one else there. There was a busload of people arriving as I was leaving so maybe I was just lucky!
When you get there, don't be put off when you see the hill. It looks daunting, but it really isn't. I thought it would take me at least 40 minutes to get up the hill (assuming I made it to the top as I'm not exactly the fittest person in the world) but it ended up taking me 15 minutes. The walk really is a lot easier than it looks and before you know it you're at the top. The most difficult part was actually navigating the stairs going down at the beginning of the path (which is made up of uneven stones). Be sure to wear good footwear as that will make it a lot easier for you.
They also have facilities there (bathrooms which were okay/so-so and a shaded cafe area which looked really nice).
Written 15 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Cambridgeshire, UK903 contributions
Sept 2013 • Friends
Mukawir is a truly awesome historical site. Here the biblical stories from childhood suddenly take on an historical reality. This is where Salome is said to have danced and John the Baptist lost his head. The place is so remote and so desolate that when you stand in the palace miles from anywhere and surrounded by a parched landscape the story no longer seems improbable. The siege ramp built for a Roman army attack on the fortress is still visible. It seems incredible that these events took place two thousand years ago. Time seems to shrink in this environment and the past comes much closer. There is nothing much else there, but a convenient car park and a tent where you can buy refreshment from a friendly Jordanian who travels out to the site each day from Amman. There are few visitors and you may find you have the whole place to yourself. I recommend his mint tea made with a few leaves torn from a plant outside.
Written 10 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trig56
London, UK155 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Really enjoyed the 10 minute walk to the top of Herod's palace. Looks like a giant pimple from the road approaching - make sure you stop to take a snap from the approach road before driving the 600 - 900 mtrs further into the car park. We went during Ramadan and were worried that arriving after 2pm it may be closed, but it turned out fine. No one there at all - gates open and you just walk onto the ancient road - bob's your uncle you're on top of the spot where Salome reputedly danced to have John the Baptist's bonce on a platter.
There's not a lot at the top - so we watched a couple of 'dance of the seven veils' you tube videos to get the idea. The Strauss opera one was dull as ditch water to be honest, but there was a Hungarian lass who did a good effort, which allowed us to do our own brief re-enactment. There are two free-standing columns to do a pole dance on if you want to make your Salome dance really stand out. Also loads of good spots to do a 'severed John head in your girlfriend's hand' selfie.
The view from the top overlooking the Dead Sea and surrounding Wadi's is very impressive, and the place is blissfully free of tourists. On our day travelling around Madaba, Mt Nebo and the Dead Sea, we enjoyed mucking about here the most - particularly given the historical significance.
There's not a lot at the top - so we watched a couple of 'dance of the seven veils' you tube videos to get the idea. The Strauss opera one was dull as ditch water to be honest, but there was a Hungarian lass who did a good effort, which allowed us to do our own brief re-enactment. There are two free-standing columns to do a pole dance on if you want to make your Salome dance really stand out. Also loads of good spots to do a 'severed John head in your girlfriend's hand' selfie.
The view from the top overlooking the Dead Sea and surrounding Wadi's is very impressive, and the place is blissfully free of tourists. On our day travelling around Madaba, Mt Nebo and the Dead Sea, we enjoyed mucking about here the most - particularly given the historical significance.
Written 8 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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