Madaba Governorate facts for kids

The Madaba Governorate is one of the 12 special areas, called governorates, in the country of Jordan. Think of it like a state or a province. The main city and capital of this area is Madaba. This region is famous for its amazing history, beautiful natural places, and important religious sites. It's a place where ancient stories come to life!

What is a Governorate?

A governorate is a way Jordan divides its land for easier management. Each governorate has its own capital city and a governor who helps run things. The Madaba Governorate is one of these important divisions, helping to organize services and development for the people living there.

Where is Madaba Governorate?

The Madaba Governorate is located in the western part of Jordan. It's just southwest of the capital city, Amman. A big part of its western border touches the famous Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth! The area has a mix of hills and plains, making its landscape very interesting.

Fun Things to See and Do

Madaba Governorate is a fantastic place to explore, offering many exciting sights for visitors.

The City of Madaba: City of Mosaics

The city of Madaba is often called the "City of Mosaics." This is because it has many ancient and beautiful mosaic artworks. The most famous one is the Madaba Map, found in the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. This map is a huge mosaic showing the Middle East, including Jerusalem and the Holy Land, from the 6th century. It's like an old map made from tiny colored stones! You can also find many other mosaics in churches and museums around the city.

The Dead Sea: A Unique Experience

Part of the Dead Sea coastline belongs to the Madaba Governorate. The Dead Sea is a super salty lake where you can float easily because of the high salt content. It's also known for its mineral-rich mud, which many people believe is good for your skin. It's a very unique place to visit and relax.

Mount Nebo: A Historic View

Mount Nebo is a very important place, especially for people who follow Christianity. It's believed to be the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land before he passed away. From the top, you can see amazing views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even parts of Israel and Palestine on a clear day. There's also an ancient church and a modern sculpture of a brass serpent, reminding visitors of a story from the Bible.

Ma'in Hot Springs: Natural Warmth

The Ma'in Hot Springs are another natural wonder in the governorate. These are natural waterfalls of warm water that flow down from the mountains. The water is heated by underground volcanic activity and is rich in minerals. Many people visit these springs to relax and enjoy the warm, soothing water, which is thought to have healing properties.

History of Madaba

The Madaba Governorate has a very long and rich history, going back thousands of years. It was once part of many ancient empires, including the Roman and Byzantine empires. During the Byzantine period (around 4th to 7th centuries AD), Madaba became a very important center for art, especially mosaics. Many of the beautiful mosaics we see today were created during this time. Later, it was part of the Ottoman Empire before becoming part of modern Jordan.

How Madaba is Governed

Like other governorates in Jordan, Madaba is managed by a governor who is appointed by the government. The governor works to ensure that public services, like schools, hospitals, and roads, are well-maintained. They also help with local development projects and keep the peace in the region.

Images for kids

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  Madaba Governorate hosts the World Economic Forum held on its Dead Sea coasts

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  Nahias of Madaba

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  The brass serpent sculpture on Mount Nebo

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  The Dead Sea from the Kempinski Hotel in Madaba Governorate

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  Ma'in Hot Springs

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  The Dead Sea beach in Madaba Governorate

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  An old neighborhood in Madaba