Hammamat Ma'in
Main hot waterfall at Hammamat Ma'in. Photo
Sean Long.
A broader view of the main waterfall. Photo
Sean Long.
Winding road en route to Hammamat Ma'in. Photo
Sean Long.
Location map and aerial view of Hammamat Ma'in. For a larger interactive view, see our Jordan Map.
Hammamat Ma'in (also called Zarqa Ma'in) is a series of natural hot springs and waterfalls with biblical connections, located between Madaba and the Dead Sea in Jordan.
In the Bible
King Herod frequented the healing springs at Ma'in (when these waters were known as Baaras) and built a villa at nearby Mukawer. According to tradition, it was at that villa that Salome danced and John the Baptist was beheaded (Matthew 14: 1-12).
What to See
The springs still run hot today and the site is now home to a modern spa resort, which provides a full range of spa services. For non-guests, there is an day-use fee to enter the complex.
The main waterfall, which gushes over a cliff beneath the resort, ranges in temperature from 40° to 60° C (104-140° F). This is the most popular spot and is often full of families and young people enjoying the waters, in attire ranging from fully-veiled robes to modern western swimsuits. Visitors should respect the more traditional bathers and leave the stringiest bikinis at home. There are hot pools and several smaller falls nearby as well.
About 6km after the turnoff for Hammamat Ma'in is the impressive Al Megheirat dolmen field, with hundreds of dolmens (prehistoric chamber tombs) scattered across several hillsides.
Getting There
Hammamat Ma'in is reached by one of the windiest roads in the country, about a 20-minute drive southwest from Madaba towards the Dead Sea.Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Hammamat Ma'in; Zarqa Ma'in |
| Location: | Jordan |
| Categories: | Biblical Sites; Sacred Waters |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 31.609031° N, 35.6089° E (view on Google Maps) |
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Sue Rollin and Jane Streetly, Blue Guide Jordan, 3rd ed. (London: A&C Black, 2001), 189-90.
- Hammamat Ma'in - Rough Guide to Jordan
Article last updated: 08/06/2009.
