UNESCO World Heritage

Successfully nominating Umm Al-Jimāl to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2024 was a decades-long process that involved a plethora of persons and institutions, local and abroad. The Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project is proud to have undertaken the final writing of the dossier, under the authority and oversight of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan.

 

The Dossier, maps, and site photos are available on the site’s UNESCO webpage. [LINK]

 

The West Entry Park

Once a sandy, barren area with little of archaeological interest, the environs of the West Gate and West Church were transformed into a hospitable space with greenery, benches, and a walking path. This entrance to the site is near the commercial heart of the town, where tourists can buy local food and crafts and engage with the community. The park is also a popular place to sit and socialize in the cool evening hours.

 

South Entry

The Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project is working with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and Khammash Architectra on the construction of a new south entry to the site, which will provide ample parking and a new ticket office. The project will be completed to UNESCO heritage standards.

 

Conservation of the West Church

Since 2023, a project to stabilize the West Church has been underway, funded by the J.M. Kaplan Foundation. Preservation of the church by anastylosis (using the original blocks from a structure) is in keeping with global heritage standards and will ensure the authenticity of the structure.

 

A plan to complete similar work at the Praetorium is currently in process.