Gawr as-Safi

Travel Guide
Gawr as-Safi featuring modern architecture
Lot’s Cave which includes building ruins and heritage elements
Gawr as-Safi featuring interior views and signage
Lot’s Cave featuring heritage elements and building ruins
Gawr as-Safi featuring interior views
Come to the lowest point on Earth, a small town on the Dead Sea that’s home to fascinating archaeological sites, some of which date back over 12,000 years.

The ancient biblical town of Zoara, now called Gawr as-Safi, has some of the richest archaeological sites in Jordan, many of which are open for visitors to explore. Come here to alternate between learning about history with taking rejuvenating dips in the salty Dead Sea.

Hike to the hills east of Gawr as-Safi to find Lot’s Cave. This is often considered the most important site in Gawr as-Safi, and is thought to represent a piece of Biblical history. When a 7th-century church was excavated here, inscriptions referring to Lot were found. These inscriptions suggest the site was a pilgrimage site in the Byzantine era.

Explore the Lowest Place on Earth Museum to see impressive mosaics, ancient pottery and textiles that were discovered in Lot’s Cave. Some go all the way back to the Neolithic Period.

Hire an archaeologist guide and take a tour of Masna Al Sukkar (aka Tawahines Al Sukkar), an ancient sugar factory that is still being excavated. Sugar production in this area was at its height from the 11th to15th century and Gawr as-Safi was then at the center of sugar trade across the Mediterranean region.

Spend any amount of time in Gawr as-Safi and you will soon realize that it is less a tourist hub than it is an important destination for archaeologists and biblical scholars. For that reason, this town offers a unique style of local experience. The experience you will have when you access the Dead Sea from Gawr as-Safi is therefore likely to be far less touristy than if you visit it from one of the more popular areas of shore.

Find Gawr as-Safi located just off the Dead Sea Highway, an easy stop on a drive south from Amman to Petra. This off-the-beaten-path destination is well worth a stop for travelers looking for a deeper understanding of Jordan’s long history.

Safi kitchen hostel
Safi kitchen hostel
gawr as safi
The price is CA $56 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $56
CA $84 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this farm stay in Gawr as-Safi. Enjoy balconies and air conditioning. Popular attraction Lot’s Cave is located nearby.
Safi kitchen hostel
Cairwan Hotel
Cairwan Hotel
1 out of 5
habes majali st, Al-Karak
Stay at this hotel in Al-Karak. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Karak Castle Museum and Prophet Nuh Tomb are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (16 reviews)
Comfortable and clean
"Very comfortable and clean small hotel near to Karak castle. Proprietors we’re very helpful and kind."

Reviewed on Sep. 10, 2022

Cairwan Hotel
Al-Mujeb
Al-Mujeb
5 out of 5
35, Al-Karak Highway, Al-Karak, Karak Governorate
The price is CA $78 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $78
CA $89 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Al-Karak. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Karak Castle Museum and Prophet ...
6.6/10 (32 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2023

Al-Mujeb
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Castle House
Castle House
2.5 out of 5
26 Khaled Ben Al-Walid St., Al-Karak, Karak Governorate
Stay at this apartment in Al-Karak. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Karak Castle Museum and Prophet Nuh Tomb are ...
Castle House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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