The Interpretive Center opened on June 15!
Rich in cultural history and unique in aesthetics, the site of Umm al-Jimal’s typical visitors have been community children traversing through the arched churches on their way to school, or herders roaming through ancient neighborhoods of basalt rock leading their goats. How aware have they been of the value of their singular experience? That will be their secret.
The stunning beauty of this dramatically romantic 2000-year-old ancient town drew a few tourists, but lacking basic services, its draw was limited…until now. Casual polling of those visitors revealed three things they wished for on the site.
First, a bathroom—a necessity, even after a short drive.
Next, a drink—Umm al-Jimal is in the desert.
Finally, an explanation of the who, what, where, when and why of 2000 years of life in Umm al-Jimal.
Remarkably, the first toilets in Umm al-Jimal date to the ingenious 2000-year-old Nabataean water collection and distribution system. Remains of the ancient plumbing, include a few indoor ‘toilets.’
Pax collaborates with the local community to fulfill visitors’ wishes. The new bathroom debuted June 15 along with a small museum, a gift shop, a trial with 33 interpretive signs, and several small businesses, born to make it easy for visitors to discover the secret of Umm al-Jimal for themselves.
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