Ma'in hot springs – in pictures

  • People bathe at a public pool in Ma'in, south of the Jordanian capital Amman. All photos: Amy McConaghy / The National
    People bathe at a public pool in Ma'in, south of the Jordanian capital Amman. All photos: Amy McConaghy / The National
  • There are more than 60 hot springs amid the steep hills and deep wadis in the area.
    There are more than 60 hot springs amid the steep hills and deep wadis in the area.
  • While temperatures in Amman dropped near to 0°C this month, bathers in Ma'in were enjoying waterfalls as hot as 65°C.
    While temperatures in Amman dropped near to 0°C this month, bathers in Ma'in were enjoying waterfalls as hot as 65°C.
  • Visitors can enter the area and view its six waterfalls for $14.
    Visitors can enter the area and view its six waterfalls for $14.
  • The Ma'in Hot Spring Spa, which charges $54 for entry.
    The Ma'in Hot Spring Spa, which charges $54 for entry.
  • The spring waters are said to be rich in minerals such as potash, calcium, phosphorus and iodine.
    The spring waters are said to be rich in minerals such as potash, calcium, phosphorus and iodine.
  • People have been seeking the healing qualities of the waters for millennia.
    People have been seeking the healing qualities of the waters for millennia.
  • The biblical king Herod is thought to have visited the springs frequently while staying at his castle in the area.
    The biblical king Herod is thought to have visited the springs frequently while staying at his castle in the area.