Archaeological Site of Jerash
Archaeological Site of Jerash things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The best historical place to visit in Jordan. Nestled in the heart of Jordan lies the enchanting archaeological site of Jerash, a place where history whispers through the ancient stones and time stands still. Stepping into this living testament of the past is like embarking on a journey through millennia, where the grandeur of ancient civilizations comes to life before your eyes. As you pass through the imposing Hadrian's Arch, a gateway to a bygone era, the sprawling ruins of Jerash stretch out before you like a meticulously crafted tapestry of antiquity. The symphony of history plays out in every corner of this remarkable site, from the majestic Oval Plaza to the towering columns of the Temple of Artemis, each structure a testament to the architectural prowess of the past. Wandering through the labyrinthine streets of the ancient city, one cannot help but be awestruck by the intricate mosaics that decorate the floors, the intricate carvings that adorn the temples, and the timeless beauty that surrounds every corner. The Roman influence is palpable, yet Jerash bears the marks of civilizations that have come and gone, each leaving their indelible imprint on this storied land. One of the highlights of a visit to Jerash is the breathtaking sight of the South Theater, a marvel of ancient engineering that once echoed with the voices of spectators and performers alike. Standing amidst the weathered stones of this ancient amphitheater, one can almost hear the echoes of applause and the strains of music that once filled the air. But perhaps the true magic of Jerash lies not just in its physical grandeur, but in the sense of connection it fosters with the past. Walking in the footsteps of those who walked these streets centuries ago, one cannot help but feel a profound sense of awe and wonder at the enduring legacy of human civilization. In conclusion, a visit to the archaeological site of Jerash is nothing short of a transformative experience, a journey that transcends time and space to transport you to a world long gone yet ever-present. For history enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and curious travelers alike, Jerash is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be discovered, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with a timeless beauty that transcends generations.
Amjad RazaAmjad Raza
10
A very good ancient ruin site. The number of columns still standing is amazing. The colonnaded street intersection is a highlight, the stone road collapsed on its water system below, ruts where cartwheels scrapped for centuries. The north theatre is in great shape, a bit hazardous to walk around (no rails, be careful!). Small but intricate, stone floor on main stage is still there (age unknown though). Considering the temples were used as "quarry" sites for centuries, folks needing stones for their homes... imagine what it was like when it was built. Note: the "spoon" trick, seen on youtube, is a gimmick. We saw a kid stick a spoon in crack and shake the column to demonstrate. Yes, the column moves. Yikes! Vendors there are AGGRESSIVE and camped like a pack of wolves, at each temple. Coolers, chairs, radios, they live there. They push usual trinkets, scarfs. DO not engage with them, you will lose. They should not be allowed as they simply harass people, nothing more. Vendors add color to sites, useful service. But these folks are too much. If you know arabic, they may ignore you; if not, you will be hunted. The site is well managed. Lots of tourist police around. The visitor center (not at the entrance) is excellent, with a small museum, small video display, rest area, and great, clean WCs (a guy is there full time, cleaning). WC at south/main entrance is in a sort of shopping mall area, not nearly as good but ok. Vendors are aggressive there as well but you have space to walk away. Parking gratis at south end. Jordan Pass at north entrance (you have to walk 1km, past hippodrome to show it). Zero place to sit/rest (bring a blanket, umbrella, water) on the site. Some benches, seats would be very nice. Sun is brutal, heat is brutal so is the wind. Be prepared. The site is not so large though, perhaps 2km, you follow a circular path, decent signage.
Steven WebbSteven Webb
00
Jerash, also known as Gerasa, was a thriving city in the Roman Empire and is located about 50 kilometers north of Amman, Jordan's capital. As we enter the city, we'll pass through Hadrian's Arch, which was built to honor the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 129 AD. The arch serves as the entrance to the city and is an impressive feat of engineering, with intricate carvings and a massive stone structure. Once inside the city, we'll be transported back in time to the height of the Roman Empire. We'll see the impressive colonnaded street, which stretches for over 800 meters and is lined with towering columns and ancient shops. We'll visit the Oval Plaza, which was the heart of the city and the site of many public events, including chariot races and gladiatorial games. Here, we'll see the impressive Temple of Zeus, which was one of the largest temples in the Roman Empire. We'll also visit the North Theater, which was built in the 2nd century AD and could seat up to 1,600 people. The theater was used for a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and public speeches. Another impressive structure in Jerash is the South Theater, which could seat up to 3,000 people and was used for more intimate performances. We'll also explore the ancient city walls, which were built to protect the city from invaders. The walls stretch for over 3 kilometers and provide an impressive view of the surrounding countryside. Overall, a visit to Jerash is a journey back in time to the height of the Roman Empire. With its impressive structures, intricate carvings, and rich history, it's no wonder that Jerash is considered one of the most important ancient cities in the world.
Aqeel RasheedAqeel Rasheed
20
Well, I thought is a small place and will visit in 30 min. Guys, it is a big place! You need 2h to visit at speed (like us) but if you want to visit it in a normal speed, I guess 3-4h is needed. I heard here is one of the most well preservation roman site and really allows you a peek behind the curtain to understand how a Roman city functioned. Inside the are many monuments like ceremonial gates, colonnaded avenues, temples and theaters, all speak to the time when this was an important imperial centre. There is Temple of Zeus, Temple of Artemis, 2 theaters m(one big and one smaller, Hadrian's Arch, Sanctuary of Zeus, a hippodrome, Oval Plaza with many coloumns, lots of rooms or houses' ruins etc You can avoid most of the tour groups arriving from everywhere if you go first thing in the morning. In plus, you will avoid also the heat, because even in April is very hot. Take a thick hat to cover your neck, longs sleeves, long pants, some water with you. Else, you will suffer form sunburn like us. :-| The archaeological park is open in the summer from 07:30-19:00 and in the winter from 08:00-17:00. Additionally, there is sound and light show at night that illuminates the ancient sites of Gerash in different colors. I heard is the second place to visit after Petra, but who knows? But very interesting for ancient ruins lovers. You can go back in time.. ;-)
Nicole NewmanNicole Newman
00
Wonderful place to leisurely stroll through the large area of Roman ruins. It was fun to explore the ruins as far as your adventurous spirit will take you. Be aware though that many of the ruins are spread out over a large area and it can be tricky walking the farther you go off the main Roman thoroughfare. There are many placards in both Arabic and English to describe the various places. We spent 2 1/2 hrs at the site but did not spend time in the museum or gift shop. Admission was 10 JD. There are restroom facilities (Middle East style) behind the museum. We did not hire a guide since we were on a schedule and feel we had a thorough experience. The best part of the site is you get to see all of it up close. Very little is closed off and you get a good awareness of the scale, engineering and architecture as you walk down the ancient Roman street lined with columns. Be sure to see the North amphitheater at the far end of the park. It is very well preserved/reconstructed. BTW we went to Artimis restaurant afterward which is less than 10min drive. Enjoy!
Glen PetersenGlen Petersen
20
Even though the place has some trash, and the city is super close, it’s amazing the structure, how is still there nowadays, how the earthquakes destroyed and modified the city and its streets and buildings. I’m amazed with the details carved on stone, the size of the blocks and the use of the buildings. It’s totally worth it, it only takes an hour from Amman. We went using the local transportation, the minibuses from north station. It only costs 1jod per person. Of course, you have to wait until it’s full to depart, of course, it doesn’t have AC, but it takes you to one of the three entrances. We jumped down at the south one, there is one restaurant in the entrance where we could leave our backpacks, walk around the ruins and came back to drink an ice coffee and take back our things. To go back to Amman, you just need to take the minibus from the station, crossing the avenue of where we jumped down (in front of the “I love jerash” sign) Hope to be helpful with this information.
Marilina PazMarilina Paz
00
Nearby Attractions Of Archaeological Site of Jerash
The Archaeological Site of Jerash
Oval Plaza
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Temple of Zeus
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Hippodrome
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The Archaeological Site of Jerash
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Oval Plaza
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Southern Theatre
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4.6
(8.4K reviews)
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international.visitjordan.com
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