Propylaeum of the Sanctuary of Zeus — Attraction in Jarash

Propylaeum of the Sanctuary of Artemis

This Propylaeum, which in Greek means "before the gate", was part of the grand and monumental approach to the Temple of Artemis that began on the east bank of the wadi. Worshippers would cross a bridge and then encounter this magnificent gateway. Its four colossal columns were aligned with the colonnades of the Cardo and the entryway was richly decorated and comprised three openings. Behind there is a stairway leading upwards, which is more than 30 meters wide and breaks...

This is the monumental access stairway to the Sanctuary of Zeus complex from the Oval Plaza. Resting on the left atop the stairs are some frieze blocks from the earliest Hellenistic period (1st century BC) (see review image).

Stop one minute to look left and enjoy a vantage point view over the South Street and South Gate. Then, proceed to the Sanctuary of Zeus a few meters ahead...

The sanctuary, located on top of a hill towering above the city, was preceded by a monumental stairway leading to the temenos. Although erosion, earthquakes, and looting have damaged the site, its scale and magnificence are still striking. The first worshipping place on the site was probably a cave, used from the seventh to the sixth...