Madaba Archaeological Park — Attraction in Madaba

Madaba Archaeological Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Jordan, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s ancient history. The park is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved mosaics in the region, dating back to the Byzantine and Umayyad periods. Walking through the park feels like stepping back in time, as the intricate mosaic floors tell stories of a rich and vibrant past. One of the most famous pieces is the stunning mosaic map of the Holy Land, which is not only a work of art but also an invaluable historical record.

The site is well-maintained, and there are informative signs throughout the park that provide context about the artifacts and ruins. The friendly staff are knowledgeable and happy to share insights into the significance of the mosaics and the broader history of Madaba. In addition to the mosaics, visitors can explore the remnants of ancient buildings, including churches and homes, which provide a deeper understanding of how life was lived centuries ago.

What makes Madaba Archaeological Park particularly special is its accessibility. It’s located in the city center, making it easy to combine with other nearby attractions, such as St. George’s Church and the Madaba Museum. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about Jordan’s rich cultural heritage, this park is a must-visit. The beauty and historical significance of the mosaics, combined with the peaceful atmosphere, make it an...

During my last day I decided to do the walking tour of Madaba.

If you pop into Madaba Visitors Centre you can pick up a free map. Some of the sites are free with the Jordan Pass, but some you still have to pay JOD 1 to enter regardless of whether or not you have the pass.

The tour is self guided and easy to navigate with the map. At each site staff will ask if you want a guided tour, for which you will pay them an additional JOD 1. I declined the offer of guides, as there was plenty of written information available at the sites.

There wasn’t anything that particularly blew me away, but I did enjoy visiting Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist. It was quite surreal walking into a Roman Catholic Church in a Muslim country and hearing recorded church organ music on repeat! I did see signs requesting there be silence in the church, but not one visitor took a blind bit of notice!

Then by stark contrast, in the vaults underneath the church there is the Acropolis Museum, complete with recorded Middle Eastern music! I enjoyed exploring the vaults and seeing the various items on display.

A nice way to while away a couple of...

The Madaba archeological park is split into 2 sites, both very close to eachother, but requiring local knowledge to find. Thus, it may be worth asking at the visitor centre or finding a driver with local knowledge (ours was a Madaba resident). The mosaics are the main attraction at the park, with beautiful patterns, scenes of animals and mythological figures. As usual we and a nearby party fell victim to the 'guides'. They follow you around regurgitating information readily available on the signs, distracting you from reading, and leading you around at such pace that you are prevented from taking in the beautiful art - presumably in a hurry to get their 'tip'. In fact, at park 1, one of these 'guides' kept spraying water on the mosaics in some pointless attempt to make them more visible. Surely, that can't be good for their preservation. It is annoying. Despite this, the archeological park offers ruins and, most impressively, early Byzantine mosaics that are incredibly well-preserved (except for one that fell victim to the madness of the...