Jerash, Jarash — Travel Guide & Things to Do
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Jerash
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Archaeological Site of JerashArch of HadrianSouthern TheatreOval PlazaJerash GardenTemple of ArtemisTemple of ZeusNymphaeumHippodromeThe North TheaterNearby restaurants
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JerusalemJerusalemTel-AvivHaifaHaifaHof HaCarmel Regional CouncilMate Yehuda Regional CouncilRamat GanMate Asher Regional CouncilTamar Regional CouncilRelated posts
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Jerash tourism.Jerash hotels.Jerash bed and breakfast. flights to Jerash.Jerash attractions.Jerash restaurants.Jerash travel.Jerash travel guide.Jerash travel blog.Jerash pictures.Jerash photos.Jerash travel tips.Jerash maps.Jerash things to do.Jerash things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Jerash
Jerash, Jarash, Jordan
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attractions: Archaeological Site of Jerash, Arch of Hadrian, Southern Theatre, Oval Plaza, Jerash Garden, Temple of Artemis, Temple of Zeus, Nymphaeum, Hippodrome, The North Theater, restaurants:
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Things to Do in Jerash, Jarash, Jordan - Jerash Attractions & Activities
Attractions of Jerash
Archaeological Site of Jerash
Arch of Hadrian
Southern Theatre
Oval Plaza
Jerash Garden
Temple of Artemis
Temple of Zeus
Nymphaeum
Hippodrome
The North Theater
Archaeological Site of Jerash
4.6
(8.2K)
Open 24 hours
Click for details
Arch of Hadrian
4.7
(748)
Closed
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Southern Theatre
4.5
(646)
Open 24 hours
Click for details
Oval Plaza
4.7
(606)
Closed
Click for details
Archaeological Site of Jerash
Archaeological Site of Jerash
4.6
PodthepalPodthepal
Jerash, often hailed as the "Pompeii of the East," is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world, nestled in the fertile plains of northern Jordan. This remarkable archaeological site, hidden for centuries beneath the sands, reveals a splendid tapestry of ancient urban life, with structures that date back over two millennia.
As you enter Jerash, the grandeur of the ancient city unfolds with the awe-inspiring Hadrian's Arch, a monumental gateway erected to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian in AD 129. This grand entrance sets the stage for the incredible journey through time that lies ahead.
The city’s main thoroughfare, the Cardo Maximus, stretches before you, lined with majestic columns that have withstood the test of time. This colonnaded street, with its original paving stones still bearing the grooves of chariot wheels, leads you through the heart of Jerash, connecting an array of architectural marvels.
The Oval Plaza, an expansive forum framed by 56 Ionic columns, is a sight to behold. This unique space, with its graceful symmetry, serves as a gathering place and a testament to the city’s social and political life. Nearby, the South Theater, an imposing amphitheater carved into the hillside, showcases the city's cultural vibrancy. With its excellent acoustics, it continues to host performances, echoing with the voices of antiquity.
The grandeur of Jerash is further exemplified by the Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the city's patron goddess. This towering edifice, with its soaring columns and intricate carvings, stands as a testament to the city's religious devotion and architectural prowess. The temple's elevated position offers a panoramic view of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the sprawling expanse of ruins set against the lush backdrop of the surrounding landscape.
As you wander through Jerash, the city's well-preserved structures speak volumes about its historical significance. The Nymphaeum, an ornate public fountain, and the numerous churches adorned with intricate mosaics reflect the city's evolution through different eras and cultures.
Jerash's allure lies not only in its grand monuments but also in its atmosphere. Walking through its ancient streets, you can almost hear the bustling activity of a once-thriving metropolis. The timeless beauty of Jerash, with its blend of Roman sophistication and Middle Eastern charm, continues to captivate the imagination, offering a vivid glimpse into the past and a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of human civilization.
Dr. med. Enrique Alejandre LafontDr. med. Enrique Alejandre Lafont
Jerash is truly one of the most impressive and epic historical sites in Jordan, and an absolute must-visit. Walking through the well-preserved ruins of this ancient city, you are transported back to the days of the Roman Empire. The grandeur of the colonnaded streets, the imposing temples, and the massive theaters are awe-inspiring. Particularly notable is the Hippodrome, where you can almost hear the echoes of ancient chariot races.
**Historical Significance and Facts:**
- **Ancient Gerasa:** Jerash, also known as Gerasa in ancient times, was one of the ten great cities of the Decapolis during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
- **Roman Influence:** The city flourished under Roman rule, especially in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. It is celebrated for its well-preserved Roman architecture, considered among the finest outside of Italy.
- **Urban Layout:** Jerash’s layout, with its oval forum, cardo maximus (main street), and various public buildings, showcases advanced urban planning and offers a glimpse into the city's sophisticated structure.
**Noteworthy Sites:**
- **Oval Plaza:** A unique architectural masterpiece, this plaza is surrounded by an elegant colonnade and measures approximately 90 meters by 80 meters.
- **Hadrian’s Arch:** Built in 129 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit, this triumphal arch is a testament to the city's historical prominence.
- **Temple of Artemis:** Dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, this temple is notable for its grand columns and intricate carvings.
- **South Theater:** Built to seat more than 3,000 spectators, it is one of the best-preserved Roman theaters, offering stunning acoustics and views.
**Modern Connections:**
- **Historical Context of Amman:** A fascinating tidbit is that the modern city of Amman was once known as Philadelphia, named after Ptolemy II Philadelphus during the Hellenistic period. This highlights the rich tapestry of history in the region.
**Visitor Experience:**
The city's well-organized layout, with its oval forum, cardo maximus (main street), and various public buildings, showcases the advanced urban planning of its time. The blending of ancient history with the stunning Jordanian landscape makes Jerash a site that captures the imagination and spirit of exploration.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual pilgrim, or simply a traveler seeking to explore Jordan's rich cultural heritage, Jerash is a destination that will leave a lasting impression.
Amjad RazaAmjad Raza
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.
Anwei ChaiAnwei Chai
This is a must go place in Jordan. The ancient Roman ruins are kept in good condition. If you buy the Jordan pass, the entrance ticket is included. If not you can buy the tickets at the counter near the visitor center.
The most convenient way to get to Jerash is by car. You can get a rental car or take a taxi. Make sure you ask and agree with the driver on the fare before you get on the taxi. If you rent and drive, use this coordinate (7VCQ+PVR Jerash, Jordan) on Google map or search "Jerash Visitor Free Car Parking" to guide you. Parking is free and if the parking lot is full there's another one on the other side of the street. A local young guy riding on a horse was there trying to scam foreign visitors for money and told us parking is not free for money so we had to pay him. If you see something similar just tell them it's free and you won't pay a dime. They don't speak English but from your reaction they should understand.
In order to get to the ticket counter and visitor center, you first pass through the small business area selling drinks, food, and local merchants. The gate and Roman rodeo are free. Keep going forward, you will find the visitor center and ticket counter. Unfortunately there are no printouts in English provided by the center. Use the restroom if you need because you won't find any inside the site once you pass the entrance.
The site is an ancient Roman city. A full day is needed to get through it carefully. The best route is to go clockwise starting at the bigger theater near the entrance. There are still some archaeology studies going on on-site. The whole thing is very impressive giving you the feeling of how people lived back thousands of years ago. If you want an even better understanding of the history of Jerash, tour guides are available at the entrance as well.
Make sure to collect your own trash and bring it out. Don't leave anything not belonging to the site inside the site.
Steven WebbSteven Webb
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.
Arch of Hadrian
Arch of Hadrian
4.7Historical Place
Muhammed İkbal ÇAKMAKMuhammed İkbal ÇAKMAK
Ceraş Antik Kenti’ne giriş yaptığınız esnada sizi bu muhteşem kapı karşılamakta. Roma İmparatoru Hadrianus’un şehri ziyareti anısına M.S 130 yılında yaptırılan bu kapı, bugün hala devasa boyutuyla dimdik ayakta ve gerçekten çok etkileyici.
MS 117-138 yılları arasında hüküm süren Hadrianus, Roma İmparatorluğunun en fazla tahtta kalmış imparatorlarındandır. Yönetimi boyunca pek çok reform yapmıştır. Eyaletlerin vergi yükünü hafifleterek, bazı borçlarını silerek ve kentlere çeşitli yardımlarda bulunarak onların refaha ulaşmasını sağlamıştır. Orduya ve askerlerin eğitimine özel bir önem göstermiş, askerlerin yaşam şekillerini bile bizzat gözlemleyip disipline etmiştir. Pek çok yerde binalar yaptırmış ve onarmıştır. Bunlardan en dikkat çekenleri Atina’da tamamlattığı Olympieion tapınağı, Roma’da bir köprü, Tiber nehrine bitişik bir mezar ve Bona Dea tapınağıdır.
Hadrianus bütün imparatorların en kültürlüsüydü. Edebiyata ve sanata düşkündü. Düzyazı ve şiirler yazdı, heykelcilikle ve resimle uğraştı. Lir çalıp şarkı söylerdi. Aritmetik ve geometriye meraklıydı. Kehanet türleri de merakları arasındaydı. Öngörülü, yüce gönüllü, zeki, insancıl, meraklı, hırslı ve kıskanç bir kişiliği vardı. Çok nüktedandı. Hafızası güçlüydü, yetenekleri sınırsızdı. Aynı anda hem sert hem dost canlısı, hem ağırbaşlı hem neşeli, hem ağırkanlı hem tez canlı, hem eli sıkı hem cömert, hem ikiyüzlü hem dürüst, hem acımasız hem merhametli biri olabiliyordu.
Hadrianus siyasi kariyerinin başlarında, iktidardaki imparator Trajan'ın büyük yeğeni Vibia Sabina ile evlendi. Bu evlilik ve Hadrianus'un daha sonra imparator olması, muhtemelen Trajan'ın karısı Pompeia Plotina tarafından teşvik edildi. Hadrianus tahta geçtikten kısa bir süre sonra, muhtemelen saltanatının güvenliğini tehdit ettikleri için önde gelen dört senatörü yasadışı bir şekilde öldürttü; bu ona senatonun ömür boyu sürecek düşmanlığını kazandırdı. Trajan'ın yayılmacı politikalarını ve Mezopotamya, Asurya, Ermenistan ve Daçya'nın bazı bölgelerindeki toprak kazanımlarını terk ederek daha fazla hoşnutsuzluk kazandı. Hadrianus istikrarlı, savunulabilir sınırların geliştirilmesine ve imparatorluğun farklı halklarının Roma önderliğinde panhellenik bir imparatorluğun tebaası olarak birleştirilmesine yatırım yapmayı tercih etti.
Hadrianus, gayretli bir şekilde kendi İmparatorluk ideallerinin ve kişisel ilgilerinin peşinden gitti. İmparatorluğun hemen hemen her eyaletini ziyaret etti ve imparatorluk ve eyalet işlerine, özellikle de inşaat projelerine doğrudan müdahale etmeyi tercih etti. Özellikle Britanya'nın kuzey sınırını belirleyen Hadrian Duvarı'nı inşa etmesiyle tanınmaktadır. Roma'da Pantheon'u yeniden inşa ettirdi ve büyük Venüs ve Roma Tapınağı'nı yaptırdı. Mısır'da ise İskenderiye Serapeumu'nu yeniden inşa ettirdiği tahmin edilmektedir. Yunan kültürünün ateşli bir hayranı olarak Atina'yı İmparatorluğun kültürel başkenti olarak tanıttı. Yunan genç Antinous ile olan yoğun ilişkisi ve Antinous'un zamansız ölümü Hadrianus'un yaygın ve popüler bir kült oluşturmasına yol açtı. Hadrianus saltanatının sonlarında Bar Kokhba isyanını bastırdı; bu isyanı panhellenik idealinin başarısızlığı olarak gördü.
Hadrianus'un son yılları kronik hastalıklarla geçti. Evliliği hem mutsuz hem de çocuksuz geçti. 138 yılında Antoninus Pius'u evlat edindi ve Antoninus'un Marcus Aurelius ve Lucius Verus'u kendi varisleri olarak kabul etmesi koşuluyla onu halefi olarak atadı. Hadrianus aynı yıl Baiae'de öldü ve Antoninus, Senato'nun muhalefetine rağmen onu tanrılaştırdı. Daha sonraki tarihçiler onu Roma'nın sözde "Beş İyi İmparatoru"ndan biri ve "iyiliksever bir diktatör" olarak saydılar. Esrarengiz ve çelişkili, hem büyük bir kişisel cömertlik hem de aşırı zalimlik kapasitesine sahip ve doyumsuz bir merak, kibir ve hırsla hareket eden biri olarak tanımlandı.
شغوفشغوف
Hadrian’s Arch stands tall and proud, built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian — a grand gateway that once welcomed him to the ancient city of Jerash.
It is one of several arches that once graced this historical jewel, but this one, in particular, rises with unmatched majesty.
Its towering columns, carved from limestone, are a silent testament to the genius of Roman architecture — reflecting the mastery, elegance, and distinct identity the Romans infused into every stone they laid.
Though time has weathered its form, and an earthquake in 749 AD brought parts of it down, the arch remains a symbol of resilience and ancient glory.
To walk among these ruins is to walk through time itself — to trace the footsteps of empires, to feel the whispers of the past carried in the breeze, and to be humbled by the sheer beauty of classical architecture.
As a lover of history, it was an experience that stirred my soul. No matter how much I describe it, my words fall short of capturing its true essence.
If you wish to delve deeper, I invite you to explore more on Wikipedia or through historical websites.
For now, I’ll leave you with some glimpses I captured — fragments of a story etched in stone.
ASTROPH13SZASTROPH13SZ
I always love visiting the old Roman town of Gerasa on our trips to Jordan, & no exception on our last visit, albeit in the heat of July!
My one bug bear would be that, as a foreigner, I was pestered quite a bit by shop vendors for my custom. Understanding that times have been super tough during covid, I was more than willing to buy souvenirs from the stalls at the entrance - albeit on a limited budget - but still felt quite pressured which did spoil the atmosphere.
My recommendation at this time would be to hire a guide in advance, or get a recommendation on arrival. There's so much of historical interest that's really worth knowing about. (Don't let a "guide" attach himself to you & then request a good sum of money for the very little knowledge he has - as I mistakenly did.)
Thomas PrzewoznyThomas Przewozny
Der Hadriansbogen in Jerash, dem antiken Gerasa in Jordanien, ist eines der eindrucksvollsten Bauwerke aus der Zeit der römischen Herrschaft im Nahen Osten. Er wurde im Jahr 130 n. Chr. zu Ehren des Besuchs von Kaiser Hadrian errichtet, der im Winter 129/130 die Stadt besuchte. Der Triumphbogen war ursprünglich als monumentales südliches Stadttor konzipiert und sollte ein neu geplantes Stadtviertel in Richtung des heutigen Amman (damals Philadelphia) erschließen. Dieses ambitionierte Vorhaben wurde jedoch nie vollendet, sodass der Bogen außerhalb der späteren Stadtmauer stehen blieb.
Architektonisch besticht der Hadriansbogen durch seine gewaltigen Ausmaße und seine ungewöhnliche Gestaltung. Das Bauwerk erreicht eine Höhe von etwa 21 Metern, ist rund 25 Meter breit und 9,25 Meter tief. Es handelt sich um einen dreitorigen Triumphbogen: Der zentrale Durchgang ist etwa 11 Meter hoch und 6 Meter breit, während die beiden flankierenden Tore jeweils über 5 Meter hoch und 2,5 Meter breit sind. Auffällig sind auch die dekorativen Elemente, etwa die Verwendung von Akanthusblättern an den Basen der Säulen sowie die Platzierung der Kapitelle am unteren Ende der Säulen – ein Stil, der auf nabatäische Einflüsse hinweist.
Eine griechische Inschrift auf einer sogenannten Tabula ansata (einer steinernen Inschrifttafel) verweist auf die 14. tribunizische Amtsgewalt Hadrians und erlaubt damit eine präzise Datierung auf das Jahr 130 n. Chr. Die Inschrift betont die Bedeutung des kaiserlichen Besuchs und zeugt vom Stolz der Stadt auf die Ehrung durch Rom.
Nach Jahrhunderten des Verfalls wurde der Hadriansbogen zwischen 2005 und 2007 sorgfältig restauriert. Dabei wurden viele der ursprünglichen Steine wiederverwendet, um die historische Authentizität zu bewahren. Heute markiert das imposante Bauwerk den südlichen Eingang zur weitläufigen archäologischen Stätte von Jerash und zählt zu den am besten erhaltenen römischen Triumphbögen außerhalb Italiens. Unter dem Namen „Bab Amman“, dem „Tor nach Amman“, ist der Bogen auch heute noch ein bedeutendes Symbol für die kulturelle Verbindung zwischen Rom und den arabischen Provinzen.
Abdullah Al KhathamiAbdullah Al Khathami
I recently visited Jerash in Jordan, and it was an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights was seeing the Arch of Hadrian, a magnificent structure built to honor the Roman Emperor’s visit in the 2nd century AD. The arch stands tall as a symbol of Jerash’s rich history and Roman influence.
Walking through the ancient ruins surrounding the arch made me feel like I was stepping into a different era. Jerash is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and timeless architectural beauty.
Southern Theatre
Southern Theatre
4.5Historical Place
Mahmoud KhammashMahmoud Khammash
The South Theatre in Jerash, Jordan is a well-preserved Roman theater that dates back to the 1st century AD. It was built to seat an audience of 3,000 people and is still used for performances today.
The theater is located in the heart of the ancient city of Jerash and is surrounded by other impressive Roman ruins, such as the Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Artemis. The theater itself is in excellent condition and its acoustics are still amazing.
Visitors to the South Theatre can climb to the top of the seating area for stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. There is also a small museum on site that houses artifacts from the theater's history.
PM VelankarPM Velankar
Southern Theatre.
Most of the ancient Roman cities, invariably had a hippodrome and a amphitheatre for public entertainment.
Archaeological site of ancient Roman city of Gerasa, Importance if this city can be gauged by inference by the fact that it not only had a Hippodrome but also had TWO amphitheatres on in the northern part and one in the southern part of the city. We visited southern Theater.
During my travels in Italy, Jordan and other parts of the world this amphitheater was in the best preserved condition. Climb right top is a bit tiring but once there the panoramic view of the thearte and the surroundings is extremely rewarding.
JonathanJonathan
Just around from the Oval Plaza, so not very far from the visitor’s center, we discovered the South Theater.
Of the three ancient theaters in ancient Jerash, this one was the most magnificent in our eyes because it’s the oldest and largest of the three. The theater's towering limestone walls encircle a vast seating area.
We also were impressed by the precisely engineered acoustics so that onstage performances can be heard clearly throughout the auditorium.
The remarkable preservation of the semicircular seating rows and broad stage allows modern visitors to envision how grand a visit to the theater must have been in years past.
JIA HEJIA HE
The Southern Theatre offers a unique and enjoyable experience that goes beyond the expected historical tour. The highlight of my visit was the local performances held within the theatre - a delightful surprise! Sitting high up in the theatre while enjoying the music, you get a breathtaking view of the entire archaeological site. It was a truly immersive way to appreciate the history and culture of Jerash. I highly recommend taking the time to experience a performance if your visit coincides with one. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the already impressive ancient theatre.
Jose E. CoelloJose E. Coello
The bigger of the two theaters in Jerash.
It has amazing acoustics and if you are patient a little maybe a big group of tourists will come along with a guide and you can hear the bagpipes play on every inch of theater. If not you can always ask them to play and give them a tip.
Be careful if you climb to the top or walk from one side of the gallery to the other the rock on the benches is crumbling away a little at a time and you can trip.
But I can tell you the view from the top is pretty amazing and worth the climb.
