Jerash
Jordan · 585 m
Description
Jerash (جرش) preserves one of the most complete Roman provincial cities anywhere, buried by earthquake and sand and then excavated over the last century. Visitors enter through Hadrian's Arch, raised in 129 AD for the emperor's visit, and walk the full length of a colonnaded main street still rutted by chariot wheels. The Oval Plaza is the site's signature, an unusual ellipse ringed by fifty-six Ionic columns that funnels into the Cardo Maximus. Above it stand the Temple of Artemis, whose columns visibly sway in the wind, and two Roman theatres that are still used for performances. The ancient city was known in antiquity as Gerasa and belonged to the Decapolis, and its ruins run for well over a kilometre.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Oval Plaza
- Hadrian's Arch
- South Theatre
- Cardo Maximus (Colonnaded Street)
- Temple of Artemis
- Nymphaeum
- Sanctuary of Zeus
- Hippodrome
- South Gate
- Propylaeum of the Artemis Sanctuary
- North Theatre
- Jerash Cathedral
- South Tetrapylon
- Macellum (Roman Market)
- Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian
- North Tetrapylon
- Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE)
- Jerash Archaeological Museum
- North Colonnaded Street (Decumanus)
- West Baths
- North Gate
- Church of Saint Theodore
- Umayyad Mosque
- Jerash Visitor Centre
- Great Eastern Baths
- Dibeen Forest Reserve(Day trip)
- Church of Bishop Isaiah
- Church of Bishop Marianos
- Birketein Pools and Theatre
- Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts (July - August)
- Al Ma'wa for Nature and Wildlife(Day trip)
- Bait Khayrat Souf(Day trip)
- Ranger Adventure Camp(Day trip)