A Guide to the Jerash Ruins in Jordan
Located just 30 miles north of Jordan’s capital city—Amman, Jerash is one of the country’s most significant historical sites. The ruins of Jerash offer a remarkable glimpse into ancient Roman civilization, and exploring this well-preserved archaeological site should be high on your Jordan itinerary. In this guide we’ll cover the must-see things in the Jerash ruins, nearby points of interest, how to get there, and where to stay.
Jerash is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East” due to its extraordinary state of preservation. The city was once a thriving hub of the Roman Empire and is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture outside Italy. With its grand temples and wide plazas, Jerash is a testament to the grandeur and elegance of Roman urban design.
The history of Jerash stretches back almost 10,000 years, with evidence of a settlement from the end of the stone age. However, the city reached its peak during the Roman era, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
During that period, it became one of the ten cities of the Decapolis—a league of important cities with strong ties to Rome. Today, the Jerash ruins allow you to step back in time and imagine what life was like in this bustling Roman city.
Things to See in the Jerash Ruins
There’s a lot of monuments and structures scattered around the ruins of Jerash making it a great place to wander and explore. Here is a list of the best things to see there.
Hadrian’s Arch
Your journey through Jerash begins at Hadrian’s Arch, a massive triumphal arch built in 129 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city.
The largest of the triple-arch reaches an impressive 11 meters high, though the original may have been twice that size. The recently restored arch serves as a grand entrance to the ancient city. As you walk through the gateway, it’s crazy to imagine Hadrian’s grand processions passing beneath its arch.
Hippodrome
Just beyond Hadrian’s Arch lies the Hippodrome, an ancient sports arena that could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. This was where the people of Jerash gathered to watch chariot races, gladiator battles, and other athletic contests.
Fun Fact: The ancient Greek word “hippos” means “horse”. “Hippodrome” literally translates as “horse road”. It’s also where we get the name “hippopotamus”, which means “river horse”.
Today, you can still see the seating areas and the central barrier which the chariots raced around.
Oval Plaza
The Oval Plaza is one of Jerash’s most iconic landmarks. This large, open space is surrounded by 56 Ionic columns and spans about 90 meters in length and 80 meters in width.
The plaza was the heart of the ancient city of Jerash. People would gather here for public events, social activities, and religious ceremonies. The plaza is awe-inspiring and a striking example of the grandeur of the city.
Cardo Maximus – Roman Road
Running north from the Oval Plaza is the Cardo Maximus, Jerash’s main thoroughfare during Roman times. This 800-meter-long road is lined with columns and would once have been lined with busy shops, markets, and temples.
The stone pavement is original, and the grooves worn into it by chariot wheels are still visible today! As you walk along the Cardo Maximus, it’s easy to imagine the crowds and lively atmosphere that once filled this street.
Southern Theatre
One of the most impressive structures in Jerash is the Southern Theatre, which was built around 90 AD and could seat up to 3,000 people. This amphitheater would have been used for various performances, including plays, musical concerts, and even political speeches.
The theatre is known for its excellent acoustics; if you stand at the center of the stage and speak normally, your voice can be heard clearly by those seated in the upper tiers. Climbing to the top offers a fantastic view of the surrounding ruins and the modern city of Jerash.
Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis is dedicated to the city’s patron goddess, Artemis, and is one of Jerash’s most stunning structures. Built in the 2nd century AD, the temple originally featured 12 massive columns, 11 of which still stand today.
These columns, each over 13 meters high, are a testament to the engineering ability of the Romans. The temple was the focal point of religious life in Jerash, and its grandeur reflects the city’s prosperity during its peak.
Nymphaeum
The Nymphaeum is a large public fountain dedicated to the nymphs—mythical nature spirits. Built in 191 AD, this elaborate structure once featured water cascading from a series of basins.
Although the water no longer flows, the Nymphaeum’s ornate carvings and statues remain, and are an incredible sight.
North Theatre
The North Theatre is a smaller amphitheater built in 165 AD. Originally intended as a venue for city council meetings, the theatre also hosted various performances. With seating for about 1,600 people, the North Theatre is a more intimate space compared to the Southern Theatre.
It also boasts excellent acoustics, impressive stonework and a panoramic view from the top row of seats.
Places to Visit Near Jerash
While Jerash is undoubtedly the star attraction north of Amman, there are other fascinating sites nearby that work well as a longer day trip—Aljoun Castle and the ruins of Umm Qais.
Ajloun Castle
Ajloun Castle, also known as Qal’at Ar-Rabad, is only about 12 miles west of Jerash. This 12th-century fortress was built by the legendary Muslim commander Saladin to defend against Crusader attacks.
The castle’s strategic position high on the hill provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Jordan Valley. You can explore the castle’s towers, chambers, and corridors, learning about its history and the role it played in regional defense.
Umm Qais
Umm Qais, known in ancient times as Gadara, is another impressive archaeological site located about 45 miles north of Jerash. Like Jerash, the ancient city was part of the Decapolis and is famous for its well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins. Some highlights include a theatre, basilica, and streets lined with columns.
Umm Qais also offers breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee—where Christ is said to have performed many miracles, the Golan Heights, and the Jordan Valley. There’s an outdoor restaurant with a terrace offering this amazing view, so it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. They serve local Levantine dishes like hummus, tabouleh, falafel, and baba ghanoush.
Where to Stay in Jerash
While Jerash itself offers a few accommodation options, it’s better to stay in Amman which is only about an hour’s drive away. Amman offers a wider range of hotels to suit different budgets, here are some options:
Luxury: The St. Regis Amman is a top-tier choice if you’re looking for luxury. This hotel offers elegant rooms, a world-class spa, and fine dining options.
Mid-Range: For a mid-range option, the Landmark Amman Hotel & Conference Center offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities. The hotel features spacious rooms, a variety of dining options, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.
Budget-Friendly: Zaman Ya Zaman is an affordable option in a great central location and has views of the Roman Amphitheatre from the rooms.
How to Get to Jerash
If you’re considering renting a car in Jordan, then the easiest way to get to Jerash is to drive. It’s under an hour’s drive north of the capital and the roads are decent, though the traffic is extremely busy.
If you don’t plan on driving, then the next best option is to book a Jerash private tour with options to add on Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais.
Best Time to Visit Jerash
The best time to visit Jerash is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, you can enjoy the ruins without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter.
Spring, in particular, is a beautiful time to visit, as the surrounding hills are covered in wildflowers. We went in April and the weather was perfect.
Jerash FAQs
Is Jerash Worth Visiting?
Yes! Jerash is absolutely worth visiting. The Jerash ruins are one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Middle East, offering a unique glimpse into the Roman Empire’s legacy in the region. There are a large number of ruins, and they are remarkably well-preserved, making for interesting exploration.
How Much Time Do You Need in Jerash?
You should plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring the Jerash ruins. This will give you enough time to see the main attractions, such as Hadrian’s Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Southern Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis. If you’re particularly interested in history or archaeology, you might want to allow for more time to fully appreciate the site.
What to Wear in Jerash?
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative cultural norms, so you should dress modestly. This means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Long pants or skirts and shirts with sleeves are appropriate for both men and women. It can get quite warm so lightweight fabrics are better, especially in the warmer months.
How Old are the Ruins in Jerash Jordan?
The ruins in Jerash date back to the Roman period, with most of the structures built between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. However, the site has a much older history, with evidence of settlement going back as far as 7,500. Jerash’s Roman ruins are some of the best-preserved in the world, offering a fascinating window into the past.
A Guide to the Jerash Ruins in Jordan
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