Jordan is a fascinating travel destination full of history and culture. One of the most impressive places you can visit on your trip through Jordan is the ancient city of Jerash. The city is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins that tell a fascinating story. Furthermore, Jerash is far less touristy than the rock city Petra.
Historical Background
Jerash was conquered by the Romans in 63 BC and experienced a time of prosperity and expansion during the Roman occupation. The city was built on a fertile plain and was an important trading hub between the east and the west. During the rule of the Romans, Jerash became an important city in the province of Arabia and experienced a golden age in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The city was equipped with impressive buildings, theaters, and temples that still impress today.
Jerash Attractions
Today, Jerash is an important archaeological site that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The main attractions include the Oval Forum, the Colonnaded Street, the Artemis Temple, the Hadrian’s Arch, the South Theatre, and the North Theatre.
The oval forum
The Oval Forum is one of the most impressive attractions in the ancient city of Jerash in Jordan. It is a large Roman theater that was built in the 2nd century AD and can accommodate about 3,000 spectators. What makes the Oval Forum special is its egg-shaped form, which was very rare in the Roman Empire. The theater was built of light-colored limestone and features a series of arches that provide excellent acoustics and a view of the stage for the audience. Today, the Oval Forum is still used for cultural events and is a popular tourist destination in Jerash.
Artemis Temple
The temple was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius and was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. The Temple of Artemis was an impressive structure, measuring about 50 x 90 meters and surrounded by columns from all sides. The temple had three entrances and a rectangular courtyard. Inside the temple, there was an altar, a sanctuary for the goddess Artemis, and a huge roof supported by columns. The temple was also known for its impressive sculptures and reliefs depicting the goddess Artemis, mythological scenes, and animal figures.
Hadrian’s Arch
The Hadrian’s Arch is a triumphal arch built in 129 AD in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The arch is about 22 meters high and consists of two large arches flanked by six columns. On both sides of the arch, there are niches where statues were placed. The decorations of the arch are very elaborate and include various mythological scenes as well as portraits of Hadrian himself. The Hadrian’s Arch was an important part of the city wall of Gerasa and served as the main entrance to the city. It was a symbol of Roman power and a sign of the city’s prosperity. Over the centuries, the Hadrian’s Arch was heavily damaged by earthquakes and other natural disasters.
The Colonnaded Street of Jerash
The Colonnaded Street is part of the ancient Roman city center of Jerash and is an example of Roman architecture from the 1st century AD. The street is about 600 meters long and lined with columns arranged on both sides of the street. There are a total of 56 columns, all made of pink granite. The street was probably built in the 2nd century AD and was an important trade route in the region.
The Hippodrome of Jerash
The Hippodrome of Jerash is an ancient stadium that was used for horse racing and other sports competitions. It was built during Roman rule in the 2nd century AD and is one of the best-preserved hippodromes of the Roman Empire. The stadium is about 245 meters long and 52 meters wide and has a capacity of up to 15,000 spectators. It is surrounded by a high stone wall and has two arches through which the horses and chariots were brought into the stadium. Inside the stadium, there is a central racetrack and bleachers from which spectators could watch the races. In addition to horse racing, other sports competitions such as chariot racing and athletic events were also held in the hippodrome. The Hippodrome was an important place of entertainment and social life in the ancient city of Jerash. Every year, the Jerash Festival is also held in the Hippodrome, which offers a variety of cultural events such as concerts, theater performances, and folklore presentations.
The theaters of Jerash are also very impressive. The South Theater accommodates more than 3,000 spectators and the North Theater is even larger, with a capacity of up to 6,000 people.
Tips for your visit to Jerash
- Bring sunscreen & water it can get very hot here
- Entrance is included in the Jordan Pass
- Plan some time for arrival and departure
- Take the bus to save money
Getting there
Jerash is easily accessible from Amman and can be visited by public transportation or private vehicle. As a budget backpacker, we of course recommend traveling by public transportation. If you prefer, you can also book a taxi. With the mini-bus, you can easily reach the ruins from the North Terminal in Amman. When traveling by public transportation, you should definitely bring some patience as it can take some time for the buses to fill up. The cost is around 1 – 2 dinars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Visit to Jerash
The main attractions of Jerash include the Hadrian’s Arch, the South Theatre, the North Theatre, the Oval Forum, the Artemis Temple, the Zeus Temple, the Cardo Maximus, and the Nymphaeum.
A visit to Jerash can take between 3 and 5 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the various attractions.
The cheapest way to get to Jerash is by bus. If you want more comfort, you can of course take a taxi. The journey takes about an hour.
The main festivals in Jerash include the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in July and the Jerash Balloon Festival in November.
Yes, there are guided tours in Jerash. You can try to join a group or take your own guide.
The best time to visit Jerash is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. The months of March to May and September to November are ideal for a visit.
Jerash has a rich history that dates back to the 4th century BC. The city was settled during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras and experienced a heyday during this time as an important trading hub.
The entrance fee for Jerash is 10 Jordanian Dinar for foreigners (about $13.50 USD). Children under 15 enter for free. Admission to Jerash is included in the Jordan Pass.
