Location: Jerash
Top Things to do in Jerash
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Top 7 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Jerash, Jerash Governorate
Coordinates: 32°16′20.21″N 35°53′29.03″E / 32.2722806°N 35.8913972°E / 32.2722806; 35.8913972
Restaurants in Jerash
1. Jerash Ruins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,635 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
I was astonished to find one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world in Jordan, less than 1 hour from Amman. I was also astonished that Jerash hasn’t been named a World Heritage Site! While Jordan has tried a few times to get this gem approved, UNESCO has denied the request for a variety of reasons. Since 2004, the Jerash Archeological city has sat on the ‘World Heritage Tentative List’. Ancient Gerasa dates to the time of Alexander the Great and the 4th century BC. It reached its glory days during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. It’s helpful to have a guide, but with a little research, you can enjoy exploring on your own. Allow about 3 hours to leisurely walk the whole area, soak up the history, and marvel at the architectural beauty of this great Roman city of columns.
2. Temple of Artemis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Dedicated to the patron Goddess of Jerash, the Temple of Artemis was built on one of the highest points of ancient Gerasa and functioned as the main sanctuary of the city. Construction began in the 2nd century AD; today 11 of its columns still stand. The whole building was originally covered in marble. Starting in 386 AD, pagan temples like Artemis were dismantled and the materials used to build churches. The Temple is located near the northern gate, be prepared for a walk to get here.
3. Arch of Hadrian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Hadrian’s Arch stands guard at the south entrance to the Jerash Ruins, immediately after the Visitor Center and souvenir shops. The 36 ft (11 m) high arch is located outside the old city walls and was built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian to Gerasa (the ancient name of Jerash) in 129 AD. The original arch was almost twice the height of what you see today. Our guide explained that chariots used the large center arch while noblemen and commoners each entered through their designated smaller arch. The monument was last restored in 2007.
4. Forum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By DQShaw - York, United States
We went with a group tour led by a very knowledgeable guide. That is the best way to get the most out of your visit. The archeological park itself is only 48 kilometres/30 miles north of Amman. One of the most distictive sites of Jerash is the Forum. It is unusual because of its shape and huge size, 90 metres long by 80 metres wide with fifty-six Ionic columns surrounding the paved limestone plaza.
5. Cardo Maximus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Every ancient Roman city had a Cardo, the Latin name given to the city’s main street which was oriented north to south. It was the heart of the city and lined with shops and vendors. Jerash’s Cardo is 2625 ft (800 m) long and runs from the Oval Forum to the northern gate. It was once framed by massive columns on each side. Thanks to the genius of Roman construction which allowed for movement, the columns still standing survived the devastating earthquake of 749 AD. Our guide provided a demonstration on how the columns move – amazing! It’s also amazing that the original Cardo road survived (look for the deep grooves caused by chariot wheels). And be careful, it’s not an easy walk because the stones are uneven and slippery when wet.
6. North Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By DQShaw - York, United States
The North Theatre, built in 165 AD and enlarged in 235 AD doubling the capacity to 1,600. We went as part of a group tour with a knowledgeable guide. That's the best way to experience something like this. Great acoustics and oddly enough the day we were there some locals were playing the bagpipes.
7. Ajloun Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 532 reviews
Reviewed By 671mandarb
Ajloun castle is a 12th century fortress that is quite well-preserved. When we went there, it was quite cold and misty. The famed distant vistas from viewing points were blanketed in fog. Still the dry moat, arched entrances, stone chambers and arrow slits provided quite a few instapic moments. There is a small museum, too.
