Location: Madaba
Top Things to do in Madaba
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What to do and see in Madaba, Madaba Governorate: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Madaba (Arabic: مادبا; Biblical Hebrew: מֵידְבָא Meidvah) is the capital city of Madaba Governorate in central Jordan, with a population of about 60,000. It is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land. Madaba is located 30 kilometres (19 miles) south-west of the capital Amman.
Restaurants in Madaba
1. St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
On December 7, 1967 the Vatican recognized the historic Catholic Church in Madaba, belonging to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as a Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist and urged visitors and pilgrims to visit this sacred site.
Reviewed By 119rodf
A lovely church with its tunnels ( watch your head) and viewing tower. Well worth a visit and the nominal entrance fee.
2. Madaba Mosaic Map
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,139 reviews
This fascinating map of the Holy Land, now housed in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, was made in the 6th century out of two million stone pieces.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Head to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church to see the oldest mosaic map of the Holy Land. Over two million tesserae (little tiles) once comprised this 6th century masterpiece referenced by early Christian pilgrims. A little over half of the map has survived the passage of time, negligence and purposeful defacing. But, thanks to a 1965 restoration effort, enough remains to take your breath away. The largest and most detailed element is Jerusalem, at the center. The map has even been used in recent times to authenticate Biblical geographic accounts. All the notations are in Greek. The Church Visitor’s Center has a helpful interpretive map for orientation.
3. Church of the Apostles
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By SLWS5775 - Jerusalem, Israel
This mosaic is a must see. It's a distance from the archaeological park, which is just up the hill, above it. There is a platform from which one can take pictures of the floor, which is extensive. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by the number of mosaics in Medaba, but this is surely one of the largest and one of the most unique. The man looking after it was kind and personable.
4. Al Hakaya (La Storia) Eatery and cultural center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Al Hakaya (former La Storia) is an immersive culture center with eatery and kids play area where people can take an exciting journey through history to explore Jordan’s religious, historical and cultural heritage as a strategic nexus between different civilizations from the past to the present. Musem, Restaurant and Playground on site!
Reviewed By OKReport
Visited La Storia as part of a religious pilgrimage of over 60 to Mt. Nebo. Stopped here. Bought beautiful mosaics. (Sister-"Okhti") Sofia served delicious ice cream and coffee for our group. Professional service with a smile from everyone. Mosaic prices and quality were as good or better than others seen in Jordan, West Bank, or Israel.
5. The Church of Saint George
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 552 reviews
Reviewed By MargaretBenefiel - Washington DC, United States
Amazing huge mosaic map of the Holy Land from the 6th century on the floor of the church. Plus many other mosaics, ancient and modern.
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