The 9 things to do in Jerash

Visiting Jerash is discovering Jordan differently! Often forgotten by tourists, the ancient Roman city has a lot to offer!

Located in the heart of Jordan, on the banks of the Oued Jerash nicknamed the “golden river”, Jerash is a city that gains to be visited. Certainly, less known than Amman , Zarqa and Irbid, the ancient Roman city of the Decapolis is yet a tourist city booming! Visiting Jerash is discovering dazzling ruins, immense colonnades and multiple Roman vestiges, but that’s not all!

Besides the historical side, Jerash is also a modern city with beautiful markets and a large mosque. To discover the 9 essential things to do in Jerash, follow the guide!

1. The temple of Artemis

Visit Jerash without passing through the Temple of Artemis would be a huge forget! Built in 150 by the Romans in tribute to the goddess of hunting and fertility, this religious building is still accessible today.

As a protector of Gerasa (the ancient Roman city), this monument shows the engulfment of the inhabitants for divine beliefs.

At the time, he represented the center of the social and spiritual life of the city. In this vast sacred enclosure, many sacrifices were made in honor of the daughter of Zeus! Now, it is a well preserved tourist monument (of 12 of its Corinthian columns, 11 are still present).

2. The Oval Square

Emblématique, la place Ovale ou Forum is the symbol of the ancient city. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful achievements of Roman architecture, Ovale Square is a must-see in Jerash!

Visiting Jerash is making a leap in the past because this place dates back to the I and II century AD. Jonction between Cardo Maximus and the Temple of Zeus, this paved agora has impressive dimensions (90 meters over 80 meters)!

Anecdote: Every year, the flame of the Jerash Festival is lit on the base at the centre of Oval Square.

3. The Cardo maximus

Also nicknamed the "Allée des columns", the Cardo maximus is the place to visit in Jerash! Long 800 metres and lined with 200 Corinthian and Ionic columns (at the time, 500 columns), it stretches between North Gate and the forum.

In addition, as the main artery of the ancient ancient city, this alley serves many monuments – in ruins or in restoration – such as the public fountain, the temple of Artemis, the Umayyad Mosque or the Baths. Thus, visiting Jerash is making a journey in time and imagining life in the Roman era.

4. Jerash Racecourse

Impressive by its dimensions, Jerash’s hippodrome was 245 metres long over 51 metres wide and contained up to 15,000 spectators.

Partly restored, the hippodrome has now resumed its primary functions by hosting new shows of tank races and gladiator battles.

Visiting Jerash without discovering this emblematic place of distractions would really be a shame because it is a place full of History.

5. The Archaeological Museum and Amman

True treat for archaeology enthusiasts and history enthusiasts, Jerash is full of historical sites, Roman monuments and conservation places. Among this multitude of proposals, the archaeological museum is a place to visit in Jerash!

Although small by its size, it still houses some archaeological pepits. Within it there is a collection of everyday objects such as pottery, coins, statues, mosaics and jewellery.

While visiting Jerash allows you to discover vestiges of the past, we highly recommend you go to Amman, which houses most of these archaeological excavations.

6. Doors

As an ancient city, Jerash does not derogate from the rule and contains several doors in its midst which at the time were the entrances of the main arteries. Large monuments and historical vestiges, the doors are must-see in Jerash!

• The North Gate: located at the end of the Cardo maximus, it marks the main entrance of the city to the north. In tribute to the founder of the city,Emperor Trajan, it is built in 115 of our era and naturally opposes the South Gate ;
• The South Gate: Often nicknamed the "South Gate of Jerash", it is more recent than that of the north. Dating from the second century, it gives direct access to Oval Square;
• The Arch of Hadrian: This is the main access to the remains of the city of Jerash. In short, to visit Jerash, you have to pass in front. Impressive by its dimensions (37 meters wide by 13 meters high), it leaves no one indifferent! Built in honor of the emperor of the same name, this arch allows you to enter directly on the Cardo maximus.

7. The theatres

In Roman times, the theatre was a very pleasant distraction for the inhabitants, which is why visiting Jerash when discovering theatres is an excellent idea.

• The Northern Theatre: Built in 165 by Emperor Marc Aurèle, he has only 14 rows of seats. Remarkably well restored, it is a must to do in Jerash;
• The South Theatre: built in 90 AD, under the reign of Emperor Domitian, it is slightly larger than that of the North and accommodates 5,000 people. Completely restored, it is again used today as a stage especially during the Jerash Festival. Why don't you try not to board?

8. Local gastronomy

Delicious and original, Jordanian gastronomy is widely influenced by Egyptian, Lebanese and Turkish cuisines. Visiting Jerash is also discovering local gastronomy.

• The kebab : If there is a place where you have to taste a kebab, it’s good here! Visit Jerash with a kebab by hand is part of local customs.
• The mensaf: less known than the kebab, it is nevertheless the Jordanian holiday dish. Heirity of the Bedouins, mensaf is a sort of stew based on rice, gables, lamb and goat sauce. The first time, it’s a little strange for Westerners, but in the end, it’s a real delight for taste buds!
• The Thai: This is the national drink in Jordan! It is simply a traditional tea containing a lot of sugar, and sometimes added to miramiyé (sauge). Slightly bitter but delicious!

9. Going further

• Amman: A typical example of the city of the Middle East, Amman welcomes you in complete privacy to make you discover its wonders of another time. Ruins, stairs, balconies, vestiges, citadel and antique theatre face a huge urban and modern area. A city of contrasts and paradoxes, Amman is no less a jewel of Jordan;
• The Jordan Valley: from the mountains of Hermon to Lebanon to the Dead Sea, the valley is a rich cultivated area that houses many ancient cities of the Decapolis;
• Dibbin National Park: this magnificent Jordan nature reserve is located south of Jerash. As a protected area, it includes the largest pine trees in Aleppo.

How do I get to Jerash?

Even if you have the opportunity to reach Jordan with your own vehicle, it is much more pleasant and quick to fly. If you choose this option, help you with a comparison of flights like Skyscanner to find the best offer. The platform will tell you the best solution, according to your criteria.

• From Paris : from Charles de Gaulle Airport, count 4h35 non-stop flight direction Amman. The ticket price varies between 80€ and 500€ according to the selected periods and options.
• From Nice : the flight from Nice to Amman has a stopover Tunisia, that’s why the journey is made 6:45. The ticket price varies between 250€ and 600€ according to the selected periods and options.

Once you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, 80 km from Jerash, you will find several options:

• Car rental : simple, quick and convenient, you get the keys of your vehicle directly to the airport. After a few explanations and a check-up complete vehicle, you only have left1:30 to arrive at good port;
• The bus: both practical and economical, a bus leads you to Jerash for 6€ in 1 hour. However, make sure you don't miss this shuttle, otherwise you'll have to wait 1 hour;
• The cab: Of course, this is the most costly solution, but it is also the most sympathetic because you do not take care of anything! ♪ 45min, a taxi takes you to Jerash for 65€ about (prices vary between 50€ and 75€).

Where to stay in Jerash?

Well choosing your accommodation in Jerash is essential to enjoy your stay in this beautiful city of Jordan. So where to sleep in Jerash? To help you in preparing your trip, Wanderlix provides you with some leads!

Jerash is a little known destination for tourists so not very expensive and that’s good for you! Indeed, nights rarely exceed 50€ for one Airbnb and 60€ for a hotel. Small and picturesque, the city has few accommodations, which is why your research will be quick and effective!

At Wanderlix, we have a heartfelt for this charming and authentic Airbnb located in a organic farm! However, if you prefer to stay in a hotel, prefer one Compare hotels which will help you target the offer tailored to your needs.

So, what are you waiting for to visit Jerash?