Jerash, Jordan: travel guide
Colonnaded streets, theatres and temples of a Roman provincial city
One of the best-preserved Greco-Roman provincial cities in the world, with a colonnaded street, hippodrome, temples and two theatres. An easy day trip north of Amman.
About Jerash
Jerash is a town north of Amman that holds one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the region. Its streets, columns and arches stand across a wide area, and it is easy to imagine the life of a busy Roman trading town.
Highlights include Hadrian's Arch at the entrance, the hippodrome, the Oval Plaza with its columns, the long colonnaded street and two theatres. Temples of Zeus and Artemis stand higher up, and the site often has live displays of Roman military drills and chariots. The modern town nearby has simple restaurants for lunch.
Jerash is an easy day trip from Amman and suits history lovers and families. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit, as summer midday heat can be strong on the open site.
- Country
- Jordan
- Currency
- JOD
- Time zone
- Asia/Amman
- Nearest airport
- AMM
Last updated
Top places to visit in Jerash
Temple of Artemis
roman temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The grandest temple in Jerash, dedicated to the city's patron goddess Artemis, with towering Corinthian columns famed for gently swaying in the wind.
Hadrian's Arch
triumphal arch · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The 11m triumphal gate built to honour Emperor Hadrian's visit in 129-130 CE, marking the monumental southern entrance to ancient Gerasa.
Jerash Archaeological Museum
archaeological museum · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A compact museum inside the site displaying coins, mosaics, statuary and everyday objects excavated from Gerasa.
Jerash Archaeological Site
roman city · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world (ancient Gerasa), with colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and a rare oval forum spread over a vast site.
South Theatre
roman theatre · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A 1st-century Roman theatre seating over 3,000 with remarkable acoustics, still used for performances and often with bagpipers playing to demonstrate the sound.
Oval Plaza (Forum)
roman forum · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Jerash's spectacular oval forum ringed by 1st-century Ionic columns — an unusual and photogenic plaza linking the temple of Zeus to the colonnaded Cardo.
Jerash Nymphaeum
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
An ornate 2nd-century public fountain along the Cardo Maximus in Jerash, dedicated to the water nymphs.
Hippodrome
hippodrome · 4.4 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
A restored Roman chariot-racing arena where the "Roman Army and Chariot Experience" re-enactments of legionaries and races are staged.
North Theatre (Jerash)
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A smaller Roman theatre in Jerash, originally built for civic meetings, later expanded for musical performances.
Cardo Maximus (Colonnaded Street)
roman street · 4.8 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
The city's grand paved main avenue, still lined with hundreds of columns and showing chariot-wheel ruts, running the length of ancient Gerasa.
Temple of Zeus (Jerash)
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Ruins of a large temple dedicated to Zeus overlooking the Oval Plaza in Jerash.
Things to do
- Jerash Guided Roman City Tour Cultural · 2.5 h · from JOD 40 per person
- Roman Army & Chariot Experience Cultural · 0.8 h · from JOD 17 per person
Where to stay in Jerash
- Jerash Town about JOD 40 per night
A handful of hotels near the ruins; most visitors day-trip from Amman but staying allows an early, crowd-free site visit.
Hotels
- Hadrian Gate Hotel 2-star · JOD 25 to JOD 45 per night
- Olive Branch Resort 3-star · JOD 45 to JOD 85 per night
Where to eat
- Lebanese House (Beit Lubnani) Lebanese, Jordanian, Levantine · about JOD 16 per person
- Jerash Rest House Jordanian, International · about JOD 14 per person
- Artemis Restaurant & Terrace Jordanian, Middle Eastern · about JOD 13 per person
- Green Valley Restaurant Jordanian · about JOD 8 per person
Getting to Jerash
Airport: Jerash (AMM)
Getting around
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Jordan
Frequently asked questions about Jerash
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Jerash?
- The highest-rated places in our Jerash guide are North Theatre (Jerash), Cardo Maximus (Colonnaded Street), Temple of Artemis, Hadrian's Arch, Oval Plaza (Forum).
- Where should I stay in Jerash?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Jerash: Jerash Town.
- How do I get around Jerash?
- Ways to get around Jerash covered in our guide: Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Jerash?
- The nearest airport to Jerash has the code AMM.