Madaba, Jordan: travel guide
Byzantine mosaics and a hilltop view toward Mount Nebo
The "City of Mosaics", home to the 6th-century Madaba Map — the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land — and the gateway to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land.
About Madaba
Madaba is a small town south-west of Amman known as the City of Mosaics. Its Christian heritage and Byzantine-era floors give it a quiet charm, and it works well as a short stop or a base near the capital.
The highlight is the mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, which dates from the sixth century. The town also has other mosaic floors in churches and a small archaeological park. Just outside, Mount Nebo is a viewpoint traditionally linked to Moses, with wide views across the Jordan Valley.
Madaba suits history lovers and pilgrims. Many people visit it as a half-day trip on the way to or from the Dead Sea. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit.
- Country
- Jordan
- Currency
- JOD
- Time zone
- Asia/Amman
- Nearest airport
- AMM
Last updated
Top places to visit in Madaba
Mount Nebo
pilgrimage viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The windswept ridge where, by tradition, Moses viewed the Promised Land and died. The Memorial Church of Moses shelters fine Byzantine floor mosaics and a vast valley panorama.
Umm ar-Rasas
archaeological site · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A remote UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site with a stunning Church of St Stephen mosaic floor depicting 27 towns, plus a rare 15m stylite tower.
St George's Church (Madaba Map)
orthodox church · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A Greek Orthodox church housing the 6th-century Madaba Mosaic Map — the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem in the world.
Church of the Apostles
byzantine church · 4.2 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A Byzantine church preserving a celebrated 6th-century mosaic personifying the Sea (Thalassa) surrounded by fish and marine creatures.
Madaba Archaeological Park
mosaic park · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
An in-situ collection of Byzantine and Roman mosaic floors under cover, including the Church of the Virgin and the Hippolytus Hall mosaics, along the old Roman street.
Mukawir (Machaerus)
hilltop fortress · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A dramatic hilltop fortress-palace of Herod the Great, traditionally where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded, with commanding Dead Sea views.
Madaba Old Town & Handicraft Street
historic town · 4.9 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The walkable historic core around the mosaic sites, with mosaic-making workshops, craft shops, mixed churches and mosques, and local restaurants.
Things to do
- Madaba Mosaic-Making Workshop Cultural · 2 h · from JOD 30 per person
- Mount Nebo, Madaba & Baptism Site Day Tour Cultural · 5 h · from JOD 55 per person
Where to stay in Madaba
- Madaba Town Centre about JOD 45 per night
A compact, walkable base among the mosaic churches, well placed for Mount Nebo, the Baptism Site and the Dead Sea.
Hotels
- Mosaic City Hotel 3-star · JOD 40 to JOD 75 per night
- Mariam Hotel 3-star · JOD 30 to JOD 60 per night
- Black Iris Hotel 2-star · JOD 22 to JOD 40 per night
Where to eat
- Haret Jdoudna Jordanian, Levantine · about JOD 16 per person
- Adonis Restaurant Jordanian, International · about JOD 14 per person
- Ayola Coffee Shop & Restaurant Cafe, Jordanian, International · about JOD 8 per person
- Beit Al Karma Jordanian, Levantine · about JOD 13 per person
Getting to Madaba
Airport: Madaba (AMM)
Getting around
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Jordan
Frequently asked questions about Madaba
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Madaba?
- The highest-rated places in our Madaba guide are Madaba Old Town & Handicraft Street, Mount Nebo, St George's Church (Madaba Map), Madaba Archaeological Park, Mukawir (Machaerus).
- Where should I stay in Madaba?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Madaba: Madaba Town Centre.
- How do I get around Madaba?
- Ways to get around Madaba covered in our guide: Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Madaba?
- The nearest airport to Madaba has the code AMM.