Ancient town destroyed by earthquake
Jerash (Gerasa) founded by Alexander the Macedonian had long been one of the most important towns in the Middle East. Unfortunately, like most towns in this area, the vast majority was destroyed by strong earthquake in 749. It was then forgotten and the world rediscovered it in 1806. It is now largely restored again, so you can admire here beautiful Roman buildings. The extensive site is surrounded by modern town with five thousand inhabitants, so there is no problem with bus transport between Amman and Jerash. Together with the rock town of Petra and Wadi Rum belongs to three most interesting places in Jordan, which should not be missed!
Impressive Hadrian's Arch
After you go through the building with sale of tickets, souvenirs, etc., you get to the southern entrance to this vast area. Right at the beginning you will be welcomed by impressive triumphal arch of the Emperor Hadrian built in honor of his visit here.
At the Forum
From Hadrian's triumphal arch you will walk half a kilometer along Hippodromme (The circus), where chariot races held in its heyday, which were watched by around fifteen thousand spectators. After passing through the South Gate you get to the local oval Forum surrounded by dozens of columns. There are several tour options around the site from here. Directly above you is nice little Temple of Zeus and the South Theatre, the ideal starting points of the circuit.
The Temple of Zeus
Temple of Zeus is nice in itself, but also serves as the best outlook point throughout the rest of this ancient town. So you may climb here not only in the beginning, but also at the end of the tour.
Forum
The most famous „postcard“ view of Jerash is of the Forum surrounded by a row of columns and of the main street Cardo Maximus (see the introductory slide of the photoreport). When you climb even higher to the Temple of Zeus, the view on modern town situated on the slopes of the surrounding hills opens.
Cardo Maximus
From this outlook point is also a nice view of the main street of this ancient town – Cardo Maximus surrounded by colonnades and other small temples. In addition, there are still the original tiles.
The South Theatre
Right next to the Temple of Zeus is The South Theatre, which used to accommodate up to five thousand spectators. From the theater leads an alternative way to Cardo Maximus, so you can also do a nice circuit here.
View of the Temple of Artemis
From the upper path is a nice view of the Temple of Artemis, where your next steps will lead. The hills on the horizon are slightly over a thousand meters above sea level and there are the last remnants of forests in Jordan.
The Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis is situated high above the main path Cardo Maximus, from where you have to climb a few dozen steps. However, if you come here from the upper way, you will be saved of that ascent.
The North Theatre
There used to be two theaters in this ancient town. This North Theater is far more restored, but the smaller South has a little more charm.
The North Gate
The northern end of monuments is ended by the North Gate. Here you will have to turn around and go back. If you have walked the upper path, enjoy well-preserved colonnade Cardo Maximus during the return.
Former fountain
There is a forner fountain at Cardo Maximus.
Colonnade
You will get to know the true meaning of the word colonnade at Cardo Maximus.
Nymphaneum
The most beautiful monument in the main street is monumental Nymphaneum – the main fountain of the whole town.
Cardo Maximus
Like during all tours around similar impressive ruins you will definitely say that you would like to see it here at its heyday.
Articles nearby
Article: Classic circuit around Jordan
Typical trip to Jordan covering all the interesting places leads through the country from north to south or vice versa. You'll… continue reading
Giga List: The most beautiful trips in Jordan
In Jordan you can take a lot of really beautiful and diverse trips. There are interesting deserts with orange sand, ancient rock… continue reading