Jerash

Description

Y’know, every time I think about Jerash, I can’t help but get excited about sharing this incredible piece of history with fellow travelers. Walking through these ancient Roman ruins feels like stepping into a time machine – and I mean that in the most jaw-dropping way possible.

The city stretches out before you with its impossibly well-preserved ruins, and let me tell you, pictures just don’t do it justice. Having explored quite a few Roman sites across the Mediterranean, I can honestly say Jerash stands out as one of the most impressive. The stone-paved streets still bear the marks of ancient chariot wheels (how cool is that?), and the towering columns seem to touch the bright Jordanian sky.

The ancient city of Gerasa isn’t just another archaeological site – it’s practically an entire Roman city frozen in time. And the best part? Unlike some other famous ruins where you can barely get close to anything, here you can actually walk through the ancient streets, touch the weathered stones, and really feel the history beneath your feet.

Key Features

• The mighty Hadrian’s Arch, built to welcome Emperor Hadrian himself (talk about making an entrance!)
• The spectacular Hippodrome where ancient chariot races and gladiatorial shows once thrilled crowds
• The stunning Forum with its unusual oval shape and surrounding columns
• The Temple of Artemis with its remaining Corinthian columns that still catch the golden hour light perfectly
• The remarkably preserved South Theater where you can test the amazing acoustics
• Two large bathhouses that show off the sophisticated Roman engineering
• The long colonnaded street (cardo) with original stone paving
• Byzantine churches with incredibly detailed mosaic floors
• The unique Nymphaeum fountain, which still looks grand after all these centuries

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) are absolutely perfect for exploring Jerash. The weather’s just right – not too hot, not too cold, and you can actually enjoy walking around without feeling like you’re melting. Summer can be pretty intense with temperatures soaring, and while winter isn’t terrible, you might catch some rain that can make the stones slippery.

I once visited in July (rookie mistake!) and spent more time looking for shade than actually appreciating the ruins. But when I returned in April? Pure magic. The wildflowers were blooming between the ancient stones, and the temperature was perfect for climbing up to all the viewpoints.

How to Get There

Getting to Jerash is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Amman. You’ve got several options, and I’ve tried them all. Public buses run regularly from Amman’s North bus station – they’re cheap but can be a bit confusing if you’re not used to local transport. Honestly? I’d recommend either hiring a driver (way more comfortable) or joining a guided tour if you’re short on time.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to rent a car, the drive takes about 45 minutes from Amman on well-maintained roads. Just keep an eye out for the signs – they’re in both Arabic and English, but sometimes they sneak up on you pretty quick!

Tips for Visiting

Listen, I learned some of these the hard way, so let me save you some trouble. First off, wear comfortable shoes – and I mean really comfortable. Those Roman streets are beautiful but they’re uneven and you’ll be doing lots of walking. I made the mistake of wearing flimsy sandals my first time, and my feet were not happy about it.

Start your visit early in the morning – not just to avoid the heat, but also to catch that gorgeous morning light for photos. The stones have this amazing golden glow about them when the sun’s just coming up. Plus, you’ll beat most of the tour groups that typically arrive mid-morning.

Bring water – lots of it. There are shops near the entrance, but once you’re inside the archaeological site, options are limited. Pack a hat and sunscreen too – those Roman architects weren’t big on providing shade.

Oh, and here’s something most guides won’t tell you – the site is way bigger than it looks at first glance. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore properly. I’ve seen people try to rush through in an hour and miss some of the most incredible spots, like the hidden mosaics in the church complexes.

Don’t skip the museum – it’s small but helps put everything you’re seeing into context. And if you can, time your visit to catch one of the performances at the hippodrome. Local Jordanian men dress up as Roman soldiers and put on a pretty impressive show with sword fighting and chariot demonstrations.

One last thing – carry cash for the entrance fee. Sometimes the card machines can be a bit temperamental, and you don’t want that to be the reason you miss out on this incredible piece of history. Trust me, Jerash is one of those places that’ll stick with you long after you’ve left Jordan behind.

Location

Places to Stay Near Jerash

Find Tours in Jerash

Explore More Travel Guides