🏛️
Hadrian's Arch
The monumental triple gateway built to honour Emperor Hadrian's visit in AD 129-130. It marks the grand southern approach to the city and is the first sight that greets visitors.
Jerash: Jordan's Roman City
Walk the colonnaded streets of ancient Gerasa, one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities
The Ancient City of Gerasa
Jerash, ancient Gerasa, is often called the “Pompeii of the East” — and with good reason. Around 50 minutes north of Amman, this remarkably complete Roman provincial city preserves colonnaded streets, plazas, temples, theatres, and baths in a state that few sites anywhere in the Mediterranean world can match.
Gerasa flourished as a member of the Decapolis, a league of ten Graeco-Roman cities on the eastern frontier of the empire. Trade, agriculture, and imperial favour — Emperor Hadrian himself wintered here in AD 129-130 — funded an extraordinary building programme whose results still dominate the modern town today.
The classic visit begins at Hadrian’s Arch and the Hippodrome before entering the walled city at the South Gate. From there the vast Oval Plaza opens onto the Cardo Maximus, the 800-metre colonnaded spine of the city, lined with the Nymphaeum, market buildings, and stairways climbing to the Temple of Artemis. Every summer the ruins also host the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, when performances fill the ancient theatres.
Entry to Jerash is included in the Jordan Pass, making it an easy addition to any itinerary that already covers Petra and Wadi Rum. Without the pass, the entry fee is a moderate charge of several JOD — confirm current prices and opening hours locally, as they change seasonally.
Founded
Hellenistic era
Golden Age
2nd century AD
From Amman
~50 min
Jordan Pass
Included
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Open daily from morning to late afternoon
Hours vary by season — confirm locally
Entry Fees
Included in the Jordan Pass
Otherwise several JOD — confirm locally
Getting There
~50 min north of Amman by car
Buses run from Amman’s north station
Must-See Attractions
⭕
The Oval Plaza
A sweeping, colonnaded forum unlike anything else in the Roman world. Its unusual oval shape, ringed by 56 Ionic columns, elegantly links the South Gate to the Cardo Maximus.
🛣️
Cardo Maximus
The 800-metre colonnaded main street, still paved with its original stones rutted by chariot wheels. Shops, fountains, and grand stairways line its full length.
🎭
South Theatre
A beautifully restored 1st-century theatre seating around 3,000 spectators. The acoustics remain superb, and resident bagpipers often demonstrate them for visitors.
⛩️
Temple of Artemis
The sanctuary of the city's patron goddess, reached by a dramatic staircase. Its towering Corinthian columns are among the finest surviving in the Middle East.
🐎
The Hippodrome
The restored Roman circus near Hadrian's Arch, once hosting chariot races before crowds of thousands. Occasional re-enactment events bring the arena to life.
How to Visit Jerash
Getting There
- 🚗By Car: A straightforward 50-minute drive north of Amman on the Jerash highway. Parking is available near the visitor centre.
- 🚌By Bus: Minibuses and service taxis leave regularly from Amman’s northern bus stations; allow around an hour each way.
- 🧭By Tour: Half-day and full-day tours from Amman often pair Jerash with Ajloun Castle or Umm Qais for a rewarding northern loop.
Best Time to Visit
- 🌸March-May: Wildflowers among the ruins and mild walking weather — the finest season in the green north of Jordan.
- 🍂September-November: Warm, settled days and thinner crowds after the summer holidays.
- 🎶July: Hot afternoons, but the Jerash Festival stages evening performances among the floodlit ruins.
Pro Tips for Jerash
- ✓ Start at Hadrian’s Arch and walk north — the classic route saves the Temple of Artemis for a finale
- ✓ Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures
- ✓ There is little shade on site — bring a hat, sunscreen, and water
- ✓ Wear sturdy shoes; the original Roman paving is uneven and polished smooth in places
- ✓ Climb the South Theatre’s upper tiers for the best view over the Oval Plaza
- ✓ Combine Jerash with Ajloun Castle, 30 minutes away in the wooded hills
- ✓ Buy the Jordan Pass before arriving in Jordan — Jerash entry is included
Jerash Frequently Asked Questions
Jerash is the site of ancient Gerasa, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities anywhere in the world. It is famous for its colonnaded streets, the unusual Oval Plaza, Hadrian's Arch, two large theatres, and the temples of Artemis and Zeus. Many visitors consider it Jordan's most impressive site after Petra.
Combine with Other Destinations
Get Jerash Travel Tips
Day-trip routes from Amman, festival dates, and northern Jordan highlights in your inbox.