During this golden age, builders adorned Jerash Jordan with grand architectural works including the impressive Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, the South and North Theatres, and a complex system of colonnaded streets and sophisticated water fountains.
Introduction to Jerash Jordan
Jerash Jordan, once known as Gerasa, is a city in northern Jordan famed for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman ruins and contemporary culture.
Once ruled by the Romans as part of the Decapolis League, Jerash today captivates visitors with its majestic plazas, temples, and fountains—remnants of a city that stood at the heart of the Roman Empire.
Jerash’s history spans thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. The city gained prominence under the Romans after its conquest by General Pompey in 64 BC. As part of the Decapolis—a league of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire—Gerasa flourished from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD, becoming a wealthy and influential urban center.
Following the Roman period, Jerash experienced Byzantine influence, with the construction of churches and continued urban activity. However, a devastating earthquake in the 8th century, along with the gradual decline during the early Islamic period, led to the city’s eventual abandonment.
Located just 30 kilometers north of Amman, Jordan’s capital, Jerash offers convenient access for travelers exploring the country. Nestled against the rugged Gilead Mountains, the city is well connected by bus and taxi to both Amman and the historic city of Petra.
In this knowledgeable article, we’ll cover the following:
- How to Get to Jerash Visitor Center: Your Travel Options Explained
- Jerash City Jordan: Best Time to Visit, Tickets & Opening Times
- Exploring the Highlights of Jerash Gerasa
- Jerash Archaeological Museum: Jerash Jordan Antiquities Treasure
- Frequently Asked Questions About Jerash Jordan
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How to Get to Jerash Visitor Center: Your Travel Options Explained
Visitors to Jerash Jordan generally fall into two groups to reach Jerash visitor center : those taking a day trip from Amman, Jordan’s capital, and those including Jerash on a longer road trip itinerary. Your travel method will depend on which group you belong to.
By Rental Car / Road Trip
Driving your own vehicle is the easiest way to reach Jerash Jordan, especially if you are on a road trip. There is ample free parking available in the main car park and the nearby overflow lot. Avoid parking in the private staff area beside the highway, even if Google Maps suggests it. Renting a car is recommended mainly for those combining Jerash with other destinations; if you are based only in Amman, taxis or tours are better options.
By Taxi
Hiring a private taxi is convenient and taxis can wait for you while you explore. Prices vary depending on your negotiation skills but typically won’t go below 40 Jordanian Dinars (JD) for a round trip. Remember, good haggling benefits both sides.
By Public Transport
Public transport between Amman and Jerash is a budget-friendly option, with frequent buses leaving from the Tabarbour bus terminal in northern Amman. The journey takes about 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic and costs just 1 JD per person.
These local buses do not follow fixed schedules and depart only when they are full, so it’s best to arrive early if you’re planning a day trip. The bus stops are just a short walk from the Jerash ruins.
The Simsem App will ensure the most efficient and accurate route to the Jerash Visitors Center.
Jerash City Jordan: Best Time to Visit, Tickets & Opening Times
Jerash City Jordan, is known for its cooler climate compared to other parts of the country. In January, temperatures can drop to as low as 5°C. From November to March, which is the peak tourism season, expect grey skies and quite a bit of rain. During this time, Jerash Jordan may feel a bit bleak and require plenty of warm layers, even when the rest of Jordan enjoys pleasant daytime warmth.
Technically, the best time to visit Jerash Jordan is during Jordan’s summer months, unlike Petra or Wadi Rum. When we visited in May, the weather was perfect with clear skies and temperatures around 25°C.
Jerash Tickets & Opening Times
- November to March: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- April & May: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- June to October: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- During Ramadan: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry to Jerash ruins is included with the Jordan Pass, and staff will check it at the entrance gate. If you don’t have a Jordan Pass, tickets can be purchased on arrival for 12 JD per person. This ticket also grants access to the nearby archaeological museum.
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Exploring the Highlights of Jerash Gerasa
As you explore Jerash Gerasa, one of Jordan’s best-preserved ancient cities, you will encounter several remarkable historic sites that bring this Roman city to life.
The Hippodrome
Located near the South Gate, the huge hippodrome is an ancient sports field built between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, designed to hold up to 15,000 spectators. Excited visitors sometimes miss it on their first entry through the arch, but it’s definitely worth a visit either at the start or on your way back through the site.
The Oval Forum
Just beyond the South Gate lies the Oval Forum—Jerash’s most celebrated site. This uniquely oval-shaped plaza is the only one of its kind in any Classical-era city.
Remarkably well-preserved, the site features re-erected original eight-metre columns, and its paving stones are the same ones originally laid by the Romans.
The South Theatre
Built around 90 AD, the South Theatre is an impressive two-storey structure seating over 3,000 spectators. Renowned for its acoustics, it allows a speaker in the center of the orchestra floor to be heard clearly throughout the theatre without shouting. During busier times, you may see performers such as bagpipers inside—feel free to take photos but consider a small donation (around 1 JD).
Cardo Maximus
Known as the ‘Colonnaded Street of Jerash’, Cardo Maximus is a straight, paved Roman road stretching 800 meters from the Oval Forum to the North Gate. Flanked by ancient columns and paved with original stones, walking this historic street leads you through the heart of the city—and fewer visitors the farther you go.
The Cathedral Complex
Reflecting Jerash’s transition from Roman polytheism to Christianity during the Byzantine period, builders constructed the Cathedral Complex in the first half of the 5th century atop the former Roman Temple of Dionysus. It was the city’s first church. Nearby, you can also visit the Churches of St. George, St. John the Baptist, and SS Cosmas & Damian, all dating from AD 529–533.
Nymphaeum
Following the Cardo Maximus, the Nymphaeum is a large, beautifully preserved public fountain from the late 2nd century. It features marble construction, sculpted Corinthian columns, and seven lion’s heads carved to cascade water into a pink granite basin below.
The North Theatre
Though smaller than the South Theatre, the North Theatre seats 1,500 and likely hosted council meetings rather than performances. An earthquake destroyed it in 749 AD, but restoration teams meticulously rebuilt it in the 1990s. Visitors can climb to the top tier for stunning views of Jerash and even step onto the stage to experience its history firsthand.
For a Unique Experience
For a memorable and immersive experience beyond the ruins, take a trip with Simsem to Bait Al Jarashi. This captivating bee farm sits nestled in Jordan’s stunning countryside, just 6.5 km from the Jerash ruins, offering visitors a peaceful escape and a unique glimpse into traditional beekeeping.
The full-day experience blends nature, culture, and hands-on learning for an unforgettable adventure.
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Jerash Archaeological Museum: Jerash Jordan Antiquities Treasure
The Jerash Archaeological Museum, originally established in 1923 inside one of the vaults of the Artemis Temple courtyard, moved in 1985 to the renovated old rest house. It held its first special exhibition there under the title “Jordan Through the Ages.” The museum now exclusively showcases discoveries from the Jerash region, displaying artifacts that span from the Neolithic period to the Mamluk era. The curators arranged the exhibits chronologically with clear typological and functional divisions.
The museum’s extensive collections include pottery, glass, metals, coins, precious stones, figurines, statues, stone and marble altars, and mosaics. In the museum garden, visitors can see Greek and Latin monumental inscriptions alongside marble statues and stone sarcophagi.
While the Jerash Archaeological Museum may be smaller in size than some museums in Amman, its rich and focused collection of artifacts from the Jerash region makes it equally impressive and well worth a visit.
Tips for Visiting the Jerash Ruins
- If visiting on a Friday, aim to arrive early as the site becomes extremely crowded and parking limited by late morning.
- As a protected archaeological site, it is crucial not to remove any stones or artifacts from Jerash as souvenirs.
- Waste disposal options are limited within Jerash, Jordan, so please carry your litter with you until you find a suitable place to dispose of it properly.
- The time you spend in Jerash Jordan depends on your interest in archaeological ruins. Independent visitors should plan for about three to four hours to explore the main highlights thoroughly. On guided tours, arrival and departure times may be fixed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jerash Jordan
- How much time should I spend exploring Jerash? Most visitors spend about 3 to 4 hours exploring the main ruins and museum. If you’re very interested in archaeology, you might want to allow more time.
- Can I visit Jerash during Ramadan, and are there any special considerations? Yes, Jerash remains open to visitors during Ramadan, but opening hours are usually adjusted, typically running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some facilities and restaurants may have limited hours, and the site may be quieter during the daytime as locals fast. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, avoid eating or drinking in public during fasting hours, and plan accordingly.
- Is there an entrance fee to visit Jerash? Yes. Tickets cost 12 Jordanian Dinars (JD) per person if purchased at the entrance. Entry is also included with the Jordan Pass.
- Is Jerash suitable for children and families? Yes, Jerash is family-friendly with spacious open areas to explore. Children often enjoy walking through the ruins and learning about Roman history.
- Does the entrance ticket to Jerash include access to the Archaeological Museum? Yes, the entrance ticket to Jerash (12 JD if purchased separately) also grants access to the Jerash Archaeological Museum. Additionally, the Jordan Pass covers entry to both the ruins and the museum.
Wherever you’re coming from, let Simsem app help you explore the beauty of Jerash.
