Jerash: our guide to this amazing ancient city!

It might not make the top of your Jordan bucket list, but Jerash is one of the most intriguing places to go in Jordan. It might also surprise you to know that each year thousands of tourists journey from around the globe to see the architecture and masterpieces of the Roman ruins of Jerash (the modern city of Jerash is probably not going to do it for many of you…).

However, with the ruins of Jerash being so vast it can leave you feeling a little daunted, especially if you’re on a bit of a tight schedule. That’s why we’ve written up a quick guide on what to see and do in Jerash, to help you fully discover and appreciate the city and be left in awe of its magnificence and true beauty!

When to visit Jerash

During the summer months, Jerash gets a whole lot busier and packed full of tourists, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe make sure that you choose dates wisely if you want to avoid the masses! Be aware that if there are lots of tourists you could face long waiting times and crowded areas, which makes the trip less enjoyable, especially in the hot weather.

We were last in Jerash in April and the weather was magnificent; this is, in my opinion, the best time to visit Jordan. It’s warm and very definitely t-shirt weather, often a little cloudy in the north of Jordan, while never reaching the extreme highs of the summer.

With this in mind, do check the opening/closing times for the site, which changes depending on the time of year (the site opens at 8:00 AM all year long, but closes at 3:30 PM during Ramadan, 4:00 PM from November to April, 5:30 PM during April and May, and 6:30 PM during the summer months).

How to get to Jerash

You can access Jerash very easily from Amman by taking a bus or a taxi. As always, take precaution if you decide on getting a taxi. Taking the bus is the cheaper alternative and you can get it from Tabarbour bus station all the way to the ruins.

Another option of seeing Jerash is by taking a tour that encompasses the main sites of Jordan, as do many of the tours that hop over the border from Israel. It’s quick and easy, if that’s what you’re looking for!

What to see in Jerash

You can walk around the old Roman park during one afternoon and observe all of the fascinating architecture. However, the ruins are spread out over a considerable amount of land and the signs aren’t very clear for navigating the way – but you can always purchase a map, or load the local maps on Google before you go onto your phone!

To make sure you don’t miss out on some of the most iconic ruins, we’ve listed a few below, which in our opinion are the ones you absolutely must see.

Hadrian’s Arch

Jerash JordanThis magnificent gateway to Jerash is located in the south side; it towers 11 meters high but it was originally taller when built in AD 129. Initially it was built to celebrate Roman Emperor Hadrian visiting.

The Arch is notably one of the most thought-provoking Roman monuments which gives us insight into the history of the country. The carvings are perfect to look at and the arch makes a great impression as it’s the first thing you see when walking around the park. It’s an interesting way of understanding the beliefs of the architects who built it thousands of years ago.

The Temple of Zeus

The Temple (or what’s left of it) is a captivating sight. Although authentically preserved, lots of the building has been destroyed due to natural disasters and erosion so you’ll have to use your imagination to understand how compelling the temple truly was. The ancient remains are stunning and whilst there you have an incredible view over Jerash where you can relax alongside other travelers and take it all in!

The South Theater

The South Theatre is a must see amphitheater. These days, shows and music concerts are held here so it still remains a venue 2000 years later. Jerash festival of culture and arts is held here annually showcasing music, theater and crafts so if you are there towards the end of July it’s worth attending to see yet another side to the incredible Jordanian culture.

The Oval Plaza

Now this place feels like a shift into the past…although mentally fabricating images of what people were doing here in the past is a very different concept compared to what the reality has left us with today. It’s extremely well preserved and the classic columns that surround you take your breath away; you can also feel the columns and wonder how they used to get them so smooth without using any machinery!

The Hippodrome

This majestic site was used for performances such as horse racing and sports. Today it is used to replicate what it was like back in the day with actors dressed as gladiators putting on shows for paying tourists… although maybe it’s not exactly what it was like back in the day as I imagine lots of blood sweat and tears were shed here! The Hippodrome has been worked on for several years to try and restore it so the credible days of what it was really like here may be numbered.

Jerash Archaeological Museum

At the end of your visit venture into the Jerash Archaeological Museum and take a piece of history home with you! Inside the museum, you can further expand your knowledge about what life was like here thousands of years ago, see ancient artifacts and buy replica coins.

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As a whole, the old ruins are very well preserved. There is a market outside where locals sell all sorts of souvenirs for you to take back with you. There is no fixed price to what they are selling so be respectful but barter with them if you want something for a slightly lower price!

If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Jerash, click HERE to check out some excellent options!