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Jarash

Jarash, Jarash, Jordan

Located in the north of Jordan, Jarash is an ancient city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Known as the "Pompeii of the East," Jarash offers a captivating blend of well-preserved ruins, impressive architec…

#Historical site#Roman ruins#Archaeological site#Jordanian tourism#Ancient city

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Jarash.

Top Hotels in Jarash

Top Flights to Jarash

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Jarash.

Tours

Explore the Ruins of Jerash

Discover the ancient Roman city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Marvel at its colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and plazas.

Shopping

Shopping at Jerash Souq

Experience the vibrant local market of Jerash, where you can buy traditional crafts, foods, and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Hiking in Dibbeen Forest Reserve

Enjoy a hike through Dibbeen Forest Reserve, a protected area that offers a variety of trails through pine and oak forests.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Jarash.

Currency

JD | JOD | Jordanian Dinar

Population

Information not available.

Languages

Arabic, English

Average weather

Jarash

Jan

13°4°

Feb

14°4°

Mar

17°6°

Apr

22°9°

May

26°13°

Jun

30°17°

Jul

32°19°

Aug

32°19°

Sep

30°17°

Oct

26°14°

Nov

20°10°

Dec

15°6°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Jarash.

What people love

Jarash, located in Jordan, is home to the ancient Roman city of Jerash, which is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Here are some pros of traveling to Jarash:

Rich history: Jerash is a treasure trove of history, with well-preserved Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century AD. Visitors can explore the ancient city and marvel at structures such as the Temple of Artemis, the Oval Plaza, and the impressive Hadrian's Arch.
Architectural marvels: The Roman architecture in Jerash is truly stunning, with grand colonnaded streets, towering arches, and intricate mosaics. Travelers with an interest in architecture will be fascinated by the detailed craftsmanship on display throughout the archaeological site.
Cultural experience: Visiting Jerash offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Jordanian culture and history. You can learn about the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region and gain insight into the daily life of the people who lived in Jerash thousands of years ago.
Spectacular views: Jerash is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and olive groves. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from vantage points within the archaeological site.
Accessibility: Jerash is easily accessible from the capital city of Amman, making it a convenient day trip for travelers staying in Jordan. The site is also well-maintained and visitor-friendly, with amenities such as restrooms, cafes, and guided tours available.

Overall, traveling to Jerash in Jordan offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating history and culture of the ancient Roman world.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Jarash in Jordan could include:

Weather: Jarash can experience hot summers and cold winters, so it is important to pack appropriately for the season you are visiting in.
Tourist crowds: Jarash is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons, so you may encounter large crowds at popular sites and attractions.
Language barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, you may encounter some language barriers when communicating with locals in more remote areas or off the beaten path.
Transportation: Getting around Jarash and the surrounding areas may require some planning as public transportation options can be limited, and taxis or private drivers may be necessary for certain excursions.
Cultural differences: It's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions while visiting Jarash, which may be different from what you are accustomed to.

Overall, Jarash is a beautiful and historically significant destination, but like any travel experience, there may be some challenges to consider.

Jarash, also spelled Jerash, is a city in northern Jordan known for its well-preserved Greco-Roman architecture and rich historical heritage. It is located at Jarash, Jarash, Jordan.

Ancient History

Neolithic and Bronze Age: Evidence suggests that the area around Jarash has been settled since the Neolithic period, with the Bronze Age seeing a more established settlement.
Hellenistic Period: The city was founded as Gerasa during the Hellenistic period, likely during the reign of Alexander the Great or shortly thereafter. It became part of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities with a strong Greek cultural influence, following the Roman conquest.

Roman Period

Roman Province: Jarash flourished under Roman rule after Pompey annexed the region in 63 BCE. It became a prominent city within the Roman province of Arabia Petraea.
Urban Development: During the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, the city experienced significant urban development, including the construction of temples, theaters, baths, and other public structures.
Hadrian's Visit: Emperor Hadrian visited Jarash in 129-130 CE, and the city's Arch of Hadrian was built to commemorate this event.
Earthquake of 749 CE: The city suffered extensive damage from the earthquake that struck the region, leading to its decline.

Byzantine and Early Islamic Periods

Byzantine Era: As Christianity spread, Jarash became an important center with several churches built during the Byzantine period. The city continued to thrive, adapting its infrastructure to accommodate the Christian community.
Islamic Conquest: Jarash came under Muslim control in the 7th century, but the gradual decline continued, exacerbated by the earthquake in 749 CE.

Modern Era

Rediscovery and Excavation: The ruins of Jarash were rediscovered in the 19th century, with significant archaeological excavations beginning in the 20th century, revealing much of its Roman architecture.
Tourism: Today, Jarash is a major tourist attraction in Jordan, known for its well-preserved ancient ruins, including the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, the South Theater, and the Temple of Artemis.

Significant Landmarks

Oval Plaza: A unique, large public square surrounded by 1st-century Ionic columns.
Cardo Maximus: The main street of the city, lined with columns and flanked by shops.
South Theater: A well-preserved Roman theater that could seat over 3,000 spectators.
Temple of Artemis: Dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, this temple is one of the city's most impressive ruins.
Arch of Hadrian: Built to honor Emperor Hadrian's visit, this arch marks the ancient city's southern entrance.
Nymphaeum: A monumental public fountain that served as a water source and gathering place.

Jarash remains a testament to the blend of cultures and the historical significance of the region throughout antiquity. Its ruins offer insight into the urban planning and architectural prowess of the ancient civilizations that once thrived there.