Jerash (Gerasa)
A Roman city of gates, colonnaded streets, theatres and temples, later full of churches
Main periodsRoman to Umayyad
Main streetAbout 800 m
LocationJerash, N of Amman
Monuments34 to explore
Introduction
A city you can still read on the ground: gates, streets, temples, theatres, churches and shops.
Jerash, ancient Gerasa, lies beside the modern town of Jerash in the hills north of Amman. Its ruins are among the most complete of any Roman city in the Middle East. You enter through Hadrian’s Arch and the South Gate, cross the oval square below the Temple of Zeus and walk the colonnaded Cardo, about 800 m long, to the North Gate.
The city kept changing for more than seven centuries. Roman Gerasa built temples, theatres, baths and fountains. Byzantine Gerasa filled with churches and mosaics, and Umayyad Jerash added a mosque and houses beside the old streets, until the earthquake of 749. Allow at least three hours for the main route, and a full day for the museum and the quieter monuments.
Best timeMar–May · Oct–Nov
Time needed3–5 hr
Ticket10 JOD · Jordan Pass
From Amman50 kmAbout 1 hr
Combine withAjloun Castle · 35 min
Google rating4.6 · Reviews
Highlights · A Roman city
Eight things not to miss in Jerash
Gates, streets, theatres, temples and a monumental fountain
Jerash is big. If your time is short, these are the monuments that make the visit. Pick one to see where it is on the route.
01 / 0801 · Gates & streets
Hadrian’s Arch
South entrance
A triple-arched gateway raised in AD 129–130 for the visit of Emperor Hadrian. About 21 m high, it is still the grand opening of the city.
Look closely
The acanthus leaves carved at the base of the columns.
1 of 8
Stop by stop
What to see
Nine stops along the route from the south entrance to the North Gate. Tap a number on the map to read about a single monument, or pick a stop below to see what to look for.
1Hadrian’s Arch2Hippodrome3Church of Marianos4South Gate & City Wall5West Souk & Military Barracks6East Souk & South Street7Sanctuary of Zeus8South Theatre9Oval Plaza10Cardo Maximus11Macellum12Shops of the South Cardo13Umayyad Mosque & Houses14South Tetrapylon & Decumanus15Church of Saints Peter and Paul16Mortuary Church (Funeral Chapel)17Great East Baths & South Bridge18The Cathedral19Church of St Theodore20Baths of Placcus21Nymphaeum22Church of the Propylaea23Hydraulic Stone Saw Machine24Sanctuary of Artemis25The Three Churches Complex26Church of Bishop Genesius27Synagogue-Church28Church of Bishop Isaiah29North Theatre30Civic Complex31North Tetrapylon & Decumanus32West Baths33North Gate & Upper Cardo34Visitor Centre, Sanctuary of Zeus Exhibition and Archaeological MuseumAll 34 monuments on the map
- 1Hadrian’s Arch
- 2Hippodrome
- 3Church of Marianos
- 4South Gate & City Wall
- 5West Souk & Military Barracks
- 6East Souk & South Street
- 7Sanctuary of Zeus
- 8South Theatre
- 9Oval Plaza
- 10Cardo Maximus
- 11Macellum
- 12Shops of the South Cardo
- 13Umayyad Mosque & Houses
- 14South Tetrapylon & Decumanus
- 15Church of Saints Peter and Paul
- 16Mortuary Church (Funeral Chapel)
- 17Great East Baths & South Bridge
- 18The Cathedral
- 19Church of St Theodore
- 20Baths of Placcus
- 21Nymphaeum
- 22Church of the Propylaea
- 23Hydraulic Stone Saw Machine
- 24Sanctuary of Artemis
- 25The Three Churches Complex
- 26Church of Bishop Genesius
- 27Synagogue-Church
- 28Church of Bishop Isaiah
- 29North Theatre
- 30Civic Complex
- 31North Tetrapylon & Decumanus
- 32West Baths
- 33North Gate & Upper Cardo
- 34Visitor Centre, Sanctuary of Zeus Exhibition and Archaeological Museum
1 / 901 · Hadrian’s Arch to the South Gate
Enter by Hadrian’s Arch
The visit begins outside the old city. Hadrian’s Arch was raised in AD 129–130 to welcome the emperor, and beside it lies the Hippodrome, a chariot-racing arena for some 15,000 spectators. The small Church of Marianos, completed in AD 570, keeps its geometric mosaic floor.
The Visitor Centre stands between the arch and the South Gate, built around AD 129–130 and later joined to the city wall. Just inside are the remains of two roadside markets: the East Souk of about AD 110 and the West Souk, later levelled for a small barracks.
AD 129–130Triumphal archChariot arenaCity gate
Look for
- The acanthus carvings at the base of the arch’s columns
- The ten arched starting gates of the Hippodrome
- The mosaic floor of the Church of Marianos
- The olive-oil press cut into the rock of the West Souk
Read the full story
Dig deeperOlder than the gate
Hadrian’s Arch stood outside the city when it was built; the later city wall never reached it.
The foundations of the southernmost shop of the East Souk lie under the South Gate, proof that the market is older than the gate.
1 / 902 · The square, Zeus and the theatre
Cross the Oval Plaza
Through the South Gate the road opens into the Oval Plaza, a paved square about 90 × 80 m framed by Ionic columns. Its curve was a clever solution: it hides the misalignment between the Cardo and the approach to the Sanctuary of Zeus.
Above the square, the Temple of Zeus was built in AD 162–163 on a high podium, and behind it the South Theatre, Gerasa’s largest, held more than 3,000 spectators. Both give the best views over the city.
Ionic colonnadeAD 162–163 temple3,000+ seatsViews
Look for
- How the colonnade curves round the square
- The Corinthian columns of the Temple of Zeus
- The two tiers of seats in the South Theatre
- The acoustics: clap in the centre of the orchestra
Read the full story
1 / 903 · The main street
Walk the Cardo Maximus
The Cardo Maximus, the colonnaded main street, runs about 800 m from the Oval Plaza to the North Gate. Its paving is still grooved by cart wheels, and drain covers lead to the channels below.
In the southern stretch stand the Macellum, the Roman food market with its octagonal court, and eight Roman shopfronts beside it. At the South Tetrapylon crossroads, the Umayyad Mosque and courtyard houses show Jerash as a living early Islamic town.
About 800 mWheel rutsRoman marketUmayyad mosque
Look for
- Wheel ruts and drain covers in the paving
- The butcher’s table carved with animal heads in the Macellum
- The four corner podiums of the South Tetrapylon
- The mihrabs in the prayer hall of the Umayyad Mosque
Read the full story
Dig deeperSix centuries of shopping
From the Byzantine period, new shops spread into the porticoes and pavements in front of the old Roman façades. A marble slab in Arabic script, probably Abbasid, lists sums owed to a shopkeeper by his customers.
1 / 604 · West and east of the crossroads
Take the side streets
From the South Tetrapylon, the South Decumanus crossed the city from west to east. To the west, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul has three apses and a stepped clergy bench, and the small Mortuary Church has an arched opening into a rock-cut cave, probably a burial place.
To the east, the street crossed the river by the three-arched South Bridge to the Great East Baths, one of the largest bath complexes of Jerash. Both lie outside the Jerash Archaeological Park, in the modern town, and are not fenced.
Byzantine churchesBurial caveRoman bathsSouth Bridge
Look for
- The three apses of Saints Peter and Paul
- The arch into the burial cave in the Mortuary Church
- The vaulted halls of the Great East Baths
Read the full story
1 / 905 · Churches and a fountain
Climb to the Cathedral
A colonnaded stairway rises from the Cardo to the Cathedral, one of Jerash’s earliest churches, built over a Roman temple. Behind its Fountain Court stands the Church of St Theodore, built by Bishop Aeneas in AD 494–496, and next to it the Baths of Placcus, framed with columns taken from the Temple of Zeus.
Back on the Cardo, the Nymphaeum is the city’s grand public fountain, dedicated in AD 190/191, with lion-head spouts above a deep basin.
AD 494–496Fountain CourtAD 190/191 fountainReused stone
Look for
- The monumental stairway from the Cardo
- The fountain in the court between the two churches
- The lion-head spouts of the Nymphaeum
- Roman stones reused in the Byzantine buildings
Read the full story
1 / 806 · The patron goddess
Climb to the Temple of Artemis
The Sanctuary of Artemis was Gerasa’s greatest. Its gateway on the Cardo, the Propylaeum, was dedicated in AD 150, and stairs and terraces lead up to a vast court with the temple on a high podium. Only 12 of its 32 planned columns were ever raised.
Opposite the gateway, a Roman colonnaded street was turned into the Church of the Propylaea by AD 565. Inside the sanctuary, a water-powered stone saw of about AD 550 has a full-size working replica.
AD 150Corinthian templeStone sawWorking replica
Look for
- The Propylaeum gateway on the Cardo
- The tall columns of the temple front
- The wheel and saw frames of the replica saw
- Saw marks on the limestone drums
Read the full story
Dig deeperA Roman street that became a church
In the Church of the Propylaea, the street’s two Corinthian colonnades were kept to carry the roof of the new basilica, and its triple gate was filled in to form the apse.
1 / 907 · Mosaics behind Artemis
Find the mosaic churches
West of the Temple of Artemis lies a quieter quarter of churches. Three were built side by side in AD 529–533 around one forecourt: St George, St John the Baptist and Saints Cosmas and Damianus. The Church of Bishop Genesius, of AD 611, is the latest securely dated church in Gerasa.
The Synagogue-Church was a Late Roman synagogue with a Noah’s Ark mosaic, turned into a church in AD 530–531. The Church of Bishop Isaiah, of AD 558/559, keeps a rich mosaic floor.
AD 529–533AD 611Synagogue mosaicQuieter quarter
Look for
- The round nave of St John the Baptist
- The donors’ portraits in Saints Cosmas and Damianus
- The mosaic floor of the Church of Bishop Isaiah
Read the full story
Dig deeperTwo communities in one building
The synagogue faced west. When it became a church, the building was turned round with a new apse at the east, and the church floor was laid above the synagogue mosaic.
1 / 908 · To the North Gate
Walk to the North Gate
The northern part of the city is quieter but full of surprises. The North Theatre, perhaps first a council hall, still has seats labelled for Gerasa’s civic tribes. Across the street lay the agora and a basilica more than 100 m long.
The North Tetrapylon, a four-way arch of about AD 165–170, marks the crossing with the North Decumanus. Nearby, the West Baths keep a rare stone cupola, and the Cardo ends at the North Gate, dedicated to Trajan in AD 115.
AD 115 gateFour-way archStone cupolaTribe inscriptions
Look for
- The Greek tribe names on the North Theatre seats
- The lion-head bases of the North Tetrapylon
- The stone dome of the West Baths
- The Ionic columns of the upper Cardo
Read the full story
1 / 509 · The Visitor Centre and museums
Visit the museums
Three places explain Jerash. The Visitor Centre at the entrance has maps, a scale model of the ancient city, a short film and licensed local guides. The Sanctuary of Zeus Exhibition, in the vaulted substructure of the sanctuary, presents finds from its excavation.
The Archaeological Museum displays finds from Jerash and its region, from the Neolithic period to the Mamluk era. Entry is included in the site ticket.
Scale modelLocal guidesIncluded in the ticket
Look for
- The scale model of the city in the Visitor Centre
- Coins, glass and jewellery in the museum
- Mosaic panels and inscriptions
Read the full story
History & significance
Seven centuries of city life
Gerasa grew into a prosperous Roman city in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. It became an important Christian centre with dozens of churches, and it was still a living town under the Umayyads until the earthquake of 749.
- 1st c. ADThe Cardo and South Theatre are built
- AD 115The North Gate is dedicated to Trajan
- AD 129–130Emperor Hadrian visits; his arch is raised
- AD 162–163The Temple of Zeus is built
- 5th–6th c.Churches fill the city
- AD 749An earthquake ruins the Umayyad town
ProfileJerash (Gerasa): the full story34 profiles: the history and architecture of every monument, most with a 360° view.See all 34 monuments →Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before you go
The archaeological park is beside the modern town of Jerash, about 50 km north of Amman. The entrance, Visitor Centre and ticket office are at the south end, between Hadrian’s Arch and the South Gate.
Good to know: the site is large and the ancient paving is uneven, with steps and very little shade between the monuments. In summer, start early.
Opening hoursOpen dailyWinter 8:00–16:00 · April–May 8:00–17:30 · Summer 8:00–18:30
Entry ticket10 JODResidents 0.50 JOD · museum included · Jordan Pass
Time to visit3–5 hrThe main route takes about 3 hours
From Amman50 kmAbout 45 minutes to 1 hour by road
LocationJerash town32.2813° N, 35.8915° EGet directions
Opening hours and prices checked October 2026. Spotted a change? Let us know
Facilities by location
At the monument
Archaeological museum and viewpoints within the archaeological park.
Near the entrance
Visitor centre, ticket office, toilets, designated parking and guide services at the south entrance. Food and souvenir stalls are just outside the site.
Designated parking
In the surrounding town
Hotels, restaurants and shops are in modern Jerash, outside the archaeological park.
Access: Park near the entrance and explore the archaeological park on foot. The ancient paving is uneven; no 4x4 is needed to reach the entrance.
When to go
Spring and autumn are best. Summer days are hot and the site has little shade; winter can be wet and cold.
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BestGood, cooler or warmVery hot
Tip: arrive at opening time to have the Oval Plaza and the theatres almost to yourself.
Before you go
Shops and restaurants are just outside the site.
- WaterLittle shade between the monuments
- Sun hat and sunscreenEspecially from May to September
- Comfortable shoesUneven Roman paving and steps
- Cash in Jordanian dinarsFor tickets and small purchases
- Jordan PassIf you have one, it covers the ticket
Common questions
Quick answers before you set off.
How long do I need in Jerash?
About 3 hours for the main route from Hadrian’s Arch to the North Gate. Allow 4–5 hours with the museums and the churches, or a full day to see all 34 monuments.
Is the museum included in the ticket?
Yes. The site ticket includes the Archaeological Museum. Jerash is also included in the Jordan Pass.
Can I hire a guide at the site?
Yes. Licensed local guides are available at the Visitor Centre at the entrance.
Is Jerash a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Not yet. Jerash is on Jordan’s UNESCO Tentative List, but it is not an inscribed World Heritage Site.
Can I visit Jerash on a tour?
Yes. Jerash is on three of our private tours from Amman: Jerash on its own, Jerash with Ajloun Castle, and Jerash with Ajloun Castle and Pella.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, closed shoes for the uneven paving, a hat and light clothing. In winter, bring a warm layer and a rain jacket.
Combine with
Jerash combines easily with the castle and forests of Ajloun. Drive times are from Jerash.
1
Ajloun CastleAyyubid castle25 km · ~35 min drive · Tour 22Ajloun Forest Biosphere ReserveForest reserve23 km · ~40 min drive3Pella (Tabqet Fahel)Ancient city65 km · ~1 hr 15 min drive · Tour 3
Ajloun CastleAyyubid castle25 km · ~35 min drive · Tour 22
Ajloun Forest Biosphere ReserveForest reserve23 km · ~40 min drive3
Pella (Tabqet Fahel)Ancient city65 km · ~1 hr 15 min drive · Tour 3Tour 1 Jerash · Tour 2 Jerash & Ajloun Castle · Tour 3 Jerash, Ajloun Castle & Pella. Compare the tours
Private tours
3 private day tours that include Jerash (Gerasa)
All three tours are just for you: your own vehicle and driver, hotel pickup in Amman and entry tickets included. The price depends on how many travellers there are, up to three.
Private: only your group
Your own vehicle & driver
Hotel pick-up in Amman
Entry tickets included
from$103per group (1–3) · 73 JOD
Tour 1 · Half day · Private
Half-Day Private Tour to Jerash from Amman
Discover one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Middle East on this private half-day journey to Jerash. Widely regarded as one of the largest and best-preserved Roman provincial cities outside Italy, Jerash offers an extraordinary glimpse into life during the Roman Empire.
HistoryArchitectureRoman cityMuseumHalf day
Duration4–5 hr
Pick-up9 or 10 AM
Group1–3, private
Included
- Private luxury transfer
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks
- Coffee/tea (on request)
- WiFi, Phone charger
Not included
- Professional on-site (local) guide
- Personal expenses
- Lunch
from$130per group (1–3) · 92 JOD
Tour 2 · Half day · Private
Half-Day Private Tour to Jerash and Ajloun Castle
Discover two of northern Jordan’s most impressive historical landmarks on this private half-day journey from Amman. The tour begins with a visit to the magnificent ruins of Jerash, widely regarded as one of the largest and best-preserved Roman provincial cities outside Italy.
HistoryArchitectureRoman cityAyyubid castle2 sites
Duration5–6 hr
Pick-up8 or 9 AM
Group1–3, private
Included
- Private luxury transfer
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks
- Coffee/tea (on request)
- WiFi, Phone charger
Not included
- Professional on-site (local) guide
- Personal expenses
- Lunch
from$235per group (1–3) · 167 JOD
Tour 3 · Full day · Private
Private Tour to Jerash, Ajloun Castle and Pella
Discover the rich history and natural beauty of northern Jordan on this private day tour from Amman. Combining some of the country’s most remarkable archaeological sites with its greenest landscapes, this journey offers a refreshing and immersive experience beyond the typical tourist trail.
HistoryArchitectureRoman citiesAyyubid castleJordan Valley6 stops
Duration7–8 hr
Pick-up8 or 9 AM
Group1–3, private
Included
- Private luxury transfer
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks
- Coffee/tea (on request)
- WiFi, Phone charger
Not included
- Professional on-site (local) guide
- Personal expenses
- Lunch
CancellationFull refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start. No refunds or changes within 24 hours.
Pick-upFrom your hotel lobby or home in Amman, 5 minutes before your chosen start time.
BringComfortable shoes, sun hat, sunblock and sunglasses. Tours run in English.
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