About
The Jerash Archaeological Site lies in Jerash, the capital of Jerash Governorate in northern Jordan. It is known in the sources as Gerasa, Antioch on the Golden River, and the Jerash Ruins, and visitors often call it the Pompeii of the East. The site is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities anywhere in the world, so a visit is largely a walk through the remains of a whole town rather than a single monument.
What you will see
The ruins spread across the ground in a way that makes the city's layout easy to follow. Among the features the site is known for are:
- Colonnaded streets, long rows of columns that still line the main thoroughfare.
- Theaters, which show how the city was used for public life and performance.
- Temples, scattered through the urban area.
- The Oval Plaza, an open space of distinctive shape that is one of the best-known parts of the site.
Planning your visit
Jerash works well as a half-day or full-day outing, since the site is large and rewards slow walking. Comfortable shoes are a sensible choice, as the paths cross uneven stone. For opening hours, ticket prices and any current conditions, it is worth contacting the site directly on +962 2 635 1272 before you set out.
Because Jerash sits in the north of the country, many travelers combine it with other places in the governorate or with a wider journey through Jordan. The surrounding town gives a practical base for food and rest after a morning among the ruins.