Would you like to explore the superb archaeological site at Jerash? Here is some information about it.

Jerash's archaeological wonders

As a change from Petra and the desert, we'll take you on a walk around the small town of Gadara.

Walking around Gadara

This article will lead you to discover the capital Amman and its riches.

Discovering the capital Amman

With this article you'll discover the Dead Sea... before going there to float!

The mythical Dead Sea

A little more than 50 km from Amman, you have to go north to get to Jerash. It's one of the most attractive tourist sites in Jordan, after the incomparable Petra and Wadi Rum.

Middle East

On this little portion of the Middle East, no larger than the size of Austria, the beauty of culture and nature permanently compete with one another. See for yourself: you are in one of the cradles of humanity and history in this land stretching back over more than 9 millennia. During your vacation in Jordan, you will peruse a life-sized history book. It only requires travelling to Jordan to experience it: from the banks of the enigmatic Dead Sea to the Jordan Valley passing via the superb city of Petra, rendered eternally famous by Spielberg in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Biblical echoes mix with those of Greco-Roman ruins. As far as nature is concerned, you will also be captured by the beauties of Jordan: At the top of the list, the desert of Wadi Rum, called “the valley of the Moon,” is a harmony of colours where rocks, sand, granite and sandstone intertwine to create the most magnificent life-sized murals. In addition, the deep canyons of the desert or the colourful underwater floors of the Red Sea will not fail to enchant you...

Jordan

Jerash

The incredible map of Palestine in Madaba. 

Madaba

Mount Nebo

The departure point for a journey to Jordan: Amman.

Amman

The archaeological site of Umm Qais is located approximately thirty kilometres from Irbid. Called Gadara in antiquity, the city belonged to the Greco-Roman  Decapolis, a group of ten developed trading cities on both sides of the Jordan River.

Umm Qais

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The site of Umm Qais is exceptional, it is one of my favourite visits, because although the city is reduced to Jerash, the setting is incredible. From the restaurant at the top, you can see the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee, it's magnificent. I also had a nice lunch there, on the outdoor terrace. 
The old city is really well preserved, I pictured a lively city, especially on the Decumanus Maximus (the main street). You can visit the ruins with a guide (it's optional but very interesting) who gives excellent explanations on the way of life there: baths, theatres, small traders' lodgings...
You will learn that there was a 100km long underground aqueduct to send water to Umm Qais! The ruins of the Byzantine basilica, the underground mausoleum and the necropolis are spectacular.

Umm Qais Vacations

Umm Qais: How to get there?

Umm Qais: See when to go ?

Umm Qais: For how long?

Umm Qais: What to see nearby?

Jordan: our articles for your vacations