
Surrounded by 56 imposing Ionic columns, it was once used as a marketplace. Hadrian's Arch: Originally constructed to honor its namesake emperor, this impressive arch was meant to eventually be the city's southern gate.įorum: This enormous, oval-shaped plaza in the city center is stunning. Hippodrome: An ancient sports field, large enough for 15,000 people, which still hosts mock gladiator fights and chariot races multiple times per week. After entering through Hadrian's Arch head to the archeological park and start exploring! Top Sights in Jerash

On the eastern side, you'll find the mostly residential modern-day Jerash, but most visitors stick to the beautifully preserved ancient part of town to the west.
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If you need to hire transportation, you'll get the best deal and more flexibility if you hire a driver for the entire day - be sure to work out a price and what it includes before heading out. The city itself is small and easy to navigate, split into two main sections by a river valley. Jerash is located less than an hour's drive from Amman, making it an easy stop on any comprehensive tour of Jordan.

The remaining architecture reflects that influence, and visitors can wander through the pristine columns, plazas, and temples that have earned this town its own distinct spot on the map. Beyond the archeological attractions, modern Jerash is a quiet place with an economy kept afloat by farming, but its location makes it a perfect jump-off point for exploration of nearby nature preserves and historical attractions. Jerash is widely renowned for its exquisitely preserved ruins from the first century AD, when the city flourished under Roman rule. Surrounded by fertile farmland and rolling hills, this once-powerful settlement is less than fifty kilometers from Amman, making it a popular choice for day trips from the nation's capital.

One of the most-visited cities in the Middle East, Jerash is the jewel of northern Jordan.
