Jerash

Description

Let me tell you about Jerash – it’s honestly one of those places that’ll make your jaw drop. I remember the first time I walked through those ancient streets, my footsteps echoing on stones that have been there for nearly 2,000 years. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but way cooler than anything Hollywood could dream up.

This isn’t just another old pile of rocks – Jerash is the real deal when it comes to Roman cities. Picture this: massive stone columns reaching toward the sky, theaters where you can still hear perfect acoustics (I once heard someone drop a coin at the center stage from the top row!), and streets lined with ancient shops where merchants once haggled over prices. The hippodrome here used to host chariot races, and if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the thundering hooves and roaring crowds.

Key Features

• Hadrian’s Arch – this massive gateway was built to welcome Emperor Hadrian himself
• The Forum (Oval Plaza) – an incredible open space surrounded by towering columns
• Temple of Artemis – still stands proud with its soaring Corinthian columns
• The Hippodrome – where ancient chariot races and gladiator fights took place
• North Theater – with amazing acoustics that still work perfectly today
• Cardo Maximus – the main colonnaded street with original stone paving
• Nymphaeum – an ornate public fountain that was the ancient city’s social hub
• South Theater – can seat 3,000 people and hosts modern performances
• Byzantine churches – with incredibly preserved mosaic floors
• Ancient city walls – showing the impressive scale of Roman engineering

Best Time to Visit

Take it from someone who’s been here in every season – spring (March to May) is absolutely magical. The weather’s just right, not too hot or cold, and the surrounding hills burst into life with wildflowers. Fall (September to November) is pretty sweet too. Summer can be brutal – trust me, standing among limestone ruins in 90-degree heat isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. And winter? It can get surprisingly chilly and rainy, though seeing these ancient stones against moody skies makes for amazing photos.

How to Get There

Getting to Jerash is pretty straightforward. Most folks base themselves in Amman, which is about 30 miles south. You’ve got options – grab a taxi (haggle for the price first!), hop on a public bus (cheap but takes longer), or join a guided tour. If you’re feeling adventurous like I was on my first visit, rent a car – the roads are decent and well-marked, though local driving can be… interesting, to say the least.

Tips for Visiting

Look, I’ve learned a few things the hard way here, so let me save you some trouble. First off, wear comfortable shoes – those ancient stones are slippery and uneven. I once saw someone trying to navigate them in heels – spoiler alert: it didn’t end well! Bring plenty of water and a hat – there’s not much shade among those beautiful ruins.

Try to arrive early in the morning – not just to beat the heat, but to catch that golden light hitting the columns. It’s pure photography gold. And speaking of photography, the site is massive, so bring extra camera batteries. You’ll need them.

Consider hiring a guide – they bring these ruins to life with stories you won’t find in any guidebook. I skipped the guide on my first visit and totally regretted it. They know all the little details, like which column has ancient graffiti carved into it (yes, really!).

Pack some snacks, but don’t miss trying the local restaurants just outside the site. The hummus and falafel make for perfect fuel between exploring. And don’t rush – plan at least 3-4 hours to do the site justice. There’s always one more amazing thing to discover around each corner.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: the local Jordan Pass includes entry to Jerash along with other sites like Petra. It’s usually cheaper than buying separate tickets, plus it covers your tourist visa if you’re staying at least 3 nights in Jordan.

Keep in mind that some parts of the site have minimal shade, so timing your visit is crucial. If you’re visiting in summer, try to avoid the middle of the day – the stones reflect heat like a natural oven. And don’t forget to climb up to the Temple of Zeus – the view over the entire site is absolutely worth the steep steps!

Location

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