Jerash — Rome's Masterpiece in the East★★★
Jerash (Gerasa) — One of the Best-Preserved Roman Cities in the World
Just 50 km north of Amman lies Jerash (ancient: Gerasa), the best-preserved Roman provincial city outside Italy. What Pompeii is to Italy, Jerash is to the Middle East — with one crucial difference: While Pompeii was preserved under volcanic ash, Jerash simply stood forgotten in the landscape until it was rediscovered in the 19th century.
The city was one of the highlights of the Decapolis — a league of ten Greco-Roman cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Gerasa flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, when it had 15,000–20,000 inhabitants and was one of the wealthiest cities in the province of Arabia.
The Highlights
- Hadrian's Arch: The monumental triumphal arch was built in 129 AD for Emperor Hadrian's visit. 13 meters high, with rich Corinthian ornaments — it marks the imposing entrance to the ancient city.
- Oval Plaza (Oval Forum): The unique oval plaza (56×80 m) is found nowhere else in the Roman world. 56 Ionic columns surround the elliptical paved area. In the center stood a fountain. Today, concerts and festivals sometimes take place here — the acoustics are perfect.
- Cardo Maximus (Colonnaded Street): The 800-meter-long main street, lined with 500 Corinthian columns. An elaborate drainage system ran beneath the pavement. Tetrapyla (four-column monuments) stand at intersections. You can almost feel the bustle of the ancient city.
- South Theater: The larger of the two theaters (3,000 spectators) is so well preserved that concerts are held there today. The acoustics are astonishing: A whisper in the middle of the stage can be heard in the last row. Tip: Stand in the center of the orchestra and clap — the echo is magical.
- North Theater: Smaller (1,600 seats), but also well preserved. It was used for council meetings.
- Temple of Artemis: The city's main temple, dedicated to the patron goddess Artemis. 11 of the original columns still stand, 12 meters high. In the wind, the columns sway slightly on their bases — a testament to the earthquake-resistant ancient construction.
- Nymphaeum: The magnificent ornamental fountain (191 AD) was once two stories high, clad in marble, and adorned with lion-head water spouts.
Jerash Festival
In July/August, the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts takes place — one of the largest cultural festivals in the Middle East. Concerts, theater, and dance in the ancient setting. If possible, plan to attend!
💡 Tipp
Plan 3–4 hours for Jerash, preferably in the morning (fewer tourists, less heat). Admission sometimes includes a short show of the "Roman Army and Chariot Experience" — soldiers in armor, chariot races, and gladiator fights. Cheesy, but entertaining.
