Things to do & places to visit in Jerash Governorate, Jordan

Jerash Governorate #5 destination in Jordan 2023. The average rating score is 4.78 based on 3.766 traveler reviews, of 24 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Amman, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 8:58.

Jerash Governorate Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

90°F - 59°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

7.0 millimeters

Amount

10.9 mph

Wind speed

42%

Humidity

13.8

Daylight length

5:39 AM

Sunrise

7:26 PM

Sunset

77%

Cloud cover

T-shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (17)

Top destinations in Jerash Governorate 2

Top places to visit (24 attractions)

5.0 Jerash Ruins (2.786 reviews)
- Truly incredible.
Ancient Ruins

Tie up your sturdy shoes, protect your skin, grab a hat and water and get exploring. Enormous, rumbling ruins that will blow your mind and transform your imaginative self to a roman city. Heralded as the world’s largest and best preserved Roman City its really got it all; arches, temples, hippodrome, arenas, bath houses, theatres, houses, columns, shops… The Byzantines added ornate areas too and later the Muslim Arabs before it was all but abandoned as the riches of the silk route moved to the coast. Exciting to be in a place with so much ongoing archeology. The stall holders are friendly and knowledgeable and there are a lot of amazing antiques and souvenirs on offer. I only grabbed a juice on my way out but the food looked delicious and reasonably priced. Enjoy! See more..
5.0 South Theatre (42 reviews)
- listen to the music
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Theaters

This is one of two theaters and it will be likely the first one you visit. The rows of stone seats still stand today and locals will try and persuade you to listen to the acoustics when they play the bagpipes or other musical instruments (for a tip, of course). Events take place here several times a year and it is surrounded by an ugly corigated iron fence See more..
5.0 Cardo Maximus (33 reviews)
- Roman Main Street
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Every ancient Roman city had a Cardo, the Latin name given to the city’s main street which was oriented north to south. It was the heart of the city and lined with shops and vendors. Jerash’s Cardo is 2625 ft (800 m) long and runs from the Oval Forum to the northern gate. It was once framed by massive columns on each side. Thanks to the genius of Roman construction which allowed for movement, the columns still standing survived the devastating earthquake of 749 AD. Our guide provided a demonstration on how the columns move – amazing! It’s also amazing that the original Cardo road survived (look for the deep grooves caused by chariot wheels). And be careful, it’s not an easy walk because the stones are uneven and slippery when wet. See more..
5.0 The Archeological Park (17 reviews)
- A must see for history buffs
Historic Sites

The archeological Park is just 48 kilomtres/30 miles north of Amman. A perfect place for( Roman) history buffs to visit. We went as part of a group tour and had a local knowledgeable guide. The entrance is south of the ancient city, close to Hadrian's Arch. By the entrance is also a gauntlet of souvenier and antique shops and a nice coffee shop. Keep your ticket, as you will have to show it at the South Gate. See more..
5.0 Husni Abumelhim (2 reviews)
- Knowledge, attentive and great with kids.
Multi-day Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

Husni is an amazing guide. Extremely knowledgeable regarding the sites and all historical background. Also extremely attentive and patient - especially with children. See more..
5.0 Dairy Families (1 review)
- Tasty Healthy and Excellent Service
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

This is one of the best places that is selling dairy products in Jerash. If you are in the area, make sure that you stop by and taste the great food that they have. The place has been growing in the past few years. Always cheerful people, hard working, and working fast with strong will to help you. See more..
5.0 Jerash, Aljoun and Umm Qais (1 review)
- Aljoun Castle & Jerash
Day Trips

Aljoun Castle and Jerash could be done together in half a day. Great for those who enjoy walking, history and the ruins. Just a note that when you are in Jerash, many people will attempt to sell you scarf, turn down polietly and walk away. People selling souvenirs inside Jerash help you to take nice photos, but may want you to buy from their stall. See more..
4.5 Temple of Artemis (52 reviews)
- Patron Goddess of Jerash
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Dedicated to the patron Goddess of Jerash, the Temple of Artemis was built on one of the highest points of ancient Gerasa and functioned as the main sanctuary of the city. Construction began in the 2nd century AD; today 11 of its columns still stand. The whole building was originally covered in marble. Starting in 386 AD, pagan temples like Artemis were dismantled and the materials used to build churches. The Temple is located near the northern gate, be prepared for a walk to get here. See more..
4.5 Arch of Hadrian (42 reviews)
- Built in honor of Emperor Hadrian
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Hadrian’s Arch stands guard at the south entrance to the Jerash Ruins, immediately after the Visitor Center and souvenir shops. The 36 ft (11 m) high arch is located outside the old city walls and was built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian to Gerasa (the ancient name of Jerash) in 129 AD. The original arch was almost twice the height of what you see today. Our guide explained that chariots used the large center arch while noblemen and commoners each entered through their designated smaller arch. The monument was last restored in 2007. See more..
4.5 Forum (37 reviews)
- Wonder of Roman engineering
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

The Forum is the centre of any Roman city. It was a marketplace and an area where business was conducted, and public affairs were discussed. One can only wonder at the precision with which Roman engineers constructed this large open space. See more..
4.5 North Theatre (26 reviews)
- Well preserved roman theatre
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

The North Theatre, built in 165 AD and enlarged in 235 AD doubling the capacity to 1,600. We went as part of a group tour with a knowledgeable guide. That's the best way to experience something like this. Great acoustics and oddly enough the day we were there some locals were playing the bagpipes. See more..
4.5 Oval Plaza (17 reviews)
- Fascinating
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

By classical standards, this space would norma\lly have been square or rectangular, but here it's oval. I think they were working with the terrain in the way that it slopes downhill. THe surrounding circus columns and crossbeams make for an amazing sight. See more..
4.5 Nympheum (9 reviews)
- The Romans...great builders!
Ancient Ruins

Amazing solution to a water supply built by the Romans. Of course it was not just functional but beautiful as well. See more..
4.5 Temple of Zeus (8 reviews)
- Great structure in Jurash.
Ancient Ruins

Can be seen from almost everywhere is Jurash. It must have been amazing to view during the height of Jurash. See more..
4.5 Colonnaded Street (6 reviews)
- Take a trip back to ancient times
Ancient Ruins

In ancient times, colonnades were used to define the boundaries of the main streets without excluding people, who could move between them. Taking a stroll along tese colonnaded streets will take you back in time. You can even see the ruts left by the carts. See more..
4.5 The Cathedral (3 reviews)
- the old cathedral
Ancient Ruins

The cathedral was constructed on the site of a former temple and the gateway is accessed from the central road. See more..
4.0 Ajloun Castle (566 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Ancient Ruins

Great views from the top - could still see the snow on the sides of the hills (from the week before) in some spots, even though the sun was out! A great little 12th century castle, well preserved and lots of steps and uphill walking so be prepared. We were part of a tour group, so had a guide who knew the history, Small museum to check out on the way in or out. See more..
4.0 Hippodrome (28 reviews)
- Ancient Roman Stadium
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Like Hadrian’s Arch, the restored Hippodrome also stands outside AD the old city walls and southern gate of Jerash. It was constructed in the 2nd century for chariot racing and gladiator events. Designed to hold up to 15,000 spectators, our guide said it was the smallest in the Roman Empire. Chariot shows are performed here, but all was quiet when we visited in January. See more..
4.0 Church of St Cosmas and Damianos (15 reviews)
- Amazing Ruin and Mosaics
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is one of 15 churches that lie among the ruins of Jerash built after Constantine became Emperor of Rome in 324 and pagan monuments began to be abandoned and pilfered for materials to build churches. This church is famed for its amazingly well preserved mosaics best seen from above as you lean on the wall behind the Temple of Artemis. Commissioned in 533 the church is largely ruined and is totally open to the elements and to the visitor gazing down from the supporting wall. The mosaics are clear as day and you can clearly make out the figures and animals therein. A lovely site, one well worth building in to your visit of Jerash Ruins. See more..
4.0 Al Ma'wa for Nature and Wildlife (13 reviews)
- Nice tour for 1-2 hours
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The animals look like they are well taken care of in the sanctuary. They give you a guided tour of about an hour and tell you a little bit about the animals and from where they were rescued from. Its a nicer concept than just a regular zoo and you feel like you are contributing to a good cause. Special thanks to Ahmed who translated the tour in English since we were the only non Arabic speaking visitors. Only suggestion for improvement would be to give a little more time at each stop. See more..
4.0 Jerash Archaeological Museum (6 reviews)
- Worth a visit
History Museums

The museum was quite interesting with lots of pottery but what i liked most were the small Roman glass containers. See more..
4.0 East Baths (1 review)
- see the eastern baths
Roman Baths
The baths here are the best preserved baths in the Middle East and were 11 m high at one time. You can still see today several of the arched vaults. It is the only Jerash ruins that are not in the archeological Park but are in the present day town of Jerash, surrounded by modern buildings. See more..
3.5 The Roman Army and Chariot Experience (55 reviews)
- Interesting
Spent 2-3 hours Theatre & Performances

The Roman Army and Chariot Experience takes one back in time during the Roman period. It is indeed interesting but it could have been better enacted. One may consider seeing it but if one skips it, then you don’t miss much. See more..
Jerash day tour driver in jordan- Aventura Tour drivers in jordan (0 review)
City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

See more..