Travel Guide of Jerash in Jordan by Influencers and Travelers
Jerash is a city in northern Jordan. The city is the administrative center of the Jerash Governorate, and has a population of 50,745 as of 2015. It is located 48 kilometres north of the capital city Amman.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Jerash
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Jerash Governorate
Jerash Governorate is one of 12 governorates in Jordan. It is located in the northwestern side of the country. The capital of the governorate is the city of Jerash.
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2 - Oval Plaza
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3 - Jerash Museum
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4 - Ajloun Castle
16 km away
Ajloun Castle, is a 12th-century Muslim castle situated in northwestern Jordan. It is placed on a hilltop belonging to the Mount Ajloun district, also known as Jabal 'Auf after a Bedouin tribe which had captured the area in the 12th century.
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5 - Irbid
32 km away
Irbid, known in ancient times as Arabella or Arbela, is the capital and largest city of the Irbid Governorate. It also has the second largest metropolitan population in Jordan after Amman, with a population of around 2,003,800.
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6 - Al Hussein Public Parks
33 km away
King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, better known as the King Hussein Mosque, is the largest mosque in Jordan. Not to be confused with the 1924 Grand Al-Husseini Mosque, also known as King Hussein Mosque, in Downtown Amman.
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7 - Ramtha
34 km away
Ar-Ramtha, colloquially transliterated as ar-Romtha, is a city situated in the far northwest of Jordan near the border with Syria. It covers 40km² in a flat location 30 km northeast of the Jordan River and Irbid.
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8 - Amman
36 km away
Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan and the country's economic, political and cultural centre. With a population of 4,007,526, Amman is the largest city in the Levant region and the fifth-largest city in the Arab world.
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9 - Amman Citadel
36 km away
The Amman Citadel is a historical site at the center of downtown Amman, the capital of Jordan. The L-shaped hill is one of the seven hills that originally made up Amman.
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10 - Jabal Amman
36 km away
Jabal Amman neighborhood is one of the seven hills that originally made up Amman, Jordan. Today, Jabal Amman is near the downtown area.
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Pictures and Stories of Jerash from Influencers
14 pictures of Jerash from Joshua Rodriguez, Hisham Zayadnh, Eyad SR7AN and other travelers
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Why should you visit Jerash ?
Travel to Jerash if you like:
🏰 Historic site 🗼 Ruins 🗼 Landmark 🏰 Archaeological siteHow to visit Jerash ?
Why traveling there?
Jerash, located in the north of Jordan, is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. It is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers who want to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. Known for its well-preserved ancient ruins, including the Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and the Jerash Hippodrome, the city offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the wonders of a bygone era.
How to get there?
Jerash is approximately 50 kilometers north of Amman, Jordan's capital. The easiest way to reach Jerash is by car or taxi, which takes about an hour from Amman. You can also take a public bus from Amman's North Bus Station, which runs regularly throughout the day and takes around 1.5 hours to reach Jerash.
What to book in advance?
Entrance tickets to the archaeological site can be purchased at the gate, but it is advisable to book a guided tour in advance to fully appreciate the historical significance of the ruins. Many tour companies offer half-day or full-day guided tours from Amman, including transportation and entrance fees. Booking a tour will provide you with a knowledgeable guide who can explain the history and significance of each site in detail.
What are the costs?
The entrance fee to the archaeological site is 10 Jordanian Dinars (approximately $14 USD) per person. Guided tours can range from $40 to $100 USD per person, depending on the inclusions and duration of the tour. Food and accommodation costs in Jerash are relatively affordable, with budget options available for travelers.
What are the best things to do?
1. Explore the ancient ruins, including the Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and the Jerash Hippodrome.
2. Attend the Jerash Festival, a cultural event held every summer, showcasing local music, dance, and theatrical performances.
3. Visit the Jerash Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts discovered during excavations of the ancient city.
4. Stroll through the modern city of Jerash and experience Jordanian culture and hospitality.
Where to eat?
1. Lebanese House: A popular restaurant in Jerash, serving authentic Lebanese and Jordanian cuisine.
2. Artemis Restaurant: A family-run restaurant offering a variety of traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
3. Al-Mukhtar Sweets: A local bakery and sweet shop, perfect for trying traditional Jordanian desserts.
Where to stay?
1. Olive Branch Hotel: A mid-range hotel located just outside the archaeological site, offering comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Jerash Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option located within walking distance of the ancient ruins, offering private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations.
3. Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins: For a more unique experience, consider staying in one of the eco-friendly cabins in the nearby Ajloun Forest Reserve, about 30 minutes from Jerash.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, visit the nearby village of Umm Qais, which boasts panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River. The village is home to the lesser-known ancient ruins of Gadara, a Greco-Roman city that was part of the Decapolis. The site includes a well-preserved Roman theater, basilica, and a Byzantine church. This hidden gem offers a more peaceful and intimate exploration of Jordan's rich history, away from the tourist crowds of Jerash.
Learn More about Jerash
Located in the Kingdom of Jordan, in the middle of plains and surrounded by wooded areas, Jerash is a city with ancient origins. Indeed, it was once a Greek-Roman influenced city named Gerasa and was founded in the 4th century before J-C by Alexander the Great. The city is full of history and, as a result, is full of ancient monuments.
The population of Jerash has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly due to inward migration, and is now booming with tourists.
To get to know this exotic city better, start by visiting the Jerash Racecourse: the city's landmark. With its 250m length, it is one of the largest buildings in Jerash. It used to hold up to 15,000 people, but has recently been reopened for shows, including gladiatorial battles and chariot races.
As mentioned earlier, Jerash is a city with ancient origins, so you should definitely stop by the Temple of Artemis. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the same name and was built by the Romans in 150. At that time, the temple was considered a place dedicated to spiritual life.
A little further on, don't forget to pass by other historical remains such as the gates of Jerash, starting with the North Gate which marks the main entrance to the city. Then you will have the South Gate which gives access to the Oval Square where every year the flame of the Jerash festival is lit on the pedestal located in the centre of it. Finally, Hadrian's Arch: the main access to the remains of the city, it was erected in homage to the emperor Hadrian.
After an incredible day of sightseeing, don't hesitate to stop in a restaurant to taste Jordanian specialities such as mensaf, which will give you a boost for the rest of your stay.
Jerash allows us to step back in time and visualize the life of centuries ago in the ancient city, but it also offers us atypical, green and soothing landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Jerash
As a relatively unknown destination, prices in Jerash are affordable, both for food and accommodation.
To get to Jerash, you need to land at Amman airport in Jordan. Amman is 80 km from Jerash, but it is the closest airport to the city. So when you arrive, you can rent a car or take a bus that will take you to Jerash in 1 hour.
Where to Stay in Jerash
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More Travel spots to explore around Jerash
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Jerash
🗼 Landmark spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots 🏰 Ruins spots 🏰 Historic site spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🏰 Temple spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🏰 Archaeological site spotsTravel map of Jerash
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