2026 Jerash Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in March)

#hellohalloweenJerash, located north of Amman, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and a true historical gem of Jordan. Known as “Gerasa” in ancient times, it showcases magnificent ruins dating back more than 2,000 years. Visitors can walk through the impressive Oval Plaza, admire the grand colonnaded streets, and explore temples, theaters, and ancient city gates. The stunning blend of Roman architecture and Jordanian heritage makes Jerash a unique cultural destination. Every corner tells a story of glory and civilization. The annual Jerash Festival brings the site to life with music, dance, and traditional performances. Whether you’re a history lover or a curious traveler, Jerash offers an unforgettable journey into the past.

#July Travel Support Event Jerash is a historic city located 600m above sea level, where people have lived since prehistoric times, and was an eastern stronghold city of the Roman Empire from the 1st to 3rd centuries. The representative historic sites include the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Artemis, and the Hippodrome, a chariot stadium that can accommodate 15,000 people.

Only about an hour's drive from Amman, you can visit Jerash in 1 - 2 days or you can return the same day if you don't have much time. In the middle of the arid land of the Arabian Peninsula, in the country of Islam, Jerash exists as an interesting highlight. You can visit Jerash at any time of the year, however, March to May is the best time as spring has lots of flowers, which really highlight the beauty of the place. Summers in Jerash are very hot, and since Jerash has almost no shade, go in the early morning or late afternoon. Winter in Jerash is very cold, this is the rainiest time of the year, so you need to prepare warm clothes and a raincoat.

The Cardo in Jerash Archaeological Site, Jordan, was the city's main street artery, a route where grand processions were once held, and where trade and commerce thrived. The Cardo, a Latin term for "heart", was a north-south oriented street in Roman cities, military camps, and colonies. It was the part of the city around which the rest of the urban plan was designed. This colonnaded street served as the main road through the city and is 800 metres long. The paved road, which was laid over 2,000 years ago, still has the marks of ancient carts. The road is also equipped with a complex underground drainage system. The columns that line the street have Corinthian capitals, which make the street look even more beautiful. These columns were once home to many shops and businesses, providing shade and shelter for people passing by. The drainage system, which was a marvel for its time, effectively carried rainwater and waste away from the streets, keeping the city clean and healthy. Regular holes were built along the sides of the street to connect to underground channels that carried waste to a main drainage point. #cherryblossom2024

In addition to the theatres, the Jerash Archaeological Site is also home to the Oval Plaza, also known as the Oval Forum. The plaza is a unique architectural masterpiece that connects two divergent main axes of the ancient city. The Oval Plaza is an elongated, elliptical plaza that measures approximately 90 x 80 metres. The plaza's design is unique and cleverly connects two divergent main axes of the ancient city. When, at the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the new Cardo was laid out as the city's north-south connection and main street, it had to incorporate the central Sanctuary of Zeus in a representative way, which was not possible through a frontal approach because of the river valley and the rules of Roman urban planning with a rectangular street network. #dreamvoyage

We ended our trip in Egypt and flew right into Amman, and straight off from the plane we were driven to Jerash city, where we had a full on excursion around the ancient city. We were amazed by how the history of ancient nations intertwined when we saw historical architecture that were similar to the ones we saw in Rome, and how thriving it must have been back in the days dated back to thousands of years ago. It was a well worthy day trip and we have learned so much, basically a walking history book. If you happen to be in Amman and have some free time, I’d definitely recommend paying this city a visit since it’s only an hour away from the capital. #Jerash #jordan #archaeology #Romanhistory #ancientlandmark #unesco

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping - Jarash #newyearadventure