Things to Do in Jerash: Roman Ruins and the Ancient City of Gerasa

Amman gets most of the tourist traffic, but Jerash — 50 kilometres north — is the single most impressive ancient site in Jordan that isn’t Petra. What survives here is extraordinary in scale and condition: intact colonnaded streets, standing temples, functioning theatres, and a monumental arch you walk through to enter the ancient city. Most visitors do it as a half-day from Amman, though the site rewards a full day. For the history and archaeology behind what you’re looking at, see our Jerash Roman city history guide.

Hadrian’s Arch

The most dramatic entry to the site is through Hadrian’s Arch, the monumental triumphal gateway that stands at the southern boundary of the ancient city. Walking under it gives you an immediate sense of the scale of what was built here.

Entry costs approximately JOD 10 per person as of 2026 and covers all areas of the archaeological park including the on-site museum. The Jordan Pass covers Jerash as of 2026.

Opening hours are daily 08:00–18:00 in summer (roughly April through October) and 08:00–16:00 in winter. Arrive early in summer — the site is entirely exposed and midday heat is intense.

The Oval Plaza (Forum)

Just inside the main gate, the Oval Plaza stops you in your tracks — an enormous elliptical space still paved with its original Roman stone, ringed by surviving columns on most of its perimeter. The effect when you first walk in, particularly in low morning light when the stone takes on a warm amber tone, is one of the most striking moments you’ll have at any ancient site in Jordan.

Cardo Maximus

The Cardo Maximus — Jerash’s main colonnaded street — runs north to south through the city for just over 800 metres. Hundreds of columns line both sides and the original paving stones remain intact underfoot. Walking the full length gives the clearest sense of the city’s scale. Look down at the pavement — the ruts of ancient cart wheels are worn visibly into the stone.

Midway along the Cardo, the Nymphaeum — a monumental public fountain with a two-storey carved stone façade — is largely intact and well worth stopping at.

Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis sits on the highest point of the site, with eleven original columns still standing to full height. The columns were so precisely balanced that you can move them slightly in the wind even today — worth testing. The processional way up from the Cardo is still walkable.

South Theatre and North Theatre

Jerash has two surviving Roman theatres. The South Theatre seats around 3,000 spectators and is in excellent condition — climb to the upper tier for views across the entire site. The acoustics are remarkable: a normal speaking voice at the stage can be heard clearly at the back of the seating.

The North Theatre is smaller and better preserved in its interior detail, with a decorated stage area and carved seats. It hosts occasional events during the Jerash Festival.

Jerash Festival

The Jerash Festival (check jerashfestival.jo for current dates) runs for two to three weeks each summer, typically July to August. The event uses the ancient theatres as performance venues — music, folk dance, and drama groups from across the Arab world perform here, and international acts are occasionally included. If your dates align, it is one of the more unusual concert experiences you can have in the region.

Getting to Jerash from Amman

By public minibus: Depart from Amman’s North Bus Station at Tabarbour (also called the North Terminal), located in the northern suburbs. Minibuses run approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day and take around 1 hour. The fare is approximately JOD 1–2 per person one-way. From Jerash town centre, the archaeological site is a 10-minute walk south.

By private taxi: A one-way taxi from central Amman costs approximately JOD 25–35 — agree the rate before departure. A return-trip taxi (driver waits at the site for 3–4 hours) can be negotiated for approximately JOD 50–60 and is often worth the convenience.

By organised tour: Several operators offer Jerash day trips from Amman, frequently combined with Ajloun Castle (approximately 30 minutes further west). Jordan Select Tours and various Viator-listed operators price these at approximately USD 50–80 per person, typically including transport, a guide, and sometimes lunch. A guided tour is genuinely useful here — the site’s history is dense and a knowledgeable guide unlocks detail that signage alone does not convey.

Practical Notes

The site is fully open-air with minimal shade. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for any summer visit. The internal museum near the South Gate holds a modest collection of coins, sculpture fragments, and architectural elements from the site — worth 20 minutes at the end of your visit. A small café near the entrance serves sandwiches and cold drinks.

Jerash town centre has a few local restaurants where you can eat before or after the site — the stretch near the main gate has several spots serving grilled meats and mezze at approximately JOD 5–10 per person. To book a guided Jerash day tour from Amman, browse Jerash tours and northern Jordan excursions.

More in Jerash

• Best Hotels Near Jerash
• Food to Try in Jerash
• Jerash: History of the Roman City
• Ajloun — Nearby Castle and Reserve
• 3 Days in Amman Itinerary (Jerash day trip)

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