Jerash Jordan Holidays
Jerash
Holidays
The finest Roman city outside Italy — an extraordinary, largely intact ancient city of colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and triumphal arches just 50km from Amman
Search Jerash Holidays
Flight Time
5h from UK (direct to Amman), then 1h drive
Best Time
March to May or September to November
Country
Jordan
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Jerash Holiday Guide
Jerash is the finest Roman city outside Italy — an extraordinary, largely intact ancient city of colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and triumphal arches just 1 hour from Amman. The Oval Plaza, Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Artemis and the South Theatre are all exceptional.
The Roman Army and Chariot Experience is highly entertaining. The Jordan Pass covers entry. Allow 3–4 hours.
We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best Jordan deals.
Average Temperatures
Jan
11°C
Feb
12°C
Mar
16°C
Apr
22°C
May
27°C
Jun
30°C
Jul
32°C
Aug
32°C
Sep
29°C
Oct
24°C
Nov
18°C
Dec
12°C
Ready to Book?
Call us or send an enquiry and we'll find you the best deal across Travelpack and JTA Holidays.
Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Jerash
The colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and triumphal arches that make Jerash the most impressive Roman city in the Middle East.
Hadrian's Arch
Hadrian's Arch is the most impressive monument at the entrance to Jerash — a magnificent triumphal arch built in 129 AD to honour the visit of Emperor Hadrian. Standing 13 metres high, the arch is one of the finest examples of Roman triumphal architecture in the world and sets the tone for the extraordinary ancient city beyond. The arch marks the southern entrance to the ancient city.
Oval Plaza
The Oval Plaza (Forum) is the most distinctive and unusual feature of Jerash — a unique oval-shaped colonnaded plaza at the heart of the ancient city, surrounded by 56 Ionic columns. The oval shape is unique in the Roman world and the plaza is one of the most photographed sites in Jordan. The plaza was the commercial and social heart of the ancient city.
Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis is the most impressive temple in Jerash — a massive 2nd-century AD temple dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, with 11 of its original Corinthian columns still standing. The columns are so precisely balanced that they sway slightly in the wind — a remarkable feat of Roman engineering. The temple is the highest point in the ancient city.
South Theatre
The South Theatre is the finest of Jerash's two Roman theatres — a magnificent 3,000-seat amphitheatre built in the 1st century AD that is still used for performances during the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. The acoustics are extraordinary and the theatre is remarkably well preserved. The views from the upper tiers over the ancient city are excellent.
Roman Army & Chariot Experience
The Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) is a unique daily performance at the Hippodrome — a re-enactment of Roman gladiatorial combat, chariot racing and military drills by costumed performers. The performance is highly entertaining and gives a vivid sense of Roman spectacle. It is one of the most popular attractions at Jerash and is included in the entry ticket.
Colonnaded Street
The Cardo Maximus (Colonnaded Street) is the main thoroughfare of ancient Jerash — a 600-metre-long street flanked by hundreds of Corinthian columns, with the original Roman paving stones still in place. Walking along the Cardo is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Jordan — the scale and completeness of the ancient city are overwhelming.
Practical Tips
Jerash is best visited as a day trip from Amman — the drive takes approximately 1 hour. Allow 3–4 hours to see the main sites. The site is large and exposed, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential. The Jordan Pass includes entry to Jerash. The best time to visit is in the morning before the heat and the tour groups arrive.
Jerash Festival
The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts is held annually in July and August — a major cultural festival with performances of music, dance, theatre and folklore in the ancient theatres and plazas of the Roman city. The festival is one of the most atmospheric cultural events in the Middle East and the setting in the ancient city is extraordinary.
Explore Jerash on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
Google Maps embed — add your API key to activate
Set mapEmbedUrl in the destination data to display an interactive map here