"Gerasa, an antic city" Top 5 Page for this destination Jarash by Djinn76

Jarash Travel Guide: 165 reviews and 376 photos

Columns from the Temple of Artemis

According to the legend the city was founded by Alexander the Great (yes, the same as the one in the movie) around the 4th century BC but in reality people were living here far before that.

The city has been particularly wealthy during its Greek time. It has later been independent and part of the Decapolis, this was an association between 10 cities of the area: Scythopolis (Bet She'an), Hippos (Susieh), Gadara (Umm Qais), Pella (Tabaqat Fahl), Philadelphia (Amman), Gerasa (Jerash), Dion (Adun), Kanatha (Kanawat), Damascus, and Raphana (Abila).

During the first two centuries, following the conquest of the whole area by the Roman emperor Trajan, the city enjoy the Pax Romana and become even more wealthy.
Lots of building have been built following the visit of Hadrian, another roman emperor in the 2nd century...

Following this glorious period, the city start declining : successive wars, sacking and earthquake will turn this marvel into ruins...

Located 50km north of Amman, this is supposed to be the second most visited site of Jordan after Petra.
Not too sure why but when I visited it, a friday at the end of september, it was almost deserted...
It won't complain, it was a pure pleasure to wander almost alone in the rest of this ancient city and imagine its splendor...

Last visit to Jarash: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Jan 5, 2005
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Reviews (15)

Water !! What to Pack (1)

You can easily spend one, two ore even more hours inside the site! You have to know that except for the ruins there is... more travel advice

Taking the bus !! Transportation (1)

From Amman, you could take a taxi to Jerash. For example, it could cost about 35JD plus 7JD per hour you would spend on... more travel advice

The Hippodrome Things to Do (13)

Located outside the touristic site, this was probably the biggest building of the city : 245 meters large, 51 meter... more travel advice

Bab Amman - The triumphal Arch Things to Do (13)

If you arrive by bus, this is the first ancient building you are going to see. Located outside the touristic site, as... more travel advice

Comments (5)

PierreZA Apr 19, 2009 at 3:13 AM Report Abuse

Great photos and tips, thank you for sharing!
atufft Oct 12, 2007 at 11:03 PM Report Abuse

Nice photos of Jerash! Thanks for sharing...alan
roamer61 Sep 23, 2005 at 6:28 AM Report Abuse

One of the best preserved roman cities outside of Italy. Great and highly informative, thanks.
freya_heaven Jan 5, 2005 at 2:35 PM Report Abuse

One can almost imagine going back in time with some of the streets here, fascinating place, you had a great day for taking photos too. (~_~)
MalenaN Jan 3, 2005 at 9:49 AM Report Abuse

Jarash sounds to be an interesting place to visit! I missed it on my last visit to Jordan but will defenitly go there next time!