"A Sensational Place" a Jarash Travel Page by JohnniOmani

Jerash is virtually unknown to travellers outside of the ME but anyone that has backpacked the Middle East knows that this place is a true gem and it still remains off the beaten track. The number of travellers backpacking Jordan has increased in the last few years but this site can be enjoyed with very few people around making it a very memorable experience. Jerash is about 50 km north of Amman and it is one of the best preserved Roman cities on the planet. Archaeologists have been excavating this site for the last century but Ive been told by my Jordanian friends that about 80 to 90% of the site is still unexcavated. The site is huge and there is a lot to see making three to fours hours an optimal time to spend in the area. Jerash is a beautiful place and it is deservedly one of the countrys finest attractions.

It is hard to imagine what it must have been like to see Jerash it is true form thousands of years ago. One of the best ways to get a feeling of the long gone era is make your way to the South Theatre. It was built in the 1st century and according to records could hold over 5000 people. The upper seats in the theatre offer fantastic views of the site and the acoustics in this place are amazing. It is always fun to sit at the top or bottom end of the theatre and try and have a conversation with a friend. The Romans knew how to build masterpieces and Jerash is no different, the theatre as well as the entire site is impressive.

One of the lasting images of Jerash is the oval plaza and forum because it is one of the most distinctive images of the site and the area is massive. Standing in the middle of the plaza brings you back to the ancient days of gladiators and chariots and Jerash especially the Colonnaded street and oval plaza make a strong attempt at re creating the glory of the past. There is at least 50 ionic columns around the plaza and it can be seen from distances far away. Chances are you will fall in love with Jerash and stay for hours and hours. Great site :)