Exploring Jerash Jordan

What's Jerash? The Pompeii of the East; a land of contrasts ranging from lush, fertile valleys to chilly mountaintops; colonnaded streets, plazas, and ruined theaters; probably the greatest preserved and most vital Roman cities in the East. Jerash is all of this stuff and much more. The ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa are the world's major attraction, although Jordan's Mediterranean climate actually would not hurt. What can you expect from the good city of Jerash?

Anticipate spectacular ruins and an excellent sense of history. Visitors to the city enter though Hadrian's Arch, which was built to commemorate the Emperor's go to to the city in AD129. An auspicious method to start your tour, to be sure. From right here, you can see sites just like the Hippodrome, the place residents held sporting occasions and chariot races, the South Gate, and the Oval Plaza, which is surrounded by first century Ionic columns and is integral within the Jerash Festival.

A trip up a staircase results in the precinct of the Temple of Zeus, which is accessible itself from another staircase. Surrounding the Temple are 15 meter high Corinthian columns. Any traveler has, at this level, had fairly an training in Roman architecture already, but there's more. Along the Cardo Maximus, or fundamental road, which nonetheless bears the unique stone and ruts from chariot wheels, are ornate Corinthians columns. As you get closer to the marketplace, the ruined Macellum, the columns develop taller and more imposing.

Continuing alongside the Cardo Maximus, you stumble upon the Archeological Museum, the Umayyad Mosque, and the ornate gate of the Temple of Dionysus (rebuilt within the 4th Century as a Byzantine church). Excavations are still currently being carried out at the Mosque. Along with mosques and temples, there are four Byzantine church buildings within the area; St. Damian has unbelievable floor mosaics and is worth a particular visit. What's subsequent? The monumental fountain, or nymphaeum, the Temple of Artemis, the small theater, or Odeon, and more. Columns guide you along, bringing you to but extra intriguing sites.

The Jerash Competition, which is held at the end of July and starting of August each year provides the possibility to see the city come alive. For two weeks, local folklore dancers and international troupes converge on Jerash, and singers, musicians, poets, and artists take over the streets. From symphonies and ballets to particular acts and exhibitions for children, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Not only can you get an enchanting insight into the city, you'll be able to choose up some great handicrafts for souvenirs.

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