Jerash: One of the Best-Preserved Roman Cities in the World

An hour north of Amman, Jerash (ancient Gerasa) is one of the most complete provincial Roman cities anywhere in the world, and a cornerstone of cultural tourism in Jordan. Its colonnaded main street, the oval forum, the Hippodrome, temples of Zeus and Artemis, theatres and triumphal arches survive in remarkable condition beneath green hills.

Walk the 800-metre Cardo Maximus with its original paving stones and chariot ruts, catch the chrushing of the columns by acoustics in the South Theatre, and time your visit with the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in summer. The ruins are vast but mostly flat, so allow three to four hours.

Jerash pairs naturally with Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Muslim fortress with sweeping views, and Umm Qais with its panorama of the Sea of Galilee. It is a simple day trip from the capital if you hire car & driver in Jordan, and the northern loop is included in most full package tours to Jordan.