Sights and Entertainment

Jerash’s dusty claim to fame is its extensive ruins, even though the best parts are probably lying beneath your feet (more than 90% of ancient Jerash is still unexcavated and awaits research). Enter the site by the visitors center or the north gate. The ruins are open daily 7:30am-7:30pm; admission is JD2, free during the festival (see below). We’ll walk you through the ruins from south to north.

The Triumphal (or Hadrianic) Arch, 400m south of the ancient walls, honors the arrival of Emperor Hadrian in the winter of 129 AD. Walking from that monument to the main entrance you’ll pass the extensive remains of the Hippodrome, including stables and spectator seats. From the entrance, the Forum of Ionic Columns opens up into a main street intersected by two perpendicular avenues.

A footpath leads from the forum up to the astounding South Theater. Greek doodles reveal that 4000 of Jerash’s wealthiest citizens could reserve seats here. The two-story backstage, still furnished with curtains and marble statues, once dominated the setting. The ruined Temple of Zeus lies behind the theater’s seats. The Street of Columns runs the distance between the forum and the North Gate.