The East Baths are across the wadi, just north of the mosque in the new town. Scattered around the western part of the city are the ruins of some 13 churches of more recent vintage. The Northern Gate was built in the 2nd century AD to open onto the newly completed road to Pella in the Jordan Valley.

Occasionally, during the summer months, there is an hour-long sound and light show among the ruins, with special JETT buses running to and from the show. Check with the JETT office in Amman (tel. 66 41 46) for details.

jerash is undergoing eternal restoration, as the government attempts to raise the city’s profile. The Jerash Festival, which has been running since 1981, takes place every summer in July or August and is under royal patronage. Check with the Jerash Festival office in Amman for details (tel. 67 51 99) or see The Jordan Times for complete coverage. The South Theater and Artemis Steps provide a dramatic setting for musical, theatrical, and dance groups from all over the world, and recently featured Andrew Lloyd Webber’s breathtakingly mediocre composition, Starlight Express. Shows range from the Gary Burton Quintet to Radio Jordan Orchestra to the Azerbaijan State Ballet to modem interpretations of We Taming of the Shrew.