Hidden among the green hills of northern Jordan lies Jerash, a city of stone and memory a place where time stands still, and ancient columns whisper stories of empires long past. Known as The City of a Thousand Columns, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, second only to Rome itself. It is a living museum where every arch, every stone road, and every temple tells a tale of grace, power, and artistry.

A Roman Masterpiece in the Heart of Jordan

Walking through Jerash feels like stepping back nearly two thousand years. Once called Gerasa, this magnificent city was part of the Decapolis a league of ten great Roman cities that flourished through trade and culture. The Romans built Jerash with such precision and grandeur that much of it still stands today, making it one of the most complete examples of Roman urban planning anywhere on earth.

Visitors enter through the monumental Hadrian’s Arch, built in 129 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit. Beyond it lies the ancient world the Hippodrome, where chariots once thundered across the sand; the Oval Plaza, a breathtaking open square framed by a perfect ring of Ionic columns; and the Cardo Maximus, a long colonnaded street paved with original Roman stones, where the marks of chariot wheels can still be seen.

Every corner reveals artistry: majestic temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis, grand theaters with remarkable acoustics, and fountains that once sparkled with life. Jerash is not a ruin; it is a city paused in time, waiting to be rediscovered.

Faith, Culture, and Continuity

Though Roman in design, Jerash has always been more than a Roman city. Over the centuries, it absorbed the influences of Byzantine, Islamic, and modern Jordanian culture, creating a tapestry of faith and resilience. The Byzantine churches built within the ancient city are adorned with exquisite mosaics, reflecting the Christian heritage that later flourished here.

When Islam spread through the region, Jerash continued to thrive as a vibrant community. Even today, the surrounding town is alive with Jordanian hospitality, where locals proudly preserve their connection to the land and its timeless ruins. This blending of eras and cultures is what makes Jerash so uniquely Jordanian ancient yet alive, historic yet welcoming.

The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts

Each summer, the ancient theaters of Jerash come alive once again not with gladiators or emperors, but with music, dance, and poetry. The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts transforms the ruins into a stage for modern expression, attracting performers from across the Arab world and beyond.
Under the glow of the stars, amid Roman columns and stone seats, audiences gather to celebrate creativity and heritage. It is a living example of how Jordan honors its past while embracing its present a bridge between history and art.

For travelers with Jordan Address, attending this festival is a breathtaking experience to see culture performed where it once began, surrounded by history that refuses to fade.

The Beauty Beyond the Stones

Beyond its monuments, Jerash is a city of natural beauty and warm people. Set among rolling hills and olive groves, it offers a refreshing contrast to the desert landscapes of southern Jordan. The nearby villages are filled with family-run bakeries, local crafts, and olive farms, perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences.

After exploring the ruins, visitors can enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal in the town mansaf, fresh bread, and sweet knafeh served with Arabic coffee while gazing over the hills that cradle this eternal city. It’s not just a journey through history; it’s a taste of Jordanian life itself.

A Timeless Experience with Jordan Address

At Jordan Address, we see Jerash as more than an archaeological wonder  it’s a story of endurance and elegance. We curate visits that let travelers walk through history with context and feeling: guided explorations of temples and plazas, storytelling moments in the grand theater, and quiet pauses in the colonnaded streets where the wind carries ancient echoes.

For those seeking to connect with Jordan’s deeper soul, Jerash is a must. It represents the balance between greatness and grace proof that civilizations rise and fall, but beauty remains.

Jerash Where the Past Still Breathes

To visit Jerash is to witness how time can stand still yet still speak. It’s a place where footsteps echo through centuries, and where travelers walk not as tourists but as guests of history.
When the sunlight touches its golden stones, and the call of birds replaces the roar of ancient crowds, Jerash becomes more than a destination it becomes an experience of wonder, pride, and peace.

At Jordan Address, we believe Jerash is not just part of Jordan’s story it is one of the world’s greatest reminders that heritage, like the people who guard it, never fades.