Gerasa (Jerash Roman Ruins)
Remarkably well-preserved Roman provincial city, with a long colonnaded street, theatres, temples and monumental gates. It is one of the best places in the region to see Roman town planning.
Jerash
Hadrian's Arch, colonnaded streets, temples and theatres survive well in this Roman city north of Amman.
Attractive locations
Arch of Hadrian
Triumphal arch at the southern entrance to ancient Jerash, built around AD 130 to honour a visit by Emperor Hadrian. It marks the start of the walk into the Roman ruins.
Temple of Artemis
Large Roman temple dedicated to Artemis, patron goddess of the city, with tall Corinthian columns that rise above a monumental staircase.
Temple of Zeus
Roman temple on a hilltop with remaining columns, close to the South Theatre and with views over the ruins of ancient Gerasa.
Hippodrome of Gerasa
Ancient Roman racetrack outside the old city walls, where chariot races were held. The long oval arena and remains of the seating are still visible.
Ajlun Castle
Hilltop castle built in the late 1100s to guard against the Crusaders, with thick walls, towers and long views across the hills toward the Jordan Valley.
Oval Forum
Large oval plaza ringed by columns at the heart of the ancient city, where the main colonnaded street begins. The shape and the surviving columns make a memorable first view.
Airports
Marka International (Amman Civil) Airport ADJ
It is about 35 km in a straight line from Jerash.
Queen Alia International Airport AMM
It is about 62 km in a straight line from Jerash.
Scams and safe taxis
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan10.7 °C93 mm
- Feb11.9 °C79 mm
- Mar15.0 °C40 mm
- Apr18.7 °C20 mm
- May23.3 °C6 mm
- Jun26.7 °C1 mm
- Jul28.7 °C0 mm
- Aug28.8 °C1 mm
- Sep26.9 °C2 mm
- Oct23.7 °C12 mm
- Nov17.7 °C40 mm
- Dec12.8 °C79 mm
Driest months: Jun, Jul, Aug. Wettest months: Jan, Feb, Dec.
Costs
Prices here are about 42% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Festivals and events
culture
Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts
Roman ruins are the setting for theatre and concerts.
Who can help
Emergency
911 for emergencies (ask your hotel for the local police and ambulance numbers).
local government
Tourist Police hotline (Jordan Government portal)
Helps with: Tourism Police hotline listed on the government portal. The Tourism Ministry also announced 117777 in March 2026. For any emergency, dial 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
Who qualifies: Tourists and other visitors in Jordan who need police assistance.
Phone: +962 79 550 5755
local government
Jordan Tourism Board
Helps with: Jordan's national tourism promotion body. Its website lists a phone number and an email address for visitor enquiries.
Who qualifies: Anyone travelling to Jordan or planning a trip there.
Phone: 0096265678444
Email: info@visitjordan.com
ngo
Jordan National Red Crescent Society
Helps with: Jordan's national Red Crescent society. Its website describes a hospital, first aid and disaster risk reduction training, and a vocational training centre.
Who qualifies: People in Jordan who need its medical, first aid or training services.
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Jordan
Helps with: The UN migration agency, working in Jordan since 1994 to promote humane and orderly migration. Its Amman office lists a phone number and email for enquiries.
Who qualifies: Migrants and organisations working on migration in Jordan. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +962 7 9362 5080
Email: iomamman@iom.int
Address: Al Sharif Abdul Hamid Sharaf St., Buildings 62-64, Shmeisani, Amman
local government
Emergency number 911 (police, ambulance and fire)
Helps with: Reaches the police, ambulance and fire services in Jordan. The number comes from UK government travel advice.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors, can call this number.
Phone: 911