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Jerash
Jerash · Jerash Governorate, north of Amman, Jordan
Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza and a well-preserved Roman theatre — a complete Roman city from the empire's eastern provinces.
Know before you go
- Don't climb or carve on the ruins
- follow instructions during performances in the theatre.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Jerash, anciently Gerasa, was one of the Roman Decapolis; the triumphal arch was built for Emperor Hadrian's visit in the 2nd century. The Oval Plaza, ringed by an Ionic colonnade, is a model of Roman town planning, and the South Theatre seats about 3,000 and is still used for performances. Abandoned and buried after the great earthquake of 749, the city survived remarkably intact and is called 'the Pompeii of the East'.
Local customs
- Jerash is Jordan's second most visited destination, and locals are proud of their ancient city
- in summer the Jerash Festival stages concerts in the theatre.
Religion & beliefs
- The site includes remains of Byzantine churches
- modern Jordan is mainly Muslim, and ordinary respect is all that's needed.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Jordan: stay out of canyons in the rainy season
- From November to March, check the weather before entering a canyon, and wait at least a day after heavy rain
- If a flash flood comes, move to higher ground
- Entering a canyon after heavy rain
- Trying to wade through floodwater
In the rainy season, canyons can flood suddenly and are very dangerous; call 911 for rescue.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Jordan travel advice
Jordan: no drinking in the street
- Drink in bars, hotels or private homes
- Drinking in the street
It is illegal.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Jordan travel advice
Jordan: don't stay in Petra outside opening hours
- Enter and leave at the park's set hours
- If you have questions about ticket prices or extra charges, ask at the visitor centre first
- Staying in Petra Archaeological Park after closing
You may be arrested and prosecuted; visitors have been locked in the park overnight.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Jordan travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't climb or carve on the ruins
- follow instructions during performances in the theatre.
Locals appreciate DO
Locals like to bring their children to picnic in the ancient city and know its Roman stories well.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The site is open with little shade, so in summer bring water and sun protection and go early in the morning
- it can be combined with the Amman Citadel on the same day. The South Theatre has a daily bagpipe performance (a tradition of Jordanian army bands) worth catching. Check tickets on the official website
- the site is large, so allow at least 3 hours.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Mansaf
- Maqluba
- Grilled meat and Arabic flatbread
Mansaf, maqluba, grilled meat with Arabic flatbread, falafel sandwiches, kanafeh (cheese pastry in syrup)
| Where to eat | Restaurants outside the gates of ancient Jerash / in town (a cluster of local grill houses); back in Amman for old kanafeh shops |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Use your right hand; keep a low profile during Ramadan |
| Typical price per person | JOD 7–13 ≈ CNY 70–130 |
| Tips | There are no proper meals inside the ruins — top up on water at the shops by the gate; summer sun is fierce, so eat first and then explore, or go in early in the morning. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
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Ji-Elle · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
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Petar Milošević · CC BY-SA 4.0
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sources & verification notes
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