Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
20
Ticket Checkpoint
B5
21
Ticket Office
(Site Entrance)
B7
C5
Sights
The ruins at Jerash cover a huge area and can seem daunting at first, especially as there is
virtually no signage. To help the ruins come alive, engage one of the knowledgeable
guides (JD20) at the ticket checkpoint to help you navigate the main complex. Alternat-
ively, visit the main structures in the sequence in which they're presented below. The
whole route, walking at a leisurely pace and allowing time for sitting on a fallen column
and enjoying the spectacular views, takes a minimum of three to four hours; two oppor-
tunities are suggested following, however, to cut the visit short.
The entrance to the site is south of the ancient city, close to Hadrian's Arch. The
ticket
office
Offline map
Google map
( 6351272; admission JD8; 8am-4.30pm Oct-
Apr, to 7pm May-Sep)
is in a modern souq with souvenir and antique shops, a post office
and a semi-traditional coffeehouse. Keep your ticket as you will have to show it at the
South Gate.
Hadrian's Arch
There's no better way of gaining a sense of the pomp and splendour of Rome than walk-
ing through the triumphal, 13m-tall Hadrian's Arch at the entrance to Jerash. Don't be
tempted to bypass the gate by nipping up the neighbouring slope or you will miss the in-
tentional framing of the city from the top of the arch steps. From here you can see a
honey-coloured assortment of columns and walls, some delicately carved with acanthus
leaves, some solid and practical, extending all the way to a pale view of hills in the dis-
tance - just as the Roman architects intended.
Built to honour the visiting Emperor Hadrian, the gateway was originally twice this
height and encompassed three enormous wooden doors.
MONUMENTAL GATEWAY
Hippodrome
STADIUM
