Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
JERASH FESTIVAL OF CULTURE & ARTS
If you happen to be in Jordan in the middle of summer, it's worth catching a show in one of the Roman amphi-
theatres. Since 1981 the ancient city of Jerash has hosted the annual
Jerash Festival of Culture & Arts
(
www.jerashfestival.jo
)
, under the sponsorship of Queen Noor. Events are held in the South Theatre, North Theatre
and Oval Plaza in Jerash, as well as the Royal Cultural Centre in Amman, and other places like Umm Qais and Mt
Nebo. Special programs for children are also held at the Haya Cultural Centre in Amman.
The festival is held over 17 days from mid-July to mid-August, and features an eclectic array of performances in-
cluding plays, poetry readings, opera and musical concerts from around the world. Events are listed in English in the
official souvenir news sheet, the
Jerash Daily,
printed every day of the festival, and the English-language newspa-
pers published in Amman.
Tickets cost around JD10 for events in Jerash, and around JD30 for more formal events in Amman and elsewhere.
Since the events change from year to year, it is best to check online regarding the locations of ticketing venues.
There is also a
festival office
next to the visitor centre near the South Gate, though it's only open during the festival.
Several bus companies, including JETT, offer special transport to Jerash, which is useful considering public trans-
port usually finishes early in the evening.
Sleeping
Many people visit Jerash as a day trip from Amman, which is possible on a tour but quite
difficult using public transport unless you make a very early start. An overnight stop is
more rewarding: the modern town of Jerash, which encompasses the ruins of the Eastern
Baths, comes to life after sunset and is a pleasant place to explore in the early evening.
With only one hotel in the middle of the town, and only one other place to stay nearby, it
is important to book ahead. If you have a car, Ajloun has more accommodation and is
only about a 20-minute drive away.
HOTEL
Olive Branch Resort$$
( 6340555;
www.olivebranch.com.jo
;
s/d/tr incl breakfast from JD35/50/60, camping
own tent/hired tent JD11/14; )
Around 7km from Jerash on the road to Ajloun, this
hilltop countryside hotel is located in a picturesque and tranquil spot amid olive groves
and pine trees. The spacious rooms have some oddities, such as a bathtub in the bedroom,
but the private balconies with rural views compensate. Country fare, including kebab sup-
pers and
labneh
breakfasts, are served in the poolside garden or in the modest restaurant
with panoramic views. Unstructured camping is possible in the grounds. A taxi from Jer-
