Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
there is a fascinating exhibition of photographs dating from 1902-11, but the real gem of
the complex is the Acropolis Museum , housed in the ancient, vaulted underbelly of the
church. Here, an ancient well dating to the Moabite era, 3000 years ago, is still operation-
al.
Spare some time and energy to scale the belfry . The last section involves steep metal
ladders with handrails and a bit of dexterity manoeuvring around the bells and bell ropes,
but it's worth the effort for the best panorama in Madaba.
There are spotlessly clean toilets in the visitors centre.
Madaba Museum
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( 3244189; Haya Bint Al-Hussin St; combined ticket JD2; 8am-5pm, to 7pm May-
Sep) Housed in several old Madaba residences, some highlights of this museum include a
6th-century mosaic depicting a naked satyr, a saucy (and partially damaged) mosaic of
Ariadne dancing with cymbals on her hands and feet, and a mosaic in the courtyard de-
picting two rams tied to a tree - a popular image recalling Abraham's sacrifice.
Spare a few minutes in the Folklore Museum , housed at the Madaba Museum and in-
cluded in the admission price. It features jewellery, traditional costumes and a copy of the
Mesha Stele.
There have long been plans to move the museum to Dar Al-Saraya, but nothing has
come of this yet. It may explain, however, why the museum is rather under par. The open
courtyard with grape vines and palms makes a pleasant place to sit.
MUSEUM
Church of the Apostles
(King's Highway; combined ticket JD2; 9am-4pm Oct-Apr, 8am-5pm May-Sep) This
insignificant-looking church contains a remarkable mosaic dedicated to the Twelve
Apostles. The embroidery-like mosaic was created in AD 568 and is one of the few in-
stances where the name of the craftsman (Salomios) is included. The central portion
shows Thalassa, a female personification of the sea, surrounded by fish and slippery mar-
ine creatures. Native animals, birds, flowers and fruits, and cherubic faces decorate the
corners.
CHURCH
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