Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
most unusual feature of the
Roman city is the
Oval Plaza
(1st century AD) which, with
its asymmetrical shape, is a
unique monument from the
Roman world. The plaza, 80 m
by 90 m (262 ft by 295 ft), is
enclosed by 160 Ionic
columns. Beneath its stone
i
600 m (660 yards) long, which
was lined with the city's major
buildings, shops and
residences. Chariot tracks are
visible in the stones. To the
left lies the
Agora
, the city's
main food market, which had
a central fountain. At the
Tetrapylon (crossroads) the
Cd
l
t
Temple of Zeus (2nd century AD)
Decumanus
, which runs
east-west. Further along on
the left side of the Cardo is the
2nd-century
Nymphaeum
, a
lavish public fountain. One of
its basins has a design of four
fish kissing. Nearby is the
impressive
Temple of Artemis
,
the patron goddess of the city
in Greek and Roman times.
Close to the Temple are the
remains of several Byzantine
churches. The largest is usually
referred to as the
Cathedral
.
There is also a complex of
three churches, dedicated to
SS
Cosmas and Damian, St John
the Baptist
and
St George
,
which dates back to AD
526-33 and has fine mosaic
floors. Further along the Cardo,
to the right, is the
Propylaeum
Church
with the remains of an
ornate plaza in front, while
next to it are the ruins of an
Omayyad Mosque
. Beyond lie
the unexcavated
West Baths
,
which preserve a splendid
domed ceiling. At the
North
Tetrapylon
, once marked by a
dome resting on four arches,
the road to the left leads to the
small
North Theatre
.
Allow at least half a day to
see the ruins, and finish off
with the
Museum
, displaying
sarcophagi, statuary and coins.
y
t
u
r
q
e
w
0
9
@
8
6
7
5
3
4
n
h
2
1
Cardo
6
Cathedral
9
Hadrian's Arch
1
Hippodrome
2
North Tetrapylon
y
North Theatre
u
Nymphaeum
w
Omayyad Mosque
r
Propylaeum Church
e
SS Cosmas and Damian, St John
the Baptist and St George
0
South Decumanus
8
South Theatre
4
Temple of Artemis
q
Temple of Zeus
3
West Baths
t
The reconstructed South Gate, the
4th-century AD entrance to Jerash
