Surrounded by a breathtaking panorama, the ruins of Umm Qais are an extraordinary archaeological site in the north of Jordan
The site of Umm Qais is rich in remains, especially of Roman buildings dating back to the 2nd century CE
Located in the northernmost tip of Jordan, in the governorate of Irbid, Umm Qais is a small town whose tranquil landscapes overlook Lake Tiberias, the Gola Heights and the Syrian border. But its fame is due especially to the valuable archaeological site of Jadara, a city whose oldest remains date back to the 3rd century BCE.
The site was rediscovered in the 19th century thanks to an excavation campaign launched in the 1930s by Jordan's Department of Antiquities. A new archaeological phase was initiated in 1974, carried out by the German Protestant Institute of Archaeology. The site of Umm Qais is rich in evidence of Greco-Roman culture; most of the Roman buildings date from the 2nd century CE.
Visitors will be amazed at the conservative quality of certain monuments, some of which were located along the main colonnaded road. The Eastern Cemetery, the Theatres, the Shops, the Public Baths and the Nymphaeum, as well as the Western Gates (with their towers) and the Northern Mausoleum, where a Greek inscription dated 355/356 CE has been found, which reads: 'I say to you, passers-by: as you are, as I am, so shall you be. Use life as a human being'.
Gadara was divided into two sectors by a long decumanus, from which smaller roads led off, and on either side of these were built the residential quarters. The streets were paved with basalt and provided with pavements, while a vast and complex underground water system supplied the city with fresh water.
Quick overview
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Opening days
Open daily
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Opening times
Summer:
From 8:00 am till 7:00 pm
Winter:
From 8:00 am till 4:30 pm -
How to reach
By car:
From Irbid take Ateyat Bani Hani St. and then follow the signs for Umm Qais. The total distance is approximately 26 km
By walk:
From the centre of the modern town, walk up towards the archaeological site following the signs and walking for about one km -
Reservation & Price
No reservation needed
Services
- Cafés and food Courts
- Restaurants
- Visits Available in English, Arabic
Additional Info
Entrance fee*:
- 5 dinars (non-Jordanian visitors)
- 0.25 dinars (Jordanian visitors)
*The cost of the ticket also includes a visit to the Museum
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Event
- Spring
Visiting Rules
Basic rules:
All visitors are invited to observe the basic rules of respect for the preservation of nature. The natural heritage is protected under Jordanian and international laws
Covid 19 rules:
Visitors are requested to wear a mask in enclosed or heavily crowded areas and to maintain the safety distance indicated by the regulations in force