Jordanian Tourism Website

Jerash is located 50 kilometers north of Amman and was part of the ten Decapolis. There is evidence that the settlement predates the Roman and Greek era's. Jerash is a vast Roman town with colonnaded streets, theatres and many other interesting remains. It has been said that Jerash is one of the best examples of Roman architecture outside Italy.

Jerash's golden age was during the time of Alexander the Great where it was able to exploit the mines and agriculture of the region and do substantial trade with the Nabateans (Petra). As a result, much of the building we see today comes from that era. However, when the trade routes moved to the sea, Jerash saw the beginning of its decline. Although a small settlement survived until the beginning of the Islamic empire, it was described as uninhabited by the Crusadors.

Today Jerash provides an interesting sight for tourism. Often it has been missed out on the tourists route south towards Petra, and it really is a great excursion that shouldn't be missed. Through recent efforts, the Jordanians have been able to invigorate the sight by investing in a visitor centre and tradecraft stalls, which have given Jerash a greater status.