Jordanian Tourism Website

The town of Madaba, located 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, and is well known for its 6th century mosaics. The town dates back at least 3500 years and it is mentioned in Moses's exodus (Numbers 21: 30). Its rich farmlands were sought by the Moabites, Edomites, Ammonites and  Israelites. The Ammonites controlled Madaba by 165 BCE but it was lost again by 110 BCE. The Nabateans of Petra subsequently controlled it until 7 BCE when the Romans conquered it.  In the Byzantine era Madaba was in its most powerful position. A number of religious structures were built and many of the amasing mosaics were made. After the Persian invasion in 614 CE and an earthquake in 747 CE the town became deserted. It was later repopulated in the 19th century by Christians from Kerak when the towns mosaics were rediscovered.

The most well known mosaic is in Saint Georges church and is a map of Palestine. The towns of Jerusalem, Nablus, Jericho and Hebron, as well as the CHurch of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dead Sea, River Jordan, Egypt and the Nile are all clearly visible. It was made around 560 CE. The church is open from 08:30-18:00, except on Friday and Sunday when it is open 10:30-18:00.  It opens from Wednesdays to Mondays at  09:00-17:00, and 10:00-16:00 on holidays .

Madaba is known for its hand woven carpets as well as the mosaics and these can be bought in the town. Also it is possible to see them being made in the shops.

The best place to eat in Madaba is Haret Jdoudan, which also has an interesting collection of craft shops as well as good food. Madaba's Centre (tel. 08-543-376) is located in a white building near St. George’s Church and open Saturday through Thursday 08:00-14:00.

A few miles to the west of Madaba is Mount Nebo. This is the sight from which Moses surveyed the Promised Land that he would never enter. There is a church at the top of the mountain, which contains some fascinating mosaics which date from before the Byzantine period. The views from the summit are fantastic and one can see the Dead Sea, Jericho and on a clear day into Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Fortunately, there is not too much walking at all as you can park 200 metres from the top. The church is open during daylight hours.