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Jerash : Travel Guide

Explore the living history of Jerash, amidst Roman ruins and Oriental charm!

 
 

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General information

Located in the northwest of Jordan, Jerash is a captivating destination for history and culture enthusiasts. Renowned for its incredibly preserved extensive Roman archaeological site, Jerash offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore a once-thriving city of the Roman Empire. With its majestic columns, imposing temples, and paved streets, Jerash is a true historical treasure.

POPULATION

The city of Jerash has approximately 120,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most populous cities in Jordan.

CLIMATE

Jerash enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, and generally mild and rainy winters, with temperatures around 10-15°C.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD).

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic.

A bit of history

Jerash has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Founded in the 1st century BC, it was once a thriving city of the Decapolis, a league of ten Roman cities in the region.

During its heyday, Jerash, known as Gerasa, was a major Roman colony with an estimated population of over 20,000. The city was a vital commercial crossroads linking East and West.

The archaeological site of Jerash is one of the best preserved in the Middle East, offering visitors a vivid insight into life in the Roman Empire. Highlights include Hadrian's famous arch, the hippodrome, the temples of Zeus and Artemis, the oval forum, the northern theater and much more.

Beyond the Roman period, Jerash was also inhabited by other civilizations, notably the Byzantines and Umayyads.

These influences are reflected in the city's architecture and historical remains. A visit to Jerash is an immersive dive into the region's history and a unique opportunity to discover the remains of a distant past.

Jerash Jordan

What to visit in Jerash

Discover the treasures of Jerash in this section! From historic sites to dazzling ruins, immerse yourself in the region's spellbinding atmosphere. Explore its well-preserved ancient sites and discover the region's rich and captivating history.

the archaeological site

Hadrian's Arch

The temple of Zeus

The Cardo maximust

When to Visit Jerash

The best time to visit Jerash is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are generally pleasant, fluctuating between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, allowing for comfortable exploration of the sights.

What to do around Jerash

In addition to the archaeological wonders of Jerash, the surrounding area also offers many interesting activities. Explore the picturesque landscapes, nearby historic sites and unique cultural experiences.Here are some suggestions for exciting activities to do around Jerash.

Ajloun Castle

Umm Qais

WADI RUM

Ajloun nature reserve

Our selection of accommodation in jerash

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Our selection of Restaurants in Jerash

Discover Jerash's culinary scene with our selection of restaurants offering delicious, authentic cuisine. Whether you're a fan of traditional Jordanian cuisine or want to sample international flavors, you'll find options to satisfy every craving.

Green Valley

TAWAHEEN AL-HAWA

Events not to be missed in Jerash

Attend Jerash's lively cultural events for an immersive experience of local life. From traditional festivals to contemporary art performances, there's always something to celebrate in Jerash.

Jerash Festival

Jerash Festival

An annual cultural festival showcasing music, dance and theater in the magnificent setting of the Jerash ruins. The festival offers a unique opportunity to delve into Jordan's rich cultural heritage and admire the talents of renowned artists from around the world.

Jerash Camel Race

Jerash Camel Race

 This annual camel racing competition is a lively and spectacular event. Watch the fast, graceful camels race, take part in traditional festivities and discover Bedouin culture in the heart of the desert.

Transportation in Jerash

Car rental

Car rental is a practical option for those wishing to explore Jerash and the surrounding area independently. Several car rental agencies are available in Jerash and the neighboring towns.

Bus

Public buses connect Jerash with other towns and villages in the region. They are an economical option for longer-distance travel. Timetables may vary, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Taxi

Local cabs are a convenient and affordable way to get around Jerash. They are readily available throughout the city and can be used for short or long journeys. Be sure to negotiate the fare before boarding.

Guided tours

For those who prefer a more organized experience, guided tours are an excellent option. Many agencies offer guided tours of Jerash and the surrounding area, providing local knowledge and a well-planned itinerary.

The cost of living in Jerash

0
Average salary in Wadi Rum
The cost of living is very affordable. 35%

Jerash's cost of living offers a favorable balance between affordability and quality. making it an affordable destination for travelers. Here are some examples of common costs in Jerash:

Accommodation

Accommodation prices in Jerash can vary according to location, size and facilities. A room in the city center and most popular neighborhoods can cost an average of €32/night.

Food

Food options in Jerash are varied, from inexpensive local restaurants to upscale international eateries. Small street restaurants often offer delicious meals at affordable prices starting from 5.1 , while more upscale restaurants can be more expensive, at 10€ on average per meal .

Transportation

The public transport system in Jerash is affordable, with bus fares ranging from 0.6 to 1.3 euros. Cabs are also relatively affordable, with fares starting from 0.45/km.

Activities

The cost of entertainment in Jerash can vary depending on the activities you choose: some attractions have entrance fees, while others are free. Entrance fees for tourist sites are generally affordable, starting at €4. 

Activities not to be missed in Jerash

Practical information

Jerash is a relatively safe city for travelers, but it's always important to take certain precautions... In addition, it is advisable to keep abreast of the latest updates on the city's security situation by consulting the local and international media.

jerash travel insurance

Travel insurance is particularly important if you're planning to travel to Jerash, Jordan.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

When traveling to Jerashi, it is important to take bank charges into account in order to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The simplest way and the one we recommend is to open an account Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Frequently asked questions

 Jerash's landmarks include Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, the Oval Plaza and the South Theater, testifying to ancient Roman grandeur.

The best time to visit Jerash is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant for exploring the archaeological sites.

 Means of transport in Jerash include local cabs, public buses linking Jerash to neighboring towns, and car rental for added flexibility.

In Jerash, you can enjoy typical Jordanian dishes such as Mansaf (lamb cooked in yoghurt and rice) and Kofta (spicy meatballs).

Although Jerash is primarily an archaeological site, you can learn more about its history at the Jerash Archaeological Museum.

Yes, the Jerash Festival, which takes place in summer, is a major cultural event with music, dance and theatrical performances in the Roman ruins. Don't miss it if you visit Jerash at this time of year!

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