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Madaba: Travel Guide

Discover the treasure trove of mosaics in the heart of Madaba, the City of Mosaics

 
 

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General information

Welcome to Madaba, a charming city in Jordan, famous for its magnificent historic mosaics dating back to Byzantine times. Known as the "City of Mosaics", Madaba offers visitors a fascinating insight into the region's history and culture.

POPULATION

Madaba is a welcoming city with a warm and diverse population. The inhabitants are proud of their cultural heritage and are known for their hospitality to visitors.

CLIMATE

Madaba enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit the city is generally in spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant for exploring the sights.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD).

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic.

A bit of history

Madaba, located in Jordan, has a rich history dating back over 3,500 years. Founded by the Moabites, it was occupied by the Ammonites, Byzantines and Umayyads.

However, it was under the Byzantine Empire that Madaba flourished and was covered with sumptuous mosaics. One of the most emblematic discoveries is the famous "Map of Madaba", a 6th-century mosaic depicting Jerusalem and other biblical cities.

Over the centuries, Madaba has played an important role as a commercial and cultural center. The city's eventful history has left behind a remarkable cultural and architectural heritage, attracting travellers from all over the world today.

Its well-preserved mosaics bear witness to the city's glorious past, making it a must-see destination for lovers of history and culture.

Madaba Jordan

What to visit in MAdaba

Madaba is a city steeped in history and culture, brimming with architectural and artistic treasures. Here are just a few of the must-see sites to discover during your visit:

Mount Nebo

Saint-Georges Church

Madaba Archaeological Museum

Mosaic workshops

When to visit Madaba

The best time to visit Madaba is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring historic sites in the open air and avoiding the intense summer heat.

What to do around Madaba

Madaba is also an excellent starting point for exploring the wonders that surround it. Here are a few suggestions for nearby excursions:

WADI RUM

the Dana nature reserve

Jerash archaeological museum

Mukawir

Our selection of accommodation in Madaba

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Our Restaurant selection in Madaba

Madaba offers delicious Jordanian cuisine, with an abundance of local restaurants. Here are some of the best places to enjoy local delicacies:

Haret Jdoudna

Ayola Café Restaurant

Events not to be missed in Madaba

Madaba is also the scene of exciting cultural celebrations and events throughout the year. Here are two not-to-be-missed events

Madaba Mosaic Festival

Madaba Mosaic Festival

The Madaba Mosaic Festival is an annual event celebrating the art and history of mosaics in the "City of Mosaics". It usually takes place in spring, an ideal time to visit Madaba.

Jerash Festival

Jerash Festival

The Jerash Festival, also known as the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, is one of Jordan's major cultural events. It takes place every year during the summer in the majestic Roman ruins of Jerash, about 1 hour's drive from Madaba.

Transportation in Madaba

Car rental

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

Bus

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

Cab

Cabs are a convenient and common way to get around Madaba. Shared cabs, also known as "servees", are a cheaper option for journeys shared with other passengers.

The cost of living in Madaba

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

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

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Aqaba vary in price, it is usually between €31 and €71 per night depending on the level of comfort and amenities offered,You can find luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, budget hostels.

Food

Restaurants in Madaba offer a variety of dishes, from Jordanian specialties to international cuisine. Meal prices vary according to the type of establishment and the level of service, but the average price is around €6.

Transportation

Transport fares in Madaba are generally affordable. Cabs are fairly cheap, but be sure to agree the fare in advance or use the meter. Public bus fares are also economical.

Activities

Madaba offers a variety of interesting activities and visits at reasonable prices. Entrance fees to historic sites and museums are generally affordable. Festivals and cultural events can also offer enriching experiences without putting too much of a strain on the budget.

Must-Do activities in Madaba

Practical information

Madaba is a relatively safe city for travelers, but it is 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.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR Madaba

Travel insurance is particularly important if you're planning a trip to Madaba, 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 Madaba, it's important to take into account bank charges so as to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way, and the one we recommend, is to open a bank 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

Madaba's landmarks include St. George's Church, with its famous "Map of Madaba" and other mosaics, and Mount Nebo, a biblical site offering impressive panoramic views.

The best time to visit Madaba is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the sights without being affected by the summer heat.

Means of transport in Madaba include local cabs for getting around town, public buses for longer journeys to other Jordanian cities, and car rentals for greater independence.

the typical dishes to try in Madaba include Mansaf, a traditional lamb dish cooked in a mixture of yoghurt and rice, and Falafel, fried chickpea dumplings, often served in pita bread.

Madaba's Archaeological Museum is a must-see, offering a fascinating collection of ancient artifacts and mosaics. There are also mosaic workshops where you can learn more about this unique art form.

Most attractions in Madaba do not require advance ticket purchase. You can usually buy your tickets on the spot, except for certain special events or festivals for which it may be advisable to book in advance.

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