1. Introduction: Why Take a Walking Tour of Jerash?
Jerash walking tour is one of the most satisfying experiences that a traveler can have when visiting Jordan particularly people that are keen on history, architecture, and cultural tour. Jerash is referred to as one of the most preserved Roman cities outside Italy and provides a visitor with a unique opportunity to enter the ancient world directly. The ruins consist of great temples and theatres, colonnaded streets and great arches, and are in a wonderful state of preservation even after a period of over 2,000 years.
When you decide on a walking tour of Jerash, then you are able to take your own time at the site. By walking, as you can observe small things, unlike driving or even rushing on a short visit, such as the prints of wheel of chariot etched in stone streets, the elaborate carvings on columns, and breathtaking scenes of temples atop the hill. The past of Jerash comes alive in a personal and realistic way in a walking tour.
Taking a walking tour around Jerash, one should expect both a variety of landmarks and some secrets. You will visit huge open markets, walk on ancient staircases, and be where Romans used to assemble. Whether it is a historical tour or a mere tourist guide, a walking tour of Jerash is one of the memorable time trips.
2. Where Is Jerash and How to Get There?
Jerash is a city that is an easy and common day-trip to a capital of Jordan and a walking tour of Jerash starts approximately 50 kilometers north of Amman. The town is situated at a fertile valley and engulfed by rolling hills making Jerash very accessible and scenic. The ease of accessibility to its location has rendered a walking tour of Jerash a simple planning task both to individual travelers and tour groups.
Jerash is accessible in a number of ways. By renting a car, you are flexible and can include your walking tour of Jerash with other attractions in the area as the Ajloun Castle. Taxi services in Amman are also very common and affordable and guided tours offer transport, historical background and organized walking tour of Jerash experience. There is also a public bus available in the North Bus Station Amman which can be taken by the budget travelers.
The main advice before beginning the walking tour of Jerash would be to keep a check on the entrance fees and the opening hours because in some seasons there is a slight difference. The site does open normally in the morning and shuts down on an evening in the late afternoon. Coming early is a guarantee that you will have better weather and less people around to make your walking tour of Jerash more bearable and fun.
3. How Long Does a Walking Tour of Jerash Take?
The Jerash walking tour will last between two to four hours, depending on how fast and interested you are. There are visitors who want to see the site in a one-hour tour and those that want to spend their whole day at this massive archeological site. The good thing about a walking tour of Jerash is that it can be adjusted to your time.
To the majority of the travelers, a half-day walking tour of Jerash is perfect. This will give a sufficient time to see the large attractions such as the Arch of Hadrian, the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the temples without haste. However, history lovers can also opt to take a full-day walking tour of Jerash to enjoy the theaters, churches, and the hilltops.
Early morning or late afternoon is the most appropriate time a day to take a walking tour of Jerash. Temperatures may be high during midday particularly during summer. During cooler hours you will not only have a more comfortable time walking through Jerash, but also have a better time taking photos since the lighting is softer. The timing is something to consider in order to have a better and more memorable experience.
4. Starting Point: Hadrian’s Arch
Most of the Jerash sightseeing tourists begin to walk around the area with the Hadrians Arch being one of the most outstanding places in the location. In memory of the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the year 129 AD, this triumphal arch was built and it had been used to play the role of south gate in the ancient city. You may start your walking tour about Jerash with this spot and can already get an idea of what you will be seeing in this magnificent place.
The Arch of Hadrian is nearly 13 meters high and the Arch has three wide aisles that are carved and surrounded with ornamental niches. Its massive blocks of rocks and wonderful architecture introduce the masterpiece of Roman edifices. A walking tour of Jerash leaves you as you go through the arch you are literally walking back to the past.
The best photo opportunities are also offered in this masterpiece building. It is dramatic with the help of the arches which are symmetrical and the hills around it. Most of the travelers claim that the Arch of Hadrian is the most appropriate point to begin walking around Jerash since one will be immediately transported to the very heart of Roman power and control in the region.
5. The Hippodrome
A stroll around Jerash is incomplete without the majestic Hippodrome which is the old Roman chariot race arena found close to the Arch of Hadrian. This enormous building used to host exciting chariot races and sports, which were providing entertainment to thousands of people. You can see the size of the Hippodrome as you proceed with your walking tour of Jerash.
The Hippodrome is approximately 245 meters long and it could hold around 15,000 spectators. Its long U-shaped design and tiered seats can be traced back to the classic Roman design and engineering. As you pay a walking tour of Jerash, it is easy to view the decaying remnants of the stands that were used by the spectators and envision the excitement that used to fill the arena.
There are also reenactment shows and Roman-style performances in the season, and they make the history alive to the visitors. The demonstration you also witness during the walking tour of Jerash is also a way of making it interactive. There is no need to display a show, just being in the Hippodrome will enable you to enjoy the entertainment culture of ancient Jerash and the magnificence that characterizes a walk tour of Jerash.
6. The Oval Plaza (Forum)
The Oval Plaza or the Forum is one of the most stunning sights that can be seen in a June walk through Jerash. This plaza, which is normally a rectangle, has an unusual yet beautiful oval shape that makes it architecturally unique as opposed to the normal Roman forums. When you first enter this large open area on a walking tour of Jerash, it is easy to feel the historicity of this place.
A beautiful bellevero is the colonnade that surrounds the plaza with numerous columns standing today with their Ionic columns. These pillars used to enclose the social events, rituals and trade. A stroll around Jerash will allow you to appreciate the balance with which the design has been drawn and the awesome work done by the Roman constructors.
The major monuments and the main streets were linked through the Oval Plaza of the ancient Jerash which was used as the main meeting point. This open square is one of the most successful panoramic views of the ruins around in case you are taking a walking tour of Jerash. It is also among the most photographed attraction sites and therefore it is a must-visit destination in a walk tour of Jerash.
7. Cardo Maximus: The Main Roman Street
As you proceed with your walking tour of Jerash, you will be at the Cardo Maximus, the main colonnaded street in the city. This wide avenue is more than 800 meters, which used to be the commercial and social centre of the ancient Jerash. This is one of the most memorable walks in a walking tour of Jerash.
Both sides of the Cardo Maximus have tall columns adorning it, which form a grand avenue in the middle of the city. When you go on a walking tour of Jerash, you still have a chance to find the original paving stones under your foot and they still have the chariot wheel marks carved into the stone. These facts provide a walking tour of Jerash with an incredibly real experience.
The Roman urban planning is also at its best as you can see there are the remains of ancient shops and a sophisticated drainage system along the street. Taking a tour of the Jerash Cardo Maximus makes it possible to fully appreciate how well this ancient city was organized and sophisticated.
8. The South and North Theaters
The walking tour of Jerash visits not only the South Theater but also the North Theater, which is a good example of Roman performance spaces. The South Theater was constructed in the 1st century AD, and it could hold approximately 3,000 viewers. Even in walking tour of Jerash, its great acoustics still surprise the visitors because even when a whisper is uttered on the stage, the sound is clearly heard even in the upper stages.
The North Theater which was smaller was mainly engaged in civic meetings and performances in the future. When you are visiting these theaters as a part of your walking tour of Jerash, you might think of theatrical performances, entertainment occasions and assemblies of people centuries ago.
Nowadays, modern life is sometimes introduced into old buildings when cultural performances and festivals are being held in these theaters. The elevated seating also offers one of the best locations to take photographs as one walks around Jerash as the sitting places offer a panoramic view of the ruins and the hills. These theaters are all-important visits in any walk around Jerash.
9. The Temples of Zeus and Artemis
There is no Jerash walking tour that can be complete without visiting the grandiose Zeus and Artemis Temples. The Temple of Zeus, situated next to the South Theater, is a temple situated on a hill overlooking the Oval Plaza. In Jerash, a walking tour of the city, one of the best places to be is this temple, as you can get spectacular views of the city and also be able to learn more about the religious life of the city.
Among the most stunning monuments of a walking tour of Jerash is the Temple of Artemis, the goddess of Jerash. Constructed in the 2 nd century AD, it initially had tall Corinthian columns, some of which are still in existence. The size and beauty of this temple bring into the spotlight the prosperity of the city under Roman rule.
These temples played a key role in religious and civic identity in ancient Jerash. Their exploration as part of a walking tour of Jerash will enable the visitors to relate themselves to the religious customs of the past. Their high positions and theatrical ruins have made them memorable spots on any walking tour of Jerash.
10. Byzantine Churches and Mosaics in Jerash Ruins Walking Tour Guide
Jerash walking tour is not just about Roman temples and theatres; one can observe the rich Byzantine heritage of the city. Jerash was a key Christian hub in the 4 th -7 th centuries AD, and numerous churches were constructed in the ancient city. These are some of the sites that you should consider when walking around Jerash to have a better view of how the city has developed over the years.
The Church of St. Theodore, a 5th-century building, is one of the best places to visit during a walking tour of Jerash. Most of its architecture and ornaments are still in the form of remains, depicting the architectural design of the early Christian communities within the region. You can feel the spiritual meaning that this church had when you explore it during a walking tour of Jerash.
The most remarkable aspect of this section of a stroll around Jerash is probably the mosaic floors that have been preserved. The ground of some of the churches is still adorned with intricate patterns and artistic designs that are based on geometric patterns. Moreover, these mosaics give a unique view of Byzantine art and devotion when seen on a walking tour of Jerash.
11. Hidden Gems to Discover on Foot: Jerash Ruins Walking Tour Guide
In addition to the key sights, walking around Jerash will treat adventurous tourists to other little treasures that most tourists fail to notice. These are the more lonely areas that will make a walking tour of Jerash more intimate and exciting.
The Roman fountain called Nymphaeum is one such attraction that is well decorated. Constructed in the 2 nd century AD, this was a communal fountain that used to provide fresh water to the city. As you walk around Jerash, you could view its rich carvings and fantasize that it had water many centuries ago.
Another tourism must-see on a walking tour of Jerash is the old city walls and gates. These are defensive structures that were used to defend the city and delimit its borders. Making a walking tour of Jerash by walking down some part of the walls offer a different view and less people.
Any walking tour of Jerash should be accompanied by taking time to get out of the busiest places. Silent walks, ruined areas and highpoints give one quiet time to contemplate and take beautiful photographs without disturbance.
- Top Things to See in Jerash Ruins (Complete Visitor Guide)
- Best Time to Visit Jerash: A Seasonal Travel Guide
12. Practical Tips for Your Jerash Walking Tour
By making a prior planning, you can be sure that you will have a pleasant time during your walking tour of Jerash. Given that the site is a big piece of land that is not even with stones, it is important to have comfortable walking shoes. A traveler who is well prepared will have a better walking tour around Jerash way better than a traveler who is not prepared to walk long distances.
It is also important that water and sun protection should be brought along, particularly when it is hot. It is a fact that a walking tour of Jerash may take a few hours outside which does not have much shade. Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen could change the difference in your whole experience.
You can make your walking tour of Jerash more interesting by hiring an experienced local guide or by using an audio guide. The history, architecture and stories of each monument make a mere visit to Jerash a significant walking tour.
It should also be case of accessibility. Although there are accessible parts, there are places where there are steps and uneven surfaces. When you are planning your route, it is important to make sure that your walking tour of Jerash is not only safe and smooth, but also pleasant.
13. Suggested Walking Route (Step-by-Step Itinerary)
A premeditated stroll of Jerash takes a logical path that can enable you to see the best of the city without having to walk back. The first thing that most of the visitors do on their walking tour around Jerash is visiting the Hadrian Arch and proceed to the Hippodrome and the South Gate.
Continue your walking tour of Jerash there including the Oval Plaza, where panoramic shots could be made, and the sole oval type of design. Along the Cardo Maximus, go on a stroll, visiting shops, churches, and buildings.
Continue your walking tour of Jerash and as you move forward, you should ascend to the Temple of Zeus after which you should pass to the Temple of Artemis. Give about 15-20 minutes of break between major landmarks so as to explore and shoot pictures. It is possible to walk a full circle in Jerash in about three or four hours in a leisurely manner.
The map that will guide you through your walking tour of Jerash can be printed or downloaded so that you can keep track of the attractions and not miss the main ones.
14. Is a Walking Tour of Jerash Worth It?
Jerash is a walking tour that is totally worth one who is interested in history, architecture, and culture. The walking tour of Jerash is something to remember to the passionate archaeologist, the lover of photography, or the traveling casual.
History enthusiasts will be impressed by the Roman buildings that are exceptionally well-maintained, whereas families and couples will be able to enjoy the open spaces and the views. Jerash is a city that does not need a lot of descriptions and is available as a walking tour, which is both educative and attractive.
Jerash is rated among the must-sights in Jordan, and this fact makes a walking tour of Jerash a perfect way to immerse into the greatness of the city in the most immersive manner. In comparison to a quick stop, walking tour of Jerash allows you to get acquainted with the site.
Jerash is a place that a walking tour should be in your list of places to visit in the event you are planning to visit Jordan. It is a time travel that creates an indelible impression.
