Jerash

Jerash is Jordan’s finest Roman site, a city about an hour north of Amman, and one of the Decapolis cities that are scattered across Jordan and Syria. The ruins are captivating, set against the modern day city which runs beside it. Particularly fascinating are Hadrian’s Arch, an enormous gate to one side of Jerash, and the Oval Plaza, still in remarkable condition. Perhaps the encroachment of the modern makes it easier to envisage the city in full swing – one can still discern the indented tracks of chariot wheels along the roads, and notice the niches by which vendors set their stalls for business.