[2025 Jerash Attraction] Travel Guide for Arch of Hadrian (Updated Sep)

After landing in Amman, the first city I chose to visit wasn’t Petra or the Dead Sea, but Jerash, an ancient Roman city located about 50 kilometers north of the capital. Jerash is one of the key cities of the Decapolis—a network of ten cities established by the Romans in the Middle East around the 1st century BCE as centers of trade and culture. With its 800-meter-long Roman colonnaded street, two theaters, and multiple temples, the city has earned the nickname “Pompeii of the Middle East” for its well-preserved traces of daily life and architecture. Driving north from Amman takes just over an hour. The road winds through golden hills interspersed with small villages, where sandstone buildings are layered along the slopes. The morning air is dry and crisp, like the opening scene of a documentary gradually introducing a new landscape. Upon reaching the ancient city, Hadrian’s Arch stands tall as a welcoming symbol. Built in the 2nd century CE to honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit, the towering stone columns contrast against the pale blue sky, making it feel as though you’ve stepped into a historical scene that remains unfinished. In the silence of the vast area, the sound of wind passing through the archways and the partially collapsed columns tells the story of an empire that once flourished but was only a fleeting moment in the long stretch of time. If one were to define it, Jerash is not merely an “ancient city.” It is a living record, open to be read with every step you take. The journey from the airport to Amman takes about 40 minutes, and from Amman, it’s another hour north to Jerash, making the total travel time roughly an hour and a half. The initial drive is filled with the bustling rhythm of the city, but soon the scenery shifts to the serene openness of the countryside. The dry wind brushing against the windows feels like an invitation to another world.

It was past three in the afternoon when the car arrived in Jerash. The sun was blazing, turning the sandstone a deep golden color. With limited time, we decided to keep our pace short. We started with Hadrian's Arch, which stands majestically at the entrance. Just seeing it, you know you've truly arrived in a Roman city. Although it's not complete, its tall arches still evoke the grandeur of the past. A short walk away is the Hippodrome, a racecourse that once held tens of thousands of people. Today, only the concave stone amphitheater and a quiet plaza remain. I sat and rested for a moment, imagining people watching chariot races. The cheers must have echoed throughout the arena, but now the wind can be heard blowing through the arches. Imagine standing in Jerash two thousand years ago, not as emperors or nobles, but as ordinary citizens in the Roman Empire. Racing wasn't just fun back then. It was about choosing sides. Some cheered for the green team, while others wore blue headbands to make a statement. We knew that at the finish line, there was a big stake. It wasn't just the medals, but the city's pride and the power behind the team. Then we headed to the Forum (Oval Plaza), the focal point of the ancient city. Fifty-six arched columns surround a wide central stone plaza. Standing there, it's like being enveloped in its splendour. Continuing onto the Cardo Maximus, I saw tall columns lining both sides. The cobblestone streets still have visible cartwheel tracks, a true relic of Roman life. Although I hadn't reached the end of the road, I could tell from the beginning that this street was once the city's main artery. With little time left, I stopped to see the Temple of Artemis. The massive columns still stood out in the afternoon sun. The direct sunlight made the columns stand out white against the sky, and the sky was just beginning to change color. The entire trip took just over two hours before the light began to fade. For me, the afternoon in Jerash was a taste of the Roman city in the heart of Jordan. While I didn't get to see every corner, it was enough to understand that there's more to this country than just Petra and the Red Sea. There are still ancient cities whose history is vividly told just by walking through them. #Jerah #jordan

Hey guys! A 7-day Jordan tour, and this article is all you need! Carefully selected routes and must-see attractions will help you explore Jordan with ease. Save this article now! -------------------- 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Amman - Check in to the hotel. Private airport transfer service ensures a smooth start to your journey. Day 2: Amman Citadel - Jordan Museum - Jerash Roman Ruins - Hadrian's Arch - O Beach. A day trip through ancient and modern times, experiencing the fusion of history and natural beauty. Day 3: Dead Sea Museum - Madaba Archaeological Park - St. George's Church - Mount Nebo. After exploring the traces of history, enjoy the mystery and charm of Petra by Night. Day 4: Explore Petra, Treasury - Siq - Qasr al-Bint - Petra Altar. Every step is immersed in a thousand-year-old story. Day 5: Climb Mount Rum, overlooking the magnificent scenery and enjoying the peaceful time. Day 6: Free time in Aqaba in the morning, return to Amman by car in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. A Chinese-speaking driver and guide will provide attentive service throughout the day. Day 7: End of the journey in Amman. Private airport transfer service. Return home with fond memories. -------------------- Travel Essentials: 🧳 Going to Jordan? Bring these things! 📞SIM Card + Internet: Don't forget to buy a local SIM card. A smooth internet connection is essential for sharing beautiful scenery at any time. 🔌Plug Adapter: The plugs in Jordan may be different from ours. Bring an adapter to charge your devices without worry. 🪪Documents + Visa: Prepare your passport and visa. You will need them for entry and exit. Don't forget them! 👗Clothing + Comfortable Shoes: In November, the climate in Jordan is moderate, but the temperature difference between day and night is large. Bring some light clothing and a pair of comfortable shoes to walk around with ease. -------------------- Jordan Tour: More exciting experiences are waiting for you to explore! Follow me to unlock more private guides and explore Jordan together!