Full-Day Tour: Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun from Amman

Overview

What you’ll do

The archaeological site of Umm Qais offers visitors a chance to explore a rich tapestry of history.

Roman Theaters: The ruins of two Roman theaters constitute a significant highlight. The main (western) theater is imposing, with its black basalt stone construction.

Colonnaded Street: A well-preserved colonnaded street, the Decumanus Maximus, showcases the city's Roman urban planning.

Basilica Terrace: This area contains the remains of a Byzantine church built over an earlier Roman mausoleum, demonstrating the site's long history of religious and cultural change.

Umm Qais Museum: Located in one of the restored Ottoman houses, the museum displays artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Islamic periods.

Panoramic Views: One of the most compelling aspects of visiting Umm Qais is the breathtaking scenery. From the hilltop, you can see the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The castle is located on a hilltop above the town of Ajloun in northwestern Jordan, approximately 75 km northwest of Amman.

A Fortified Structure: The castle's original design included four main towers and a moat. Later expansions added more towers and a gate with a drawbridge. You can explore the various rooms, corridors, and staircases that make up the labyrinthine interior.

The Museum: A small museum inside the castle houses a collection of artifacts from various periods of its history.

Panoramic Views: One of the most rewarding aspects of a visit is the stunning panoramic view from the castle's battlements. On a clear day, you can see the Jordan Valley, the Sea of Galilee, and the surrounding forested hills.