Things to do in Ajloun

Jerash Archaeological Site is home to the remains of many striking ancient buildings, but the Temple of Artemis was once among the most striking of all. Believed to have been by far the most important place of worship in the ancient Roman city of Gerasa (now Jerash), the temple is still impressive for its sheer scale today. Visit it to get some sense of the enormous significance religion held for citizens of the ancient civilization of the Roman Empire.

Take in bird's-eye views of the Jordan Valley and learn about the lives of soldiers in ancient times at the picturesque Ajloun Castle. Over the centuries, this structure has served as a defensive outpost against the crusades, as an administrative center and as storage for vital grains and food stocks. Reserve a full day to venture up the slopes of Mount ‘Auf and enjoy one of the area’s most significant landmarks.

Seeing the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash Archaeological Site is an impressive enough experience in itself, but to really grasp the history of this incredible place, visit the Jerash Archaeological Museum, located on site.

Wander among the splendid ancient Roman ruins of Jerash’s main attraction, the Jerash Archaeological site, and the Hippodrome will certainly grab your attention. This vast structure, built for spectator sports, is among the largest and best-preserved on the site. It is impressive enough in itself, but plan your visit for the right time of year and you may also see an exciting reenactment of an ancient Roman chariot race here.

In every ancient Roman city, the forum was the place that was at the center of the community, the place where political decisions were made, public meetings were held and often where markets took place. Visit the Forum in Jerash, which was known as Gerasa under the Roman Empire, to see a well-preserved example that is architecturally unlike most ancient Roman forums elsewhere.

Jerash Archaeological Site holds some of the Middle East’s best-preserved ancient Roman ruins, but none of the other structures here give as clear a picture of the past as the South Theater. Step through the entrance to this ancient marvel and wonder at how many of its original features remain, from the seating to the stage and even the entrances for the actors.

Encompassed by the forests and olive groves that spill down the hillsides of Ajloun Governorate is Tell Mar Elias. Join the worshippers that come to pray at this religious and archaeological landmark. Browse church ruins and a fascinating collection of mosaics that have stood for some 14 centuries at Tell Mar Elias. Enjoy the tranquility while gazing out across the fertile Ajloun countryside.