Jerash is not the most famous landmark of Jordan. After all, tourists are very much going to Peter and on the waters of the sea. And many learned about the existence of this ancient city already in place when they are offered to make a tour there. And it becomes even disappointing for Jerash, because it undeserves tolerates such a dismissive attitude towards him. After all, it is no less than Tunisian Carthage and also well preserved.
Where is Jerash
There is Jerash at about an hour's drive from the Jordanian capital. And it exists next door to the modern Arab city of the same name. So walking along the ancient Roman streets you can hear a call from the mosque to prayer. There you can easily get to a taxi or bus. Itself is very beautiful, very beautiful and you can see the pomegranate plantation. It is sold in large quantities on the road. On the tour you can go both on your own and using travel agencies.
Subtleties of visiting sights
Jerash is located on a large area and you need to have comfortable shoes with you. After all, walking a lot and not everywhere expects a smooth road. It will be necessary to walk along the steps, descend and rise to the mountain. The opening time of this museum in the winter in winter from 8 to 16, in summer from 8 to 19. It is necessary to take into account that Jordan Muslim country and Friday there is a day off. So, every Friday Jerash closes for an hour of ordinary time. With it, it is also desirable to have a stock of water and a headdress, especially if this excursion will be held in the summer.
Before the entrance is the market where souvenirs are sold. There, as in any eastern market, you need to bargain. There is also a toilet and a small store.
What is in Gerash
Jerash was very well preserved due to the fact that for centuries no one knew about him and he was covered with sand. Excavations of this ancient city began only 70 years ago. Jerash is fenced with a fence, but attentive tourists can see holes in it. Through it, local boys break free on the territory of the city.
As soon as you get on the territory of the ancient Roman city, you immediately forget from which century you came there. It includes there through a majestic triumphal arch.
Next is the hippodrome, where competitions were conducted in ancient times. Its territory of impressive sizes and several thousand people could fit on it.
In Gerash, there is a large area of oval shape, in which two altars are held. Inside this area there is a column. It lights the fire during the festival in Gerash.
One of the main attractions of Gerash is the so-called colonnan street of 800 meters. On the stones and now you can see traces of chariots. When I walked along this street to me approached the local guy and showed an unusual column that can be slightly touched and she starts to swing. It is interesting to know the administration of Gerash. On one side of this street, two temples are located in the neighborhood - one pagan, one Christian.
In general, in this ancient city you can see the inscriptions and in the ancient Roman and in the ancient Greek. And the pagan structures are well adjacent to monotheistic. I was very impressed with a huge bowl for sacrifice. In the same way, they wondered along the courses of sacrificial animals, and this is exactly the Roman custom.
There is also a very well preserved fountain there.
And most of all I liked the Amphitheater in Gearshe. It was just renovated and now used for concerts. In it, amazing acoustics and I imagine how nice to see on his scene of your favorite artist and listen to songs in such an amazing place. For example, there were such well-known Arab singers as raging Alam, AMR Dab and Nancy Ajram. By the way, I also felt a star there. I was dressed in the National Arabic Dress Jilbaby and Arabics began to photograph me on stage. Apparently, also took me for the landmark.
The Byzantine era, the Byzantine era, from which left 18 well-preserved beautiful churches remained. They can see beautiful mosaic floors.
In addition, the Archaeological Museum has an archaeological museum. It has exhibits found in the city itself and its surroundings. Moreover, these finds belong to completely different epochs. In the museum you can see products from the era of the Neolithic and the era of Mamlukov. There are products from glass, ceramics, metal. As well as many gems, statuettes and mosaic. In the museum garden you can see stone sarcophages and statues from marble.
Holidays and events
Every year since the end of July and before the beginning of August, a festival is held, in which not only local, but also foreign artists and groups are involved. In addition, fairs are held, opera and theatrical views. I could not be at this festival. But they say that this is an unforgettable spectacle. After all, such an event is carried out in ancient city.
And at the racetrack, various ideas are arranged at the racetrack. With the participation of legionnaires and gladiators.
With very young children, it is not very convenient to go there, the stroller is not possible.
In general, I want to say that Gerash is an amazing place and there should be every one.