What to do in Ajloun

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.

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.

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.

Describing the Nymphaeum at the Jerash Archaeological Site as a “fountain” hardly seems to do this grand structure justice. However, that was indeed the original function of this ancient Roman masterpiece of architecture. Bring your camera when you visit it, as you are sure to want to capture this marvelous relic of a long-dead civilization.

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.

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.