A Roman city of colonnades in the Gilead hills
Jerash, ancient Gerasa, was one of the cities of the Decapolis, and much of its Roman layout survives. Enter through Hadrian's Arch and the hippodrome, then walk into the oval plaza, ringed by Ionic columns, and down the long colonnaded Cardo Maximus, its paving still marked by chariot wheels. The Temple of Artemis and the South Theatre are highlights, and Byzantine churches hold fine floor mosaics. It's an easy day trip from Amman, often combined with Ajloun Castle.