Umm Qays Archaeological Site, Irbid Governorate, Jordan
Jordan’s second largest city is a bustling community with a large university. Though not as significant a city for sightseeing as other areas, Irbid houses two very worthwhile museums, and forms a good base from which to explore the northern Jordan Valley.
Site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine, Gadara was renowned in its time as a cultural centre. It was the home of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of a rhetorical school in Rome, and was once called “a new Athens” by a poet. Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Gadara is known today as Umm Qays, and boasts an impressive colonnaded street, a vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two theatres. You can take in the sights and then dine on the terrace of a fine restaurant with a breathtaking view.
The Al-Himma therapeutic hot springs are located around 10km north of Umm Qays and were once highly regarded by the Romans. There are two bathing facilities: a privately-run complex, and a public bath complex, with separate timetables for men and women.
Epic Jordan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?
