Umm Qais

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Thilver

Umm Qais is a Roman ruin in Northern Jordan.

Understand

لا روسا

Umm Qais was once the Decapolis city of Gadara. Although not as extensive as Jerash, the ruins cover periods from Roman rule to the Ottomans and provide sweeping views over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, and a peaceful experience.
The city remained unrecognised for about 1000 years and only in the 19th century became alive again.

Get in

Umm Qais is about 25 km from Irbid and 110 km from Amman. Minibuses run from Irbid but it is much easier to get to by car, with ample parking. Umm Qais can be combined in a day trip with Jerash or Ajlun, but all 3 can be difficult, making it advisable to stay overnight somewhere in the north.

Get around

Walking is the only mean of transportation.

See

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Umm Qais ruins

phone: +962 7 9671 6796
Site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine, Gadara was renowned in its time as a cultural centre. The ruins include a theatre, a colonnaded street, Roman shops, temples and houses, and a large Ottoman village that includes a museum.

Um Qais Museum
The main roadIncludes the tombs and black basalt pillars.
The theaterMade of black basalt as well and is markable for some of the seats having a back rest.
Basilica remainsThe remains of a five reedy basilica and an octagonal chapel.
City ruinsA road with former shops above the basilica, apparently including a quite good restaurant.
Pillar pathLeading to the rest of an old doorway.

You might also want to take a look at the almost 2000-year-old houses that where still inhabited just a few years ago.
In addition, the convenient location offers great views of the surrounding area, including the Israel side:

Yarmuk riverJust north, behind which the Golan Heights are located.
Sea of GalileeTo the northwest and part of the Sea of Galilee region.
Mount TaborThis mount to the west with the impressive and beautiful Church of Transfiguration.

Do

Hiking around in the area and enjoying the beautiful views is pretty much the only thing to do here.

Buy

Flowers are sold in spring when everything is blooming by some of the local people. Buy some and support the local community.

Eat

Umm Qais Rest House

phone: +962 7 9202 7610

address: Hizam Ring Rd
The Umm Qais Rest House is built in an Ottoman school on the site. The food is not cheap but is very good and the terrace has sweeping views over the valleys (including the Golan Heights and the site itself).

Sleep

Umm Qais Hotel

phone: +962 2 750 0080

Go next

Al-Himma – therapeutic hot springs located 10 km north. Once highly regarded by the Romans, two bathing facilities: a privately-run and a public one. Note, there are separate timetables for men and women.
Irbid – The main industrial and administrative centre in the north of the kingdom.
Pella – Ancient ruins.