 |
| (A View of Jerash city from top) |
First morning in Jordan after having breakfast, it was time
to hit the roads and we started the journey. Driving in Amman was quite
adventurous as there was narrow lanes full of traffic; combined with limited
markings on the road. However, we managed to move out of the city and head to
Jerash.
North of Amman sites focuses more on history rather than of
the serene beauty. They have great in-depth of historical knowledge with some
beautiful panoramas.
JERASH
It takes almost one hour to drive from Amman to Jerash. Also referred as “Antioch on the Golden
River”. Jerash was a favorite city of the Roman emperor, Hadrian, and reached
its zenith in AD 130, flourishing economically and socially. The city began to decline
in the 3rd century, later becoming a Christian city under the rule of the
Byzantine Empire.
 |
| (Entrance gate of the city) |
It was time to burn out calories. We got ready with our
shoes and started the journey inside the city of Jerash. As we moved in, we
immediately realized that it was a huge city at a time but now we are left with
only ruins.
 |
| (Ruins in the city) |
Here is some of the highlights of city of Jerash:
Temple of
Artemis - impressive temple ruins dedicated to the patron goddess of
the city.
 |
| (Temple of Artemis) |
Forum (Oval Plaza) - an
unusual wide, asymmetrical plaza at the beginning of the Cardo (or Colonnaded
Street), built in the 1st century AD.
 |
| (A View of Oval Plaza from Top) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 |
| (Street connecting oval plaza to city) |
Hippodrome - a partially restored
Roman-era stadium. It is one of the smallest Hippodrome of the roman Period.
 |
| (Partial view of Hippodrome) |
It took approx. 1.30 hrs.to walk down the entire city of ruins and trying
to understand the relevance of it. The site was huge as we walked through it kept us engrossed throughout.
City was well marked with explanations that gave us a clear picture of how it
was once upon a time. After exploring the site, we headed towards
Ajloun Castle.
AJLOUN CASTLE
This castle is located up the hill. It takes almost one hour to reach the
castle. It’s a huge castle build in a large area. The castle was built in
1184-1185 AD and was one of the few fortresses built to protect the country
against Crusader attacks from both the west and the north.
 |
| (View from the top of the Castle) |
As we strolled in castle and reach the top, we witness the panoramic view
of the Jordan Valley. The view was okay. We sat for some time and enjoyed the
view with some cold breeze.
UMM QYAS
It was time to head towards the last site of the day. It took almost one
and a half hour to reach this Archeological site from Ajloun castle. It is
situated near ancient town of Gadara. The unique feature of the site is the
point where the border of Jordan, Israel and Syria meet.
 |
| (View on the way to UMM QYAS) |
After entering the site at the top of the hill we witness the ruins and
the panoramic view of Jordan, Israel and Syria. As we were bit late in reaching
the site. We witness hazy view due to clouds that disappointed us a bit but it was
still the biggest highlight of the day. As we moved across the sites we saw
some ruins and some black stone pillars.
 |
| (Black Pillars) |
 |
| (Picture Captured with hazy view of countries) | | | |
 |
| (Site of UMM QYAS) |
 |
| (Sunset) |
It is better in winters to visit the site during day-time. This site and
views was the best out of three sites and I highly recommend visiting Umm Qais.
If time is short than one can skip Ajloun castle.
Comments
Post a Comment