Madaba is one of the stunning and popular cities of Jordan that you can’t miss. Just an hour’s drive from Amman, hit the notable attractions of the town in one day. From dizzying mosaics to prominent churches, you’re going to have a unique experience that will blow your mind! Excited to explore the ancient city?! Here are the best 5 places to visit in Madaba, Jordan.
Wanna make your Madaba trip spectacular, here are 5 best places you have to visit
Being in Jordan, you can’t just miss the ancient town of Madaba, the city of cultural heritage and historical significance. Do you know why?! – Known as the “City of Mosaics,” Madaba is famous for its unique collection of Byzantine and Umayyad artwork. That’s not it! The city is home to the oldest map of the Holy land preserved in a Greek Orthodox Cathedral. You can see some impressive mosaics at the Churches of Madaba, in addition to the two significant archaeological parks.
As soon as you arrive at Madaba town, you’ll be transformed into a different era. Touring the place, you can’t skip the sacred Mount Nebo and Madaba archaeological park. The stunning Church of Apostles will leave you in awe, with its ancient inscriptions. Arriving at the Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist, dig into the town’s history and witness the marvelous inscriptions. That’s why this city is a major tourist attraction and not only for Christians. History buff or not, you’re going to love this trip! Shall we start?!
St. George’s Church, Madaba, Jordan
If you ask me what the best thing to do in Madaba, I’ll definitely say St. George Church, a major point of interest and a well-kept gem. In 746 AD, an earthquake destroyed Madaba and consequently, people abandoned the town. In 1880, Christians began settling again in Madaba and discovered the famous Mosaic Map. So, they built St. George Church at the same spot to preserve the map. The church is impressive from the outside but holds all the jewels inside. As soon as you step inside the church, you’ll be stunned by the significant inscriptions, decorating the walls.
Madaba Floor Mosaic Map
St. George Church houses the oldest surviving cartographic designs of Jerusalem during the Byzantine period. This map consists of more than a million colored pieces, showcasing what the Middle East looked like centuries ago. Some of the original tiles are missing, but the remaining of the map is easy to understand, yet hard to recognize all the places.
Virgin Mary Church | Madaba archaeological park I
Madaba is also famous for its two striking archaeological parks, which showcase some important artifacts from the Hellenistic, Byzantine, Roman, and Islamic eras. Stroll through the ancient Roman road, stop by the Martyrs Church, and marvel at the ancient Roman structures and crypts. Virgin Mary Church is probably the highlight of Madaba archaeological park with no doubt, with the wondrous mosaic floor. Besides, you can find amazing mosaics at the Hippolytus Hall adorned with intricate arabesque. The remaining portion of the Hall depicts the tragedy of Phaedra and Hippolytus.
Burnt palace | Madaba archaeological park II
Go back in time to the 6th century when you tour the Madaba archaeological park II. The park highlights the town’s ancient past and protects its archaeological treasures. Stand where the Burnt palace once was and view its ancient ruins, especially those who belong to the Byzantine era.
Mount Nebo
Welcome to the sacred spot of Mount Nebo! Steeped in history, this mountain attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It is a holy place because it is believed that Moses has gazed at the Promised Land of Canaan from its top. It is also believed that Moses died there but his exact burial site isn’t known until today. During the 3rd or 4th century, Egyptian monks built a monastery in the area to commemorate Moses’ life.
Stand on the top of Mount Nebo and stop for a few moments to gaze at the breathtaking scenery ahead of you. You will be able to view the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Bethlehem, Jericho, and the distant hills of Jerusalem. On the outside, the enigmatic serpentine cross sculpture symbolizes the miracle of Moses for saving lives. Also, the serpent is attached upon the cross, which represents Jesus’ crucifixion. According to the Bible, Moses made a bronze snake, so, anyone who got bitten in the desert was healed when looking at the serpent.
Dead Sea
Nothing is more quintessential than floating in the Dead Sea during your trip to Jordan! Just an hour’s drive from Amman, you’ll arrive at this natural wonder, the lowest point on Earth. Prepare to get amazed by the striking sight of glowing waters surrounded by salt-encrusted ledges with the imposing red mountains stretching in the background. The water of the Dead Sea has very high salinity, with no creatures living there, and hence the name. Float on your back, chill in the salty water, and don’t try to dunk your head. It is also known for its skin-friendly mud that will make your skin softer than ever! Why don’t you try one of the spas scattered around the Dead Sea? –
Enjoy your Jordan Vacation!
Exploring Madaba will give you a hearty experience of Jordan, digging more into the place’s history and culture. Get a taste of ancient times when you visit Madaba archaeological parks and marvel at the stunning mosaic map of the Holy land. And, if you want more, why don’t you explore Amman City or tour the Roman ruins of Jerash?! Need a relaxing vacation, where you soak in the scrumptious taste of the stunning Red Sea? – Aqaba Tours will be your perfect choice!