South of the nymphaeum, an elaborate staircase rises from the cardo maximus to Jerash's only cathedral. Little more than a modest Byzantine church, it was constructed in the second half of the 4th century on the site of earlier temples. At the height of its glory the cathedral consisted of a soaring basilica supported by three naves and it boasted a magnificent portal finely decorated with elaborate marble carvings. It's a fascinating insight into the many periods of Jerash's history.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.65 MILES
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20.86 MILES
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20.78 MILES
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10.09 MILES
This historic castle was built atop Mt ‘Auf (1250m) between 1184 and 1188 by one of Saladin’s generals, ‘Izz ad Din Usama bin Munqidh (who was also…
0.08 MILES
Dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and fertility and the daughter of Zeus and Leto, this temple was built between AD 150 and 170, and flanked by…
Nearby Jerash attractions
0.04 MILES
On the western side of the cardo maximus is the elegant nymphaeum, the main ornamental fountain of Jerash, dedicated to the water nymphs. Built about AD…
0.04 MILES
Little remains of this church apart from the twin colonnades (picturesquely overgrown with wildflowers in spring) and the apse, which overlooks the…
0.05 MILES
Jerash’s superb colonnaded cardo maximus is straight in the way that only a Roman road can be. This is one of Jerash’s great highlights, and the walk…
0.07 MILES
Built in AD 150, this is the monumental gateway to the Temple of Artemis. It was originally flanked by shops.
0.07 MILES
The unassuming walls of these buildings don't look especially noteworthy, but they're interesting for adding another level of historical accretion in…
0.08 MILES
This ancient fountain was once fed by a local reservoir. When it was dedicated to Dionysus, it was alleged that the god would turn its water into wine,…
0.08 MILES
The south decumanus at Jerash once served as the Roman town's main east–west axis. At the eastern end is the modern mosque. Take the left fork from the…
0.08 MILES
Marking the intersection of the cardo maximus with the south decumanus, this four-pillared structure is in good repair.