Plizio Visual Lab
Umm Qais
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
ruin
Umm Qais, known in antiquity as Gadara, is a major archaeological site in northern Jordan, famous for its unique combination of Roman ruins and an Ottoman village. As a member of the Decapolis, the city was a center for Greek culture and philosophy, often referred to as the 'Athens of the region'. The city was founded in the 4th century BC and came under Roman rule in 63 BC. The ruins are particularly notable for the use of black basalt stone, which contrasts sharply with the light limestone of the surrounding area. Visitors can see the remains of two theaters, a paved colonnaded street, and a Byzantine basilica. The site gives a memorable view over the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk Valley. The Ottoman village of Haret al-Fawqa was built in the 18th and 19th centuries directly over the ancient structures, adding an additional historical layer to the site.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Tel Zira · Umm Qais Museum · West Theatre
- Nearby: Ash-Shunah ash-Shamaliyah (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 24 | 18 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 79 | 40 | 20 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 40 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Visitors can explore the extensive outdoor ruins of ancient Gadara freely, walking along the historic basalt-paved streets and exploring the remains of the theaters and tombs.
Typical hours
The archaeological site is generally open to the public during daylight hours, from early morning until just before sunset, with slightly shorter hours typical during the winter months.
Photography
Photography is highly recommended, especially from the viewpoints overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, providing spectacular wide-angle landscape shots during the golden hour.
Time needed
A comprehensive visit to fully appreciate the ruins, the impressive basalt theater, and the panoramic views typically requires at least two to three hours of leisurely walking.
Combine with
Consider combining your excursion to Umm Qais with a trip to the nearby hot springs of Al Himma or a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the northern Jordan Valley region.
Getting there
The site is easily accessible by car or organized tour from Irbid or Amman, featuring a dedicated parking area located just a short walking distance from the main archaeological entrance.
Insider tip
Arrive late in the afternoon to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the distant lakes, and wear sturdy walking shoes as the ancient basalt stones can be quite uneven and slippery in places.
Geography
Facts
- Former member of the Decapolis league of cities.
- The traditional site of the biblical miracle of the Gadarene swine.
- Features a black basalt Roman theater seating 3,000 people.
- Gadara was the birthplace of the famous poet Meleager.
- The city was captured by Pompey the Great in 63 BC.
- The site contains a 6th-century Byzantine octagonal church.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Umm Qais (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why should one visit Umm Qais?
For the unique combination of ancient basalt ruins and views of the Sea of Galilee.
Which countries can you see from there?
You can see Israel (Sea of Galilee) and Syria (Golan Heights) from the hilltop.
Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes, the 'Romero' restaurant provides excellent food and one of Jordan's best views.
How far is it from Amman?
It is about 110 km north of Amman, roughly a 2-hour drive.
What was the city called in antiquity?
In Hellenistic and Roman times, the city was known as Gadara.
Umm Qais: where is it located?
Umm Qais is located in Jordan.
Umm Qais: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tel Zira, Umm Qais Museum, West Theatre.
Umm Qais: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Umm Qais: why is it worth visiting?
Umm Qais, known in antiquity as Gadara, is a major archaeological site in northern Jordan, famous for its unique combination of Roman ruins and an Ottoman village.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Jordan →
Nearby cities
Irbid
Irbid is the economic hub of northern Jordan.
Ar-Ramtha
Ar-Ramtha is situated right on the Syrian border.
Al-Husn
Al-Husn is one of the most traditional towns in the north.
Ash-Shunah ash-Shamaliyah
Ash-Shunah ash-Shamaliyah is located in the fertile Jordan Valley.
Deir Abi Saeed
Deir Abi Saeed is the central settlement of the Kourah district.
Al-Mashareq
Al-Mashareq is a predominantly agricultural settlement in northern Jordan.
Tiberias
Tiberias is an ancient city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, considered one of Judaism's Four Holy Cities.
Ajloun
Ajloun is surrounded by dense pine and oak forests.
Katzrin
The unofficial capital of the Golan Heights, famous for its ancient park and world-class wineries.
Rosh Pinna
Rosh Pinna is a charming historical settlement in Upper Galilee, known for its restored stone houses and relaxed atmosphere.
Kufranja
Kufranja is one of the green pearls of the Ajloun Mountains.
Safed (Tzfat)
Safed is a high-altitude city in Galilee, known as the center of Jewish mysticism and for its picturesque artist colony.
History & landmarks
Mount of Beatitudes
The Mount of Beatitudes on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee is the traditional site where Jesus is believed to have delivered his…
Mount Tabor
The distinctive Mount Tabor rises isolated from the Jezreel Valley and is considered in Christian tradition to be the site of the Transfi…
Nature
Yarmouk River
The largest tributary of the Jordan River carves deep into the landscape and separates Jordan from Syria.
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and holds great historical and religious significance in Christianity.
Lake Muzairib
Lake Muzairib is an important freshwater lake in southern Syria, fed by numerous natural springs.
More places
Yarmouk Forest Reserve
A hilly protected area on the northern border that is rich in deciduous oaks and seasonal wildflowers.
Pella
One of the most ancient sites in the Jordan Valley, with excavations showing over 6,000 years of continuous settlement.
Sharhabil Bin Hassneh EcoPark
This eco-park in northern Jordan was established to rehabilitate local habitats.
King Abdullah Park (Irbid)
A large and vibrant park in northern Jordan.
🗺️
Battle of Yarmouk Site
The site of the decisive Battle of Yarmouk in 636 AD, which signaled the end of Byzantine rule in Syria and opened the region to Islamic …
Al-Hassan Industrial Estate
One of the most important industrial zones in northern Jordan, attracting companies from various sectors.
Yardenit Baptismal Site
Yardenit is a popular baptismal site on the Jordan River, attracting countless Christian pilgrims each year who wish to be baptized in th…
Belvoir Fortress
A well-preserved Crusader fortress overlooking the Jordan Valley.