Madaba | Jordan

Madaba is an ancient city in central Jordan, located approximately 30 km southwest of Amman. It is widely known as the "City of Mosaics" due to its vast collection of Byzantine and Umayyad-era mosaic artworks, including the world-famous Madaba Map.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited for at least 4,500 years, Madaba was a Moabite border city (mentioned in the Bible as Medeba). It flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule, becoming a regional center for the Christian faith. After being destroyed by a massive earthquake in 749 AD and subsequently abandoned, the city was resettled in 1880 by 90 Christian families from Kerak. The discovery of ancient mosaics during the reconstruction of their homes led to its modern archaeological revitalization.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 120,000 (2026 estimate). Madaba is notable for having one of the highest percentages of Christians in Jordan, coexisting harmoniously with the Muslim majority. The city maintains a traditional, family-oriented social structure compared to the more metropolitan Amman.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

City Center: A compact, walkable area containing the main archaeological sites, souvenir shops, and traditional stone houses.

The Archaeological Park: An open-air museum housing ruins of Byzantine churches and intricate floor mosaics.

Tourism Street: A pedestrian-friendly corridor lined with mosaic workshops, craft shops, and restaurants.

Top City Landmarks

St. George’s Church: Home to the Madaba Map, a 6th-century floor mosaic representing the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem.

Madaba Archaeological Park: Features the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Hippolytus Hall.

Church of the Apostles: Contains a massive 6th-century mosaic dedicated to the Twelve Apostles.

Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist: A Catholic church with an accessible bell tower and an ancient well in its crypt.

Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration (MIMAR): The only institute in the Middle East dedicated to teaching the craft of mosaic making and preservation.

Transportation Network

Madaba is highly accessible from the capital.

Road: Connected to Amman via the King’s Highway (scenic) or the Desert Highway (fast).

Bus: Frequent minibuses run between Amman’s Seventh Circle or South Bus Station and Madaba.

Air: Its proximity to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) (approx. 25 minutes) makes it a popular first or last stop for international travelers.

Local: The city center is easily navigated on foot.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The safety level is extremely high. Madaba is considered one of the most welcoming and relaxed cities for foreign visitors in Jordan. There are no "red zones." Standard respect for local customs and religious sites is the only requirement.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speed ranges from 50–300 Mbps with 4G/5G coverage universal. Card acceptance is common in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash (JOD) is preferred in smaller workshops and local markets. ATMs are available throughout the city center.

Climate & Air Quality

Mediterranean climate.

Summer: Warm and dry (18°C–31°C).

Winter: Cool with occasional rain (4°C–13°C).

Air quality is high, benefiting from its elevation and lack of heavy industry.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping is expected at 10% in tourist restaurants. The city is a model of religious pluralism; church bells and the adhan (call to prayer) are heard simultaneously. Modest dress is expected when entering religious sites.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in the City Center for boutique hotels within walking distance of the mosaics.

Stay on the outskirts for larger resort-style hotels or eco-lodges near Mount Nebo.

Local Cost Index

Espresso: JOD 2.50

Standard Lunch: JOD 10.00–15.00

St. George’s Church Entry: JOD 1.00

Nearby Day Trips

Mount Nebo: 9 km (15-minute drive); the site where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land.

Ma'in Hot Springs: 30 km (45-minute drive); thermal waterfalls located 264m below sea level.

Dead Sea: 35 km (45-minute drive).

Mukawir (Machaerus): 32 km; the hilltop fortress of Herod the Great.

Facts & Legends

The Madaba Map originally contained over two million individual stone pieces (tesserae). A verified historical oddity is that the city was rediscovered only when settlers began clearing rubble to build new houses in the late 19th century. Local legend claims that the water from the well in the crypt of St. John the Baptist’s Church has healing properties.