Basilica Terrace | Irbid

The Basilica Terrace is a complex of religious and civic ruins located in the central district of the ancient city of Gadara in Umm Qais, Jordan. It occupies a prominent artificial plateau on the northern side of the Decumanus Maximus, overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

Visual Characteristics

The terrace features a paved basalt courtyard surrounding the remains of a 6th-century octagonal Byzantine church. The structure is defined by black basalt columns, limestone masonry, and white marble capitals exhibiting the Corinthian order. Archaeological remnants include a central cistern, a narthex with mosaic fragments, and a series of arched subterranean vaults supporting the elevated platform.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is via the Umm Qais Archaeological Park entrance off the main village road, approximately 28 kilometers north of Irbid. Visitors can reach the terrace by walking 400 meters west from the main ticket office through the Ottoman village. Public transport is available via frequent minibuses from the Irbid North Bus Station to the Umm Qais village center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally a Roman-era civic plaza, the site was repurposed in the 6th century AD for the construction of a centralized Byzantine basilica. The octagonal design suggests it functioned as a martyrium or a significant commemorative church. The terrace sits on a limestone ridge overlooking the Jordan Rift Valley, a geologically active zone that contributed to the site's eventual collapse during the earthquake of 749 AD.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking the basalt courtyard allows for a 360-degree view of the Galilee Basin and the Golan Heights. The octagonal church floor remains accessible, showing the geometric layout of the nave and aisles. Guided historical tours of the Gadara city center frequently stop at this terrace to explain the transition from Roman to Byzantine architecture.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The terrace is an open-air site with no overhead cover, though the nearby Umm Qais Museum offers climate-controlled space. Public restrooms and a visitor center are located at the park entrance 500 meters away. 4G and 5G cellular signals are consistently available, and a restaurant is situated within a 3-minute walk of the ruins.

Best Time to Visit

Optimal photography occurs during the "golden hour" before sunset (16:00 to 17:30 in summer) to capture the contrast between the black basalt columns and the valley backdrop. The spring months of March and April provide the most temperate climate for exploring the exposed terrace. The archaeological park is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00.

Facts & Legends

The terrace contains a "reused" Roman sarcophagus that was integrated into the Byzantine church structure, serving as a reliquary or a structural base. Local lore suggests the terrace was the site where the "Miracle of the Gadarene Swine" occurred, though several other locations in the region claim the same historical event.

Nearby Landmarks

West Roman Theatre (0.3km South)

Decumanus Maximus (0.1km South)

North Theatre (0.2km East)

Ottoman Village of Umm Qais (0.4km Southeast)