Cardo Maximus | Jerash

Information

Landmark: Cardo Maximus
City: Jerash
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Cardo Maximus, Jerash, Jordan, Asia

The Cardo Maximus is a north-south oriented Roman colonnaded thoroughfare located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It serves as a primary archaeological and functional corridor connecting the Damascus Gate to the Zion Gate area.

Visual Characteristics

The street features a 22.5-meter wide stone pavement flanked by monolithic limestone columns with Corinthian capitals. In the southern section, the original Byzantine-era paving stones remain, showing heavy wear and ruts from ancient chariot wheels. The northern Crusader-era portion is covered by arched stone vaults, while the southern Roman-Byzantine section is open-air with reconstructed wooden roofing over the side walkways.

Location & Access Logistics

Access the site via the Jewish Quarter Road within the Old City walls, approximately 600 meters south of the Damascus Gate. Vehicle access is restricted within the Old City; the nearest parking is at the Zion Gate or Mamilla Mall lots. Public transport options include Egged bus lines 1 and 3 to the Western Wall or the Light Rail to the City Hall station, followed by a 10-minute walk through the Jaffa Gate.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the northern section began in the 2nd century CE under Emperor Hadrian during the establishment of Aelia Capitolina. The southern extension was completed in the 6th century CE during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian to provide access to the Nea Church. Excavations led by Nahman Avigad between 1969 and 1983 uncovered the southern reaches of the street, which had been buried for centuries.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking the length of the excavated Byzantine street provides a direct route through the Jewish Quarter. A large-scale replica of the Madaba Map mosaic is visible on the eastern wall, illustrating the street's 6th-century layout. Modern shops operate within the ancient vaulted bays of the Crusader-era section, selling local crafts and Judaica.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are located at the southern end near Hurva Square. The northern vaulted section provides complete shade and protection from rain, while the southern section is exposed to direct sunlight. 4G and 5G cellular signals are consistent throughout the outdoor areas, though they may weaken inside the deepest vaulted shops. Multiple food vendors and cafes are situated in the adjacent Hurva Square.

Best Time to Visit

The site is accessible 24 hours a day, but shops typically operate from 09:00 to 18:00. Morning light before 10:00 provides the most even illumination for photographing the columns in the open-air southern section. Visit during weekdays to avoid the high foot traffic associated with the Sabbath and religious holidays.

Facts & Legends

A large wall mural at the southern end uses trompe-l'oeil techniques to depict a 6th-century market scene, featuring a child handing a pomegranate to a modern visitor. This artwork is designed to bridge the gap between the Byzantine era and the present day. A "secret" viewing window in the floor of the modern street level allows visitors to look down into the original Roman drainage system built nearly 2,000 years ago.