Umm Qais (Gadara) | Irbid

Information

Landmark: Umm Qais (Gadara)
City: Irbid
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Umm Qais (Gadara), Irbid, Jordan, Asia

Umm Qais, historically known as Gadara, is an archaeological site in northwest Jordan overlooking the Jordan Valley. It is unique for its architectural juxtaposition of black basalt Roman ruins and an abandoned Ottoman-era stone village.

Visual Characteristics

The site is defined by the high-contrast aesthetics of dark volcanic basalt and white limestone. Key structures include two Roman theaters, a colonnaded street (Decumanus Maximus), and a Byzantine octagonal church. Its elevated position on a ridge provides 360-degree panoramic views encompassing the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias), the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River gorge.

Location & Access Logistics

Situated 28km north of Irbid and 110km from Amman, the site is accessible via the main highway leading to the modern village of Umm Qais. Public minibuses run frequently from Irbid’s North Bus Station. There is a paved parking area at the entrance, and the site is a primary stop on the Jordan Trail hiking route.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Founded during the Hellenistic period and later a prominent member of the Decapolis, Gadara was a center of philosophy and the arts, often called the "Athens of the East." Geologically, the site sits on a limestone plateau that meets the basalt fields of the Hauran. The surrounding ecosystem is Mediterranean, characterized by ancient olive groves, oak forests, and fertile agricultural plains.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Black Basalt Theater: An exceptionally preserved Roman theater built entirely from dark basalt stone, retaining its original seating.

Umm Qais Museum: Housed in the restored Beit Russan (an Ottoman governor’s residence), displaying Roman statuary and intricate mosaics.

Decumanus Maximus: A walk along the basalt-paved Roman road, which still bears the ruts of ancient chariot wheels.

Terrace Dining: High-altitude dining at the site’s resthouse, which offers views across three national borders (Jordan, Syria, and Israel/Palestine).

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features a visitor center, a boutique hotel/guesthouse, and a well-known restaurant (Umm Qais Resthouse). Public restrooms and 4G/5G mobile signals are available. Guided tours can be arranged at the entrance. The modern village adjacent to the ruins provides pharmacies, small markets, and cafes.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) is the optimal season, as the surrounding valleys are vibrant green and covered in wildflowers. For photography, the late afternoon provides the best light to capture the Sea of Galilee and the contrast between the black stone and the horizon.

Facts & Legends

In biblical tradition, Gadara is identified as the location of the Miracle of the Gadarene Swine. Historically, the city was the birthplace of the philosopher Menippus and the poet Meleager. A significant engineering fact is the Gadara Aqueduct, a massive subterranean water system that ranks among the longest and most complex in the Roman world.