Umm Qais
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Jordan
Did you know?
- Nearly 2,000-year-old houses were inhabited until just a few years ago.
- A black-basalt theater, colonnaded street and Roman shops overlook the surrounding valleys.
- Spring flower sellers offer a small way to support the local community.
See also
Overview
Umm Qais combines Roman and Ottoman remains with broad views toward the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights. Its basalt theater, colonnaded streets, village museum and quiet hiking make it a rewarding northern Jordan stop.
Languages: Arabic
Why Go?
Umm Qais was once the Decapolis city of Gadara, featuring Roman ruins that span from Roman rule to the Ottoman period. While not as extensive as Jerash, the site offers sweeping views over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, providing a peaceful and historically rich experience. The ruins include a theatre, colonnaded street, Roman shops, temples, and houses, along with an Ottoman village that contains a museum. Visitors can also explore nearly 2000-year-old houses that were inhabited until just a few years ago.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Umm Qais is located about 25 km from Irbid and 110 km from Amman. Minibuses run from Irbid, though getting there by car is much easier with ample parking available. The site can be combined in a day trip with Jerash or Ajloun, but visiting all three sites in one day is difficult, making an overnight stay in the north advisable.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get Around
Walking is the only means of transportation within Umm Qais and its archaeological site.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
Spring is the ideal time to visit when everything is blooming and local people sell flowers. The ruins are open from 08:00-19:00.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
The Umm Qais ruins (3 JD, free with Jordan Pass) feature the famous site of the Gadarene swine miracle. The site includes a theatre made of black basalt with back-rested seats, a colonnaded street, Roman shops, temples, and the main road with tombs and black basalt pillars. Above the basilica lies a road with former shops and an apparently good restaurant. The five-aisled basilica remains and octagonal chapel are also notable. The Um Qais Museum displays artifacts from the site.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Hiking around the area and enjoying the beautiful views is the primary activity at Umm Qais. The convenient location offers great views of the surrounding area including the Israeli side, the Golan Heights, Sea of Galilee to the northwest, and Mount Tabor.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Flowers are sold in spring when everything is blooming by some of the local people. Purchasing these supports the local community.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
The Umm Qais Rest House is built in an Ottoman school on the site, offering rooms and meals (5-20 JD). The terrace has sweeping views over the valleys including the Golan Heights. The Umm Qais Hotel provides another accommodation option.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
The Umm Qais Rest House serves food on its terrace with views over the Golan Heights. While not cheap, the food is described as very good. The ruins area apparently includes a quite good restaurant above the basilica.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Al-Himma, 10 km north, features therapeutic hot springs once highly regarded by the Romans with two bathing facilities: a privately-run and a public one, with separate timetables for men and women. Irbid is the main industrial and administrative centre in northern Jordan. Pella offers another set of ancient ruins for exploration.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Umm Qais Hotel
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Umm Qais Rest House
Built in an Ottoman school on the ruins site with a terrace offering sweeping valley views and good food.
Recorded price: 5-20 JD
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Basilica remains
The remains of a five reedy basilica and an octagonal chapel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
City ruins
A road with former shops above the basilica, apparently including a quite good restaurant.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Mount Tabor
Tiberias#Go_next
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Pillar path
Leading to the rest of an old doorway.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Sea of Galilee
To the northwest and part of the Sea of Galilee region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
The main road
Includes the tombs and black basalt pillars.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Options include the Umm Qais Rest House (5-20 JD) built in an Ottoman school, and the Umm Qais Hotel.
Entry
Umm Qais ruins entry costs 3 JD or free with Jordan Pass. Open daily 08:00-19:00.
Safety
Umm Qais is generally safe for visitors. Walking is the only transport option within the site.
Transport
Minibuses run from Irbid to Umm Qais, about 25 km away. Driving is easier with ample parking at the site.
Weather
Spring offers blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures. The ruins offer shade and views in summer.