Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk on a map of the Holy Land? Or to admire the artistic beauty of the Byzantine and Umayyad eras? Or to experience the rural and market life of Jordan? If so, then you should visit Madaba, the city of mosaics in Jordan.
Madaba is a small city located about 30 km south of Amman, the capital of Jordan. It is famous for its mosaics, which date back to the 6th and 7th centuries AD and depict scenes from the Bible, history, and nature. Madaba is also a cultural and religious hub, as it hosts several churches, mosques, and monuments that reflect the diversity and richness of the region.
In this article, we will explore the best things to do and see in Madaba, and provide you with practical and helpful information on how to plan your trip to this amazing destination. Whether you are interested in art, history, religion, or nature, Madaba has something for everyone.
Why You Should Visit Madaba
Madaba's Mosaic Art
One of the main reasons to visit Madaba is to admire its mosaic art, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Byzantine and Umayyad periods. Madaba is home to more than 100 mosaics, which cover the floors and walls of churches, mosques, houses, and public buildings. The mosaics depict various themes, such as religious stories, historical events, mythical creatures, animals, plants, and geometric patterns.
The most famous mosaic in Madaba is the Madaba Map, which is located in St George's Church. The Madaba Map is a large mosaic that covers an area of 25 square meters and represents the Holy Land as it was in the 6th century AD. The map shows more than 150 places, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River. The map is not only a masterpiece of art, but also a valuable source of historical and geographical information.
Another impressive mosaic in Madaba is the Hippolytus Hall, which is located in the Archaeological Park and Museum. The Hippolytus Hall is a mosaic that covers an area of 21 square meters and depicts scenes from the Greek mythology, such as the abduction of Europa, the punishment of Dirce, and the death of Hippolytus. The mosaic is remarkable for its vivid colors, intricate details, and expressive figures.
Madaba's Historical and Religious Sites
Another reason to visit Madaba is to explore its historical and religious sites, which testify to the long and rich history of the city and the region. Madaba was first mentioned in the Bible as a Moabite town, and later became a Roman and Byzantine city. Madaba was also an important center of Christianity, as it was the seat of a bishopric and a pilgrimage destination. Madaba was also influenced by the Islamic conquests, the Crusades, and the Ottoman rule, until it became part of the modern state of Jordan.
Some of the most notable historical and religious sites in Madaba are:
- St George's Church: This is a Greek Orthodox church that was built in 1896 on the site of a Byzantine church. The church is famous for housing the Madaba Map, which is the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land.
- Church of the Apostles: This is a Greek Orthodox church that was built in 578 AD on the site of a Roman temple. The church is known for its mosaic floor, which depicts the twelve apostles, the four seasons, and various animals and plants.
- Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist: This is a Roman Catholic church that was built in 1933 on the site of a Byzantine church. The church is dedicated to John the Baptist, who was beheaded by King Herod. The church contains a well, a bell tower, and a museum that displays artifacts from different periods.
- Shrine of the Prophet Moses: This is a Muslim shrine that is located on Mount Nebo, about 10 km west of Madaba. The shrine is believed to be the place where Moses died and was buried, according to the Islamic tradition. The shrine offers a panoramic view of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
Madaba's Rural and Market Life
Another reason to visit Madaba is to experience its rural and market life, which gives you a taste of the authentic and traditional Jordanian culture. Madaba is surrounded by fertile lands, where farmers grow crops such as grapes, olives, figs, and wheat. Madaba is also famous for its handicrafts, such as carpets, pottery, jewelry, and leather goods, which are made by local artisans and sold in the markets and shops.
Some of the best places to enjoy the rural and market life in Madaba are:
- Carpet City: This is a large showroom that displays and sells carpets and rugs from different regions and countries, such as Jordan, Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. The carpets and rugs are made of wool, silk, or cotton, and feature various designs, colors, and sizes. You can also watch the carpet makers at work and learn about their skills and techniques.
- Adonis Restaurant and Cafe: This is a popular restaurant and cafe that serves delicious and authentic Jordanian food, such as mansaf, maqluba, hummus, and falafel. The restaurant and cafe also offers a scenic view of the city and the countryside, and a relaxing atmosphere with live music and shisha.
- Souk: This is the main market in Madaba, where you can find a variety of goods, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, clothes, souvenirs, and antiques. The souk is a lively and colorful place, where you can mingle with the locals, bargain for the best prices, and sample some street food.
Madaba's Location and Convenience
Another reason to visit Madaba is its location and convenience, as it is close to many other attractions and destinations in Jordan. Madaba is only 30 km away from Amman, the capital and the largest city of Jordan, where you can find more cultural, historical, and entertainment options. Madaba is also only 20 km away from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and a natural wonder, where you can float on the salty water, enjoy the therapeutic mud, and admire the stunning scenery. Madaba is also within easy reach of other places of interest, such as Petra, the ancient city carved in stone, Wadi Rum, the desert valley with spectacular rock formations, and Aqaba, the seaside resort on the Red Sea.
Madaba is also easy to get to and around, as it has a good transportation network and infrastructure. You can reach Madaba by car, bus, taxi, or plane, as it is connected to the main roads and highways, and has a nearby airport. You can also move around Madaba by foot, bike, car, or taxi, as it is a small and compact city, with friendly and helpful people.
What to Do and See in Madaba
St George's Church and the Madaba Map
One of the best things to do and see in Madaba is to visit St George's Church and the Madaba Map, which are the main attractions and the symbols of the city. St George's Church is a Greek Orthodox church that was built in 1896 on the site of a Byzantine church. The church is simple and modest, but it contains a treasure that is priceless and unique: the Madaba Map.
The Madaba Map is a large mosaic that covers an area of 25 square meters and represents the Holy Land as it was in the 6th century AD. The map shows more than 150 places, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River. The map is not only a masterpiece of art, but also a valuable source of historical and geographical information. The map is the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land, and it provides details and insights that are not found in any other source.
The map is located on the floor of the church, and it is protected by a glass cover. You can walk around the map and admire its beauty and accuracy, and use the signs and the guides to identify the places and the features. You can also learn more about the history and the significance of the map, and how it was discovered and restored.
St George's Church and the Madaba Map are open daily from 7 am to 6 pm, and the entrance fee is 1 JD (about 1.4 USD). You can also buy a ticket that includes the entrance to the Archaeological Park and Museum for 2 JD (about 2.8 USD).
The Archaeological Park and Museum
Another thing to do and see in Madaba is to visit the Archaeological Park and Museum, which is a complex that showcases the archaeological and artistic heritage of the city. The Archaeological Park and Museum consists of several sites and buildings, such as the Hippolytus Hall, the Burnt Palace, the Church of the Virgin Mary, and the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration.
The Hippolytus Hall is a mosaic that covers an area of 21 square meters and depicts scenes from the Greek mythology, such as the abduction of Europa, the punishment of Dirce, and the death of Hippolytus. The mosaic is remarkable for its vivid colors, intricate details, and expressive figures.
The Burnt Palace is a Byzantine palace that was destroyed by a fire in the 8th century AD. The palace contains several rooms and courtyards, which are decorated with mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. The palace also has a water system, a heating system, and a bathhouse.
The Church of the Virgin Mary is a Byzantine church that was built in the 6th century AD on the site of a Roman temple. The church has a mosaic floor, which depicts the personification of the sea, the earth, and the seasons, as well as various animals and plants.
The Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration is a school and a workshop that teaches and preserves the art of mosaic making. The institute offers courses and training for students and professionals, as well as tours and demonstrations for visitors. The institute also displays and restores mosaics from different sites and periods.
The Archaeological Park and Museum is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, and the entrance fee is 2 JD (about 2.8 USD), which includes the entrance to St George's Church and the Madaba Map. You can also buy a ticket that includes the entrance to the Shrine of the Prophet Moses for 3 JD (about 4.2 USD).
Mount Nebo and the Moses Memorial Church
Another thing to do and see in Madaba is to visit Mount Nebo and the Moses Memorial Church, which are located about 10 km west of Madaba. Mount Nebo is a mountain that is mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Mount Nebo offers a spectacular view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and the mountains of Israel and Palestine. On a clear day, you can even see Jerusalem and Jericho.
The Moses Memorial Church is a church that was built in the 4th century AD on the site where Moses is believed to be buried, according to the Islamic tradition. The church contains several mosaics, which date back to the 4th and 6th centuries AD and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, such as the Exodus, the Baptism of Jesus, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The church also has a museum, which displays artifacts and relics from different periods and cultures.
Mount Nebo and the Moses Memorial Church are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is 2 JD (about 2.8 USD), which includes the entrance to the Archaeological Park and Museum, St George's Church, and the Madaba Map. You can also buy a ticket that includes the entrance to the Shrine of the Prophet Moses for 3 JD (about 4.2 USD).
Carpet City and Adonis Restaurant and Cafe
Another thing to do and see in Madaba is to visit Carpet City and Adonis Restaurant and Cafe, which are two places that offer a taste of the local culture and cuisine. Carpet City is a large showroom that displays and sells carpets and rugs from different regions and countries, such as Jordan, Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. The carpets and rugs are made of wool, silk, or cotton, and feature various designs, colors, and sizes. You can also watch the carpet makers at work and learn about their skills and techniques.
Adonis Restaurant and Cafe is a popular restaurant and cafe that serves delicious and authentic Jordanian food, such as mansaf, maqluba, hummus, and falafel. The restaurant and cafe also offers a scenic view of the city and the countryside, and a relaxing atmosphere with live music and shisha. You can also enjoy the traditional Jordanian hospitality and the friendly service.
Carpet City and Adonis Restaurant and Cafe are open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, and the prices are reasonable and affordable. You can also find other shops and restaurants nearby, where you can buy souvenirs and try more dishes.
How to Plan Your Trip to Madaba
Best Time to Visit Madaba
The best time to visit Madaba is in the spring (March to May) or in the autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and mild, and the nature is blooming and colorful. The average temperature in these seasons is around 20°C, and the rainfall is low. You can enjoy the outdoor activities and the scenery without the crowds and the heat.
The summer (June to August) is the hottest and the driest season in Madaba, with the average temperature reaching 30°C, and the humidity being high. You can still visit Madaba in the summer, but you should avoid the midday sun and drink plenty of water. You can also take advantage of the lower prices and the fewer tourists.
The winter (December to February) is the coldest and the wettest season in Madaba, with the average temperature dropping to 10°C, and the rainfall being high. You can still visit Madaba in the winter, but you should be prepared for the occasional snow and frost. You can also enjoy the festive atmosphere and the cozy indoor activities.
How to Get to and Around Madaba
Madaba is easy to get to and around, as it has a good transportation network and infrastructure. You can reach Madaba by car, bus, taxi, or plane, as it is connected to the main roads and highways, and has a nearby airport. You can also move around Madaba by foot, bike, car, or taxi, as it is a small and compact city, with friendly and helpful people.
By car: Madaba is only 30 km away from Amman, and you can drive there in about 40 minutes. You can take the Desert Highway or the King's Highway, which are both scenic and well-maintained. You can also rent a car from Amman or from the airport, and explore Madaba and its surroundings at your own pace. You can find parking spaces in the city center or near the attractions, but you should be careful of the traffic and the driving rules.
By bus: Madaba is well-served by buses, which are cheap and frequent. You can take a bus from Amman or from the airport, and arrive in Madaba in about an hour. You can find the bus station in Amman near the 7th Circle, and in Madaba near the city center. You can also take a bus from Madaba to other destinations in Jordan, such as the Dead Sea, Petra, or Aqaba. You can buy the bus tickets on the spot or online, and check the bus schedule and the prices on the websites or the apps of the bus companies.
By taxi: Madaba is also accessible by taxi, which are convenient and comfortable. You can take a taxi from Amman or from the airport, and reach Madaba in about 30 minutes. You can find the taxi stand in Amman near the 7th Circle, and in Madaba near the city center. You can also take a taxi from Madaba to other places in Jordan, such as the Dead Sea, Petra, or Aqaba. You can negotiate the taxi fare with the driver or use the meter, and pay in cash or by card.
By plane: Madaba is close to the Queen Alia International Airport, which is the main airport in Jordan. You can fly to the airport from many cities in the world, and then take a car, a bus, or a taxi to Madaba. The airport is about 20 km away from Madaba, and you can get there in about 20 minutes. You can find the car rental, the bus station, and the taxi stand at the airport, and book your transportation in advance or on arrival.
By foot: Madaba is a walkable city, and you can explore it by foot. You can walk from the city center to the main attractions, such as St George's Church, the Archaeological Park and Museum, and the Souk. You can also walk to the nearby villages, such as Ma'in and Mukawir, and enjoy the rural and natural scenery. You can use the maps and the signs to guide you, or join a walking tour to learn more about the city and its history.
By bike: Madaba is also a bike-friendly city, and you can explore it by bike. You can rent a bike from the city center or from the hotels, and cycle to the main attractions, such as St George's Church, the Archaeological Park and Museum, and the Souk. You can also cycle to the nearby attractions, such as Mount Nebo, the Shrine of the Prophet Moses, and the Dead Sea. You can use the bike lanes and the trails to navigate, or join a bike tour to discover more about the city and its surroundings.
Where to Stay in Madaba
Madaba offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, that suit different tastes and needs. You can find hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and campsites in Madaba, where you can enjoy the comfort, the hospitality, and the amenities. You can also find unique and authentic places to stay, such as historical houses, rural lodges, and Bedouin tents, where you can experience the culture and the lifestyle of the locals.
Some of the best places to stay in Madaba are:
- Mariam Hotel: This is a three-star hotel that is located in the city center, near the main attractions and the markets. The hotel has 57 rooms, which are spacious and cozy, and feature air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a garden, where you can relax and enjoy the view. The hotel offers a free breakfast, a free shuttle service, and a friendly staff. The price for a double room is 35 JD (about 49 USD) per night.
- Mosaic City Hotel: This is a two-star hotel that is located in the city center, near St George's Church and the Madaba Map. The hotel has 51 rooms, which are clean and comfortable, and feature air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant, a cafe, and a terrace, where you can savor the delicious and authentic Jordanian food. The hotel offers a free breakfast, a free parking, and a helpful staff. The price for a double room is 25 JD (about 35 USD) per night.
- Queen Ayola Hotel: This is a one-star hotel that is located in the city center, near the Souk and the Archaeological Park and Museum. The hotel has 15 rooms, which are simple and basic, and feature air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a lounge, a kitchen, and a balcony, where you can socialize and meet other travelers. The hotel offers a free breakfast, a free laundry service, and a friendly staff. The price for a double room is 15 JD (about 21 USD) per night.
- Haret Jdoudna: This is a historical house that was built in the 19th century and converted into a guesthouse. The guesthouse is located in the city center, near the Church of the Apostles and the Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist. The guesthouse has 10 rooms, which are charming and elegant, and feature air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The guesthouse also has a restaurant, a cafe, and a courtyard, where you can enjoy the traditional and modern Jordanian cuisine. The guesthouse offers a free breakfast, a free parking, and a courteous staff. The price for a double room is 45 JD (about 63 USD) per night.
- Madaba 1880 Hotel: This is a four-star hotel that was built in 1880 and renovated in 2012. The hotel is located in the city center, near the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration. The hotel has 32 rooms, which are luxurious and stylish, and feature air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar, where you can pamper yourself and indulge in the fine and exquisite Jordanian food. The hotel offers a free breakfast, a free shuttle service, and a professional staff. The price for a double room is 55 JD (about 77 USD) per night.
Safety Tips for Madaba
Madaba is a safe and friendly city, and you can visit it without any major concerns. However, as with any other destination, you should follow some basic safety tips to avoid any problems and enjoy your trip. Here are some of the safety tips for Madaba:
- Respect the local culture and religion, and dress modestly and appropriately, especially when visiting the religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, or sleeveless tops, and cover your head, shoulders, and knees. Also, avoid public displays of affection, such as kissing or holding hands, and refrain from drinking alcohol or eating pork in public.
- Be aware of the traffic and the driving rules, and use caution when crossing the streets or driving a car. The traffic in Madaba can be chaotic and unpredictable, and the drivers may not follow the signs or the signals. Also, be careful of the pedestrians, the cyclists, and the animals, and avoid driving at night or in bad weather.
- Beware of the scams and the touts, and use common sense and intuition when dealing with the locals. Some of the locals may try to overcharge you, sell you fake or low-quality goods, or offer you unsolicited services or tours. Always negotiate the price and the quality before buying or hiring anything, and check the reviews and the ratings of the places and the providers. Also, avoid giving money or gifts to the beggars or the children, and report any suspicious or illegal activities to the authorities.
- Protect yourself from the sun and the heat, and stay hydrated and healthy. The sun and the heat in Madaba can be intense and harmful, especially in the summer and at noon. Always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and drink plenty of water and electrolytes. Also, avoid drinking tap water or eating raw or uncooked food, and bring your own medication and first aid kit.
Conclusion
Madaba is a city of mosaics in Jordan that offers a glimpse into the ancient and modern cultures of the Middle East. Madaba has many attractions and activities that appeal to different types of visitors and interests, such as art, history, religion, and nature. Madaba is also easy to get to and around, and has a variety of accommodation options that suit different tastes and needs. Madaba is a destination that you should not miss, and that you will never forget.