Umm Qais

Site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine, Gadara was renowned in its time as a cultural centre.

01Overview

Site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine, Gadara was renowned in its time as a cultural centre. It was the home of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of a rhetorical school in Rome, and was once called “a new Athens” by a poet. Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Gadara is known today as Umm Qais, and boasts an impressive colonnaded street, a vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two theatres. You can take in the sights and then dine on the terrace of a fine restaurant with a breathtaking view. Pro-tip: While some tourists drive directly from Amman to Umm Qais, most take the opportunity to visit Jerash or Ajloun along the way Umm Qais, has been named among the ‘Best Tourism Villages 2022’ by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), as a recognition of its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

History & Culture

Umm Qais Museum

The museum, which is located in one of the houses in the Ottoman village of Umm Qais, composed of two exhibition halls. In the first hall, various ceramics dating from the Hellenistic up to the Islamic periods are on display, along with finds from the tombs at Umm Qais.

The second hall is dedicated to statuary, mostly from the Roman period. Into the large courtyard, basalt sarcophagi, column capitals and bases, two basalt gates, mosaics and the famous seated Tyche were moved from the site.

Umm Qais Archeological Site

Umm Qais (Gadara), built using stunning black basalt stones, was one of the cities of the Decapolis, planned with a Roman city layout. The Ottoman village on top of part of the ancient city was acquired by the Department of Antiquities who now has several excavation and conservation projects at the site, including the restoration of the main (west) theatre.

The location of Umm Qais is particularly significant. Visitors to the site can view the Syrian Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, Lake Tiberias and the north Palestinian plains.

Beekeeping At Baraka Destinations

Understand the phrase “busy as a bee” while you stroll through the Beekeeping Site in full gear. The beekeeper, will introduce you to the fascinating queendom of bees before permitting a sneak peek into the hives.

Their end product is a naturally sweet and additive free honey, which changes in taste depending on the year. He harvests the honey about three times a year and he welcomes any help from interested guests. Contact us for more information about the harvest season and the honey harvest experience.

Local Kitchen Experience

Visit the home of a local chef for an authentic experience with great farm to table dishes that represent Jordan and the northern region. Relax on Arabic cushions and share stories while you wait for the unique taste of northern Jordan.

Northern Jordan is rich with bio-diversity and is known for its flavorful local food. The food is all locally sourced and prepared freshly upon your arrival.

Meaningful Trips

Baraka Destinations

Baraka Destinations was created to partner with local communities in secondary tourism sites to design and build tourism experiences that showcase their hometowns to curious travelers. You’ll find them working in areas often forgotten by tourists, or visited for an hour or two just to tick a list. With them you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the hidden gems that most tourists would miss, get to connect with the people that call it home, and enjoy a memorable and high quality travel experience.

The Jordan Trail

Umm Qais To Ajloun

Umm Qais to Ajloun

In the most northern region of the trail, lush, green hills and canyons carry you to ancient Roman sites, over rolling hills, and through oak forests. The diverse and fertile landscape here with its ancient olive trees and hot springs bursts into bloom every spring, with the trees laden with fresh fruit. The villages here are pioneers of community-based tourism with homestays, home-cooked meals, and handicraft stalls adding a true cultural experience to this beautiful northern corner of Jordan.

Total Length: 80 KM
Days: 6 Hiking days

Main sites in the region:

– Ruins of Roman Decapolis cities at Um Qais and Pella

– Ziglab Dam

– Jesus Cave, Beit Idis Church

– Byzantine monastery ruins at Tel Mar Elias, birthplace of the prophet Elijah

– Community tourism and rural scenery in the al-Ayoun village

– Medieval mountaintop site of Ajloun Castle

Destinations

Continue your journey

All destinations →

As-SaltOttoman-era houses on three hills.

IrbidThe north’s lively university city.

Mount NeboWhere Moses viewed the Promised Land.

PellaRuins in a fold of the Jordan Valley hills.