In central Jordan, about a 40-minute drive from Jordan’s capital Amman, lies Madaba, one of Jordan’s most culturally interesting cities and home to a long-established Christian community. Whether you want to gaze at the world-famous Madaba mosaics, enjoy shopping in the old city center or dine in one of the city’s wonderful restaurants, Madaba won’t disappoint.
In this article, I’ll show you the best things to see in Madaba. You’ll also get some useful tips, including where to get the best view of the city.
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What is Madaba Famous for?
The main reason most people choose to visit Madaba is to see its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. The city is famous for the Madaba Map, a sixth-century mosaic containing the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land.
Madaba Mosaics
The most famous site is, of course, the Madaba Mosaic Map, located in St. George’s Church. The Madaba Map was uncovered in 1884 during work for a new Greek Orthodox church and brought to wider scholarly attention in the 1890s. The sixth-century artwork is the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land, with Jerusalem shown in remarkable detail.
However, the Madaba Mosaic Map is not the only mosaic relic worth visiting! The city is also home to mosaics in the Church of the Apostles, whose floor mosaic centers on a personification of the sea surrounded by marine animals, plants and geometric patterns, and in Madaba Archaeological Park. Another interesting site that reflects the city’s Byzantine heritage is the Burnt Palace. Most sites are within walking distance of each other and of the city center.
Many of Madaba’s mosaics are not only beautiful to look at, they also have an interesting history to tell. The elaborate floor mosaic in Hippolytus Hall, for instance, includes personifications labeled Rome, Gregoria and Madaba, alongside scenes from the myth of Hippolytus.
Churches
Many of Madaba’s best-known mosaics were created during the Byzantine period, when the city had a flourishing Christian community. This is why many of the surviving mosaics can be found in or around ancient churches.
Some of the churches are fully restored and modernized, while you’ll get to see ancient vaults and arches in others.
St. George’s Church is a modern Greek Orthodox church built in 1896 over the remains of a Byzantine church. It remains an active place of worship. Inside, the Madaba Map survives in the floor, while smaller mosaics and paintings decorate the walls and pillars.
Madaba Archaeological Park, on the other hand, preserves historical ruins. You’ll see ancient mosaic patterns among columns and other remains.
Madaba’s Old City Center
With its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals, Madaba has long been home to both Muslim and Christian communities. You will see churches and mosques close to one another in and around the old center.
The city center of Madaba is a wonderful place to people-watch, shop and eat. There are numerous shops in town selling everything from famous locally handmade rugs, mosaic map replicas and clothing. Enjoy a relaxed shopping atmosphere in both souvenir shops and mosaic workshops.
The city center is generally less crowded than Downtown Amman. You can take a break at one of the numerous coffee shops and high-quality restaurants in town.
For a panoramic view over Madaba, head to the rooftop terrace at Saint John Hotel. It’s a beautiful place for a quick stop to enjoy the view and a drink or small meal.
Plan Your Stay
Excited to visit Madaba? Make sure to check out my travel planning tips below.
Best Time to Visit
Madaba can be visited at any time of the year. Most sites are open year-round, with slightly shorter hours on Fridays and official holidays. Churches are active places of worship, so access can also be affected by services and religious holidays. If it is your first time in Jordan and you’re planning a round-trip through Jordan, check out my article best time to visit Jordan.
How to get from Amman to Madaba?
If you have a rental car in Jordan, Madaba is about a 40-minute drive from Amman, depending on your starting point and traffic. Public transport is possible, but routes, departure points and fares can change. A taxi is more straightforward; agree on the fare before leaving.
If you want to explore the country on your own, my recommendation is to drive from Amman to Madaba first and then continue to Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea. You’ll drive through the valleys down to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest exposed land on Earth, with impressive panoramas along the way.
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