On the western side of the cardo maximus is the agora, where people gathered for public meetings around the central fountain.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Jerash attractions

1. South Decumanus

0.05 MILES

The south decumanus at Jerash once served as the Roman town's main east–west axis. At the eastern end is the modern mosque. Take the left fork from the…

2. Roman Ruins of Jerash

0.06 MILES

The ruined city of Jerash is Jordan's largest and most interesting Roman site, and a major tourist drawcard. Its imposing ceremonial gates, colonnaded…

3. Southern Tetrapylon

0.07 MILES

Marking the intersection of the cardo maximus with the south decumanus, this four-pillared structure is in good repair.

4. Museum

0.07 MILES

Before you finish exploring ancient Jerash, visit this compact museum and visitor centre just above the forum. It houses a small but worthwhile selection…

5. Umayyad Houses

0.08 MILES

The unassuming walls of these buildings don't look especially noteworthy, but they're interesting for adding another level of historical accretion in…

6. Forum

0.09 MILES

Whatever the light and whatever the weather, the forum, with its organ-pipe columns arranged around an unusual oval-shaped plaza, is always breathtaking…

7. Cardo Maximus

0.1 MILES

Jerash’s superb colonnaded cardo maximus is straight in the way that only a Roman road can be. This is one of Jerash’s great highlights, and the walk…

8. Vaulted Gallery

0.11 MILES

The vaulted passageway under the courtyard of the Temple of Zeus is a good starting point in Jerash's ancient city. When your eyes become accustomed to…