Archaeological Park II

Madaba


Walkways lead around the ruins of this late-6th-century luxury private mansion, destroyed by fire and earthquake around 749. The walkways offer a good view of assorted mosaics, the best of which are the hunting sequences in the east wing, and the lion attacking a bull in the west wing. It's fair to say that the site takes more imagination than most.

Look out for the continuation of the ancient Roman road that runs through what is now the Archaeological Park, as well as the 6th-century Martyrs Church, which was destroyed in the 8th century. If the guard on duty is willing, you may be able to see the buried mosaics of the church: protected from the light by sand until restoration takes place, the few tesserae (squares) of mosaic that he’ll expose for you are astonishing in the vibrancy of their colour.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Madaba attractions

2. St George’s Church & Mosaic Map

0.07 MILES

This rather modest 19th-century Greek Orthodox church houses a treasure of early Christianity. Imagine the excitement in 1884 when Christian builders came…

4. Visitors Centre

0.12 MILES

This helpful interpretative centre makes a good starting point for visiting the highlights of Madaba. It's worth a visit in its own right, as it's housed…

5. Dar Al Saraya

0.13 MILES

Built in the late 19th century as the administrative centre of the Ottomans, this grand old building was subsequently used as the headquarters of the…

7. Madaba Museum

0.22 MILES

Housed in several old Madaba residences, this museum features a 6th-century mosaic depicting a naked satyr; a saucy (and partly damaged) mosaic of Ariadne…

8. Church of the Apostles

0.34 MILES

This insignificant-looking church contains a remarkable mosaic dedicated to the Twelve Apostles. The embroidery-like mosaic was created in AD 568 and is…