Madaba

Madaba, a city in central Jordan, is known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. The 6th-century Madaba Map, an intricate mosaic floor depicting the Holy Land, is located in St. George's Church. Visitors can explore ancient churches, learn mosaic-making techniques, and visit nearby biblical sites such as Mount Nebo. The city also serves as a convenient base for exploring central Jordan, including the Dead Sea and the King's Highway.

The Madaba Mosaic Map

The Madaba Map, located in St. George's Church, is the oldest known geographic floor mosaic of the Holy Land. Created around 560 CE, the map originally covered an area of about 25 by 5 meters, though only about a quarter remains today. It depicts biblical sites from Lebanon to Egypt, with Jerusalem at its center. Key landmarks include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River. The map's Greek inscriptions and detailed depictions of towns and natural features make it a valuable historical document. St. George's Church is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a small entrance fee.

Archaeological Park

Madaba Archaeological Park contains the remains of several 6th and 7th-century churches, including the Church of the Virgin Mary. The park has well-preserved mosaic floors depicting scenes from daily life, mythology, and nature. The Hippolytus Hall, part of a 6th-century mansion, contains a mosaic floor telling the tragic story of Phaedra and Hippolytus from Greek mythology. Archaeologists have carefully uncovered and preserved these ancient treasures. The park includes informative signage in English and Arabic, providing context for each site. It's open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM in winter.

Mount Nebo

Located about 10 kilometers northwest of Madaba, Mount Nebo is believed to be the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. The site provides panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and on clear days, Jerusalem. At the summit, the Memorial Church of Moses contains some of the best-preserved Byzantine mosaics in Jordan. The church's mosaics date from the 6th century and depict hunting and pastoral scenes. Outside the church, the Serpentine Cross sculpture symbolizes the bronze serpent Moses created and the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and until 4:00 PM in winter.

Mosaic Workshops and Schools

Madaba continues its mosaic-making tradition through various workshops and schools. The Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, established in 1992, trains artisans in creating and restoring mosaics. At the institute, visitors can observe students at work and learn about the techniques used in both ancient and modern mosaic creation. Some workshops in the city offer short courses where participants can create a small mosaic to take home as a unique souvenir. These courses typically last 2-3 hours and are available for all skill levels.

Local Cuisine

While in Madaba, try traditional Jordanian dishes. Many local restaurants serve mansaf, Jordan's national dish, consisting of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt sauce and served with rice. Another local favorite is maqluba, a dish of rice, vegetables, and meat cooked together and then flipped upside down when served. For a quick snack, try manakish, a flatbread topped with zaatar (a blend of herbs) and olive oil. Many restaurants are located near the city center, within walking distance of the main attractions.

Getting to Madaba

Madaba is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, Jordan's capital. By car, the journey takes about 40 minutes. Regular buses run between Amman and Madaba, departing from the Muhajireen bus station in Amman. The bus journey takes about an hour and costs around 1 JD. For those arriving at Queen Alia International Airport, Madaba is closer than Amman – only about 20 minutes by car. Madaba's central location makes it a good base for exploring other sites in central Jordan, such as the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, and the King's Highway.