Nestled amid serene hills just an hour from Amman lies the beautifully preserved ruins of ancient Jerash. Known as the “Pompeii of the East,” this Greco-Roman city boasts colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, and spectacular theatres that transport you back over 2,000 years. Though the crumbling columns and carved limestone may not seem inherently romantic, Jerash’s timeless beauty and wealth of sights to explore make it a uniquely atmospheric and memorable getaway for couples.
Strolling hand-in-hand along the iconic Cardo Maximus lined with towering columns, you can almost glimpse the toga-clad residents who once bustled between shops. As the warm afternoon sun filters through the dense rows of pillars to bake the ancient stones, the distant sounds of bleating goats and jingling carriage wheels spark imaginings of daily life centuries ago. And when lit up at night, the ruins take on a magical aura perfect for stealing a quiet moment together.
From snapping selfies against stunning backdrops like Hadrian’s Arch to laughter-filled chariot rides and exciting historical reenactments, Jerash offers many romantic things for couples to experience together. Its central location also provides a convenient base for multi-day tours showcasing Jordan’s top highlights. Read on to discover why visiting the ancient ruins of Jerash should top every couple’s Jordan wish list!
Enchanting Historical Charm as a Couple’s Getaway
Unlike the more touristy attractions of Petra and Wadi Rum, Jerash remains relatively peaceful even at the height of summer. Its laidback provincial town vibe, fresh hillside air, and wealth of places begging to be explored hand-in-hand make it the perfect off-the-beaten-path retreat for couples.
Away from crowds jostling to see bucket list sites, you’re free to set your own pace wandering the crumbling plazas and temples with your loved one by your side. Pack a small picnic to enjoy amid fallen columns in the Oval Plaza or on the steps of the Temple of Artemis, taking in stunning views of the ruins and farms in the valley below. The absence of bustling tour groups heightens the sense of having traveled back centuries through the evocative and beautiful landscape.
When the summer heat leaves you flushed and sweaty, slip into the onsite Jerash Archaeological Museum to bask in the cool air conditioning while learning about ancient life from intricate mosaics and statuary. Just outside, stop for a photo kissing in front of the impressive Hadrian’s Arch with its elaborately carved facade nestled between soaring columns. Or make your way through the towering Gate of Hercules for refreshing lemon mint drinks on a breezy balcony at the Hadrian Gate Hotel overlooking ancient temples.
As one of the world’s best-preserved Roman provincial cities, no two explorations of Jerash will be the same. Discover fresh nooks and crannies hidden amongst the ruins on each meandering walk, stumbling upon new structures or decorative details unseen on previous visits. The sprawling site lets you soak in the ambiance relatively people-free, offering welcome solitude and intimacy to connect amid age-old stones.
Top Attractions for Couples
Though compact enough to navigate on foot, Jerash’s wealth of well-preserved temples, theatres, baths, plazas, and colonnaded thoroughfares mean much for couples to uncover. Below are top attractions sure to delight history buffs and romance seekers alike when explored side-by-side.
Hadrian’s Arch
The striking triumphal archway of Hadrian’s Arch makes for an impressive backdrop for couples’ photos. Built to honor a visit by Emperor Hadrian in 129 AD, its intricate carvings stand beautifully preserved, flanked by soaring columns on either side of the Processional Way leading into the ruins. Have your picture snapped kissing silhouetted in the arched gate or strolling this ancient road hand-in-hand as residents once did when the emperor came to town.
The Oval Plaza
The expansive open Oval Plaza bordered by stately Ionic columns is one of Jerash’s most recognizable landmarks. Take a quiet stroll together around its oval perimeter, your steps echoing off the enclosing colonnades in atmospheric solitude. Find space amidst the tumbled limestone to sit and appreciate the timeless surroundings, imagining public gatherings or religious rites once held here centuries ago as you pick out details carved into fallen capitals and felled column drums.
Cardo Maximus
Likened to a Roman-era outdoor shopping mall lined with columns, the Cardo Maximus is an iconic must-do when visiting ancient Jerash. Join hands to navigate the initial stretch of paving stones as they pass towering columns rising to enclose the street. Pop in and out of carved limestone shops imagining the toga-clad patrons once browsing wares inside each. Soak in views of the distant hillsides through the columns then circle back to where horse carriages wait to whisk couples back to the modern day.
Romantic Things To Do
In addition to self-guided exploration, several charming activities catered towards couples promise memorable experiences awakening your senses to the ambience of the ruins. Below are the top romantic things to do when visiting Jerash.
Horse Carriage Ride
Channel Antony and Cleopatra with a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through the ruins together. Feel transported back in time as your steed clip-clops along ancient thoroughfares, hooves echoing off fallen columns with scenic views of Jerash’s elegantly crumbling temples framed by your carriage window. Cuddle close with your loved one for a quintessential romantic experience witnessing the ruins of Jerash from an enchanting new vantage point.
Wander through the Temple of Artemis
Escape from the bustling ruins to the more isolated Temple of Artemis perched high on a hillside overlooking verdant farms. Follow winding paths up through fragrant pine forests to where its striking columns stand tall against the backdrop of distant hills. Find a quiet spot to sit together on some mossy temple steps appreciating the solitude and timelessness of your surroundings, lost in a world far from modern concerns.
Roman Legion Show
Jerash’s famous Roman Legion shows promise an exciting display of martial skill for history-buff couples. Cheer side-by-side as legionaries demonstrate intricate battle maneuvres then gasp when gladiators take to the arena for choreographed sword fights and lion-baiting reenactments. Marvel at displays of equestrian mastery then get swept into the enthusiasm as “Caesar” himself appears to review his troops. An engaging taste of military life sure to spark conversation about daily routines centuries ago.
Where to Stay in Romantic Jerash
With incredible history just steps outside your hotel door, staying the night enhances couples’ ability to immerse in Jerash’s magical ruins. Below are two top-rated places to stay offering charm and convenience when visiting as a pair.
Olive Branch Guesthouse
This TripAdvisor favorite with panoramic hilltop views offers an unbeatably romantic place for couples on a budget to rest their heads. The rooftop garden at Olive Branch Guesthouse frames breathtaking sunrises over ancient Jerash unfolding just across the valley. Meanwhile, homecooked Jordanian meals in the communal dining room let you mingle with fellow travelers after an activity-packed day exploring ruins side-by-side.
Hadrian Gate Hotel
For next-level luxury, check into a balcony room at the chic new Hadrian Gate Hotel, located just steps from Jerash ruins. Here contemporary comforts like rainfall showers, marble bathtubs, and plush mattresses entice relaxation after long days discovering relics of the past hand-in-hand. Meanwhile, gorgeous vistas of Greco-Roman temples from private balconies make it tempting to just snuggle in with room service instead of heading out. With spectacular in-house dining options from Asian fusion to French patisserie, your tastebuds will journey through even more cultures between forays into the ruins together.
How to Visit Jerash: Tours and Itineraries
You needn’t travel solo when two’s company! Choose from convenient guided tours or customizable multi-day trips showcasing Jordan’s highlights as you make your own special memories amongst ancient stones.
Full-Day Guided Trip from Amman
A handy organized tour lets you maximize a day discovering Jerash with your partner minus the logistical hassle. Typically starting with pickup from your Amman hotel around 8 AM, an expert guide first leads you through the ruins identifying key structures and explaining their significance. After free time for couples to wander together, the group stops for lunch at a local restaurant to sample the flavors of Jordan. Expect to arrive back around 4 PM for a streamlined taste of Jerash’s romantic magic.
Multi-Day Jordan Highlights
For a more immersive experience, opt for a multi-day private tour tailor-made for you and your partner’s wishes. In addition to a full afternoon exploring Jerash ruins, such customized itineraries allow time to fall under the spell of the Rose City of Petra and the otherworldly desert wilderness at Wadi Rum with your beloved. Stay in handpicked boutique digs curated for romance and exclusive experiences like candlelit Petra by night or Bedouin dinners under starlit skies. With an expert guide smoothing the way, multi-day tours let you focus solely on making lifelong memories together.
Conclusion
Whether on a day trip from Amman or a multi-day exploration across Jordan, no two visits to ancient Jerash are the same. Each winding path leads to new nooks still being uncovered today with over 85% of the ruins yet to be excavated. Return repeatedly to peel back more layers of history together, revelation after revelation.
But beyond impressive monuments, the true magic of Jerash Jordan for couples lies in its peaceful isolation begging to have meandered hand-in-hand. Away from teeming tourists jostling bucket list sites, this haven lets you set your own unhurried pace finding hidden corners to connect in solitude. Wandering the ancient Cardo lost in your world, it’s easy to imagine yourself, a resident of the ancient city, just like the people immortalized in intricate mosaics underfoot.
For an enchanting lens into life centuries ago without sacrificing modern comforts, few destinations surpass time-warped Jerash. Come discover its charms for yourself on a romantic retreat amongst crumbling antiquity, where yesterday meets tomorrow in a beautiful mélange made for two.
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