Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Umm Qais

Umm Qais, Jordan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 55 2026
Umm Qais

The site of ancient Gadara in northern Jordan, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Visitors walk among basalt columns, ruined streets, a black basalt amphitheatre and house walls.

Highlights

  • Basalt columns at entrance
  • Black basalt amphitheatre
  • Ruined colonnaded streets

Good to know

  • Guides at entrance push paid tours
  • Entrance fee is low for Jordanians
  • Bring water, shade is limited

Also in Jordan

  1. Petra N° 2 Petra Wadi Musa Ancient city
  2. Jerash N° 15 Jerash Jerash Ancient city