The modern city of Madaba, Jordan rests atop many layers of previous habitation, dating back 4,000 years. Basically, all over town, remains of buried structures poke up through the grass. Madaba’s excavated past (and likely the unexcavated as well) includes a large collection of mosaic floors, walls and ceilings. A stop at Madaba is included in most of our published Jordan tours.
After being essentially abandoned for 1,000 years, Arab Christians began to resettle Madaba in the 1880s. The first mosaics were discovered as ancient rubble was mined to build the new town. The famous map of the holy land was discovered in 1896 and excavation and preservation of Madaba’s mosaics has continued pretty steadily ever since.
St. George’s Church
This is where you’ll find the mosaic map that put Madaba on the map and, consequently, the most popular stop in Jordan tours to Madaba.
A modern-era church stands over the remains of a 6th-century Byzantine church, the floor of which contained this detailed depiction of the Mediterranean basin. The map was originally more than 1,000 square feet but only about 1/4 remains.
Archaeological Park
This fine open-air museum encompasses the remains of several churches and houses including, of course, some very good mosaics.
Archaeological Museum
Here is a nice little collection of mosaics from the Madaba area, as well as other artefacts and cultural displays.
Church of St. John the Baptist
Climb the bell tower for sweeping views, then explore the maze of passages under the church.
Church of the Apostles
If you can’t get enough mosaics, walk away from the city center to the Church of the Apostles, which houses a beautiful, large mosaic floor.
Um er-Rasas
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although it seems utterly forgotten and not often included in packaged Jordan tours. (Our private Jordan tours are customizable. Ask us to add this site if you love ancient ruins and mosaics!) Hidden in the expansive field of debris, you’ll find Roman, Byzantine and early Muslim ruins in early stages of excavation. The most spectacular discovery to date is the beautifully preserved mosaic floor of the Church of St. Stephen. The site is about 19 miles south of Madaba.
Wadi Jadid
For a nice juxtaposition to the detailed, micro-artistry of Madaba’s mosaics, travel about 6 miles to the southwest to find a field of megalithic tombs from the 3rd millennium BCE. Most of the dolmens are tumbled down but there are enough standing to give a very satisfying sense of mystery and extreme ancientness.
Madaba is located along the famous King’s Highway, about 20 miles south of Amman.
Because of close proximity, Madaba pairs nicely with visits to Mt. Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan and the Dead Sea.
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