Madaba Things to Do

4 more images

The Greek Orthodox church at Madaba has the most amazing mosaic floor (well remnants of) detailing the religious world at the time it was laid. It is a true work of art and well worth a visit.

Also the Icons and art work on display are worth seeing as well

4 more images

The Madaba Mosaic Map, a unique piece of art, dating to 6th cent. A.D., was designed as a decoration for the pavement of a church built during the reign of emperor Justinian. The current map has been rediscovered during the construction of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in 1896. This discovery brought Madaba, at the time a small dusty village in the plateau of Moab south of Amman, to international fame.

The mosaic represents the biblical land from Egypt to Lebanon, including Sinai, Israel, Palestine, and Transjordan. It is considered to be one of the best and most detailed topographical representations of the Biblical Lands. Among the best preserved parts are a detailed depiction of the city of Jerusalem, the Jordan River and its valleys, two sailing boats with deformed sailors (because of their nudity?) carrying salt from the Dead Sea, the Nile Delta, etc. For a very detailed info on the map and its biblical sites, see this site .

The Golden Dome Mosque in central Madaba isvisible from almost everywhere. I had a chance to visit the mosque - and were welcomed by many friendly locals. The mosque is quite modern. It looks very nice at night.
Remember to take your shoes off, and no photography is allowed inside this mosque.

There are several shops in Madaba which you can visit where local handicrafts are made. This is agood opputunity to buy directly from them, and you know what you buy is authentic. A leaflet is available with all these shops you can visit. Most of them are in the central are of the town.

1 more image

I visited Bethany from Madaba. In this huge archaeological area, there are many significant sites. This is where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. It is also here where Elijah ascended to heaven.
There are quite a few churches being built. Close to the River Jordan is a Greek Orthodox Church.
The river Jordan forms the border between Israel (West Bank) and Jordan. When visiting the terrace at the river, it is a couple of meters and you will be in Israel. The Israel side is heavily militarised.
When you plan on visiting Bethany, do take your passport with, as there are military check points. I was never asked for mine at any point.
I went with a car and driver. You cannot visit the area as an independent traveller, as it is a military zone. You will be taken to the parking area, where you will be taken to the different sites by a guide. The guides are well trained and made the experience very pleasant.
Admission is 7 JD.
It is very humid and warm here, bring drinking water with as you walk quite a bit, and protect yourself from the sun.

1 more image

I visited the Dead Sea from Madaba. This is an experience you should not miss! Being far below sea level, it is humid and the atmosphere feels “thick”.
Because of the high salinity level, you are buoyant and float on the water without any effort.
It seems that Amman beach is the best place to visit although the 12 JD admission fee is quite expensive. There are facilities to lock your belongings, showers and facilities to change clothing.
Remember to be very careful not to get water in your eyes! It burns terribly. There are fresh water showers at the beach where you can wash off the salt water.
Amman Beach has a very nice fresh water pool and a restaurant where you can have a buffet lunch.
The road from Mt Nebo down to the Dead Sea is spectacular.

1 more image

I visited Mt Nebo from Madaba. It is only about 12km from town. This is from where Moses could see the Promised Land and also the site where he died. When standing on this mountain you have magnificent views of the valley below, as well as the Dead Sea.
This Biblical sight is significant for Jews, Christians and Muslims.
The mosaics on display here is another reason for visiting Mt Nebo. They are magnificent and definitely worth seeing. There is also a small museum which gives a lot of information about the site.
When I visited, some areas were not open for visitors.
Admission fee is 1 JD.

3 more images

Here also to be seen at the Archelogy Museum on the site of the Church of Mary are Mosaics from the church at Massuh 10 km north of Madaba, dated to the beginning of the 6th century.

As with all the mosaics in the museum information is given in english and arabic.