Madaba

Madaba and the region around the city has been a settlement for over 4500 years. Many tribes ruled it, passing through Israelites, Nabateans and the Roman and the Byzantine empires between the II and the VII centuries. Under the domain of the Romans, the town prospered and had many impressive public buildings and colonnaded streets. The prosperous period lasted until the Christian Byzantine period and the first Christian community was found around 451. But the town was abandoned after an earthquake in 747, an abandonment that lasted more than 1000 years. 

In late XIX century, Christians migrated to Madaba from Karak and they found many of the religious mosaics when digging foundations for their new homes. It was in one of these occasions that the mosaic map of the Holy Land in St. George´s Church. Archaeologists began excavation works that continue until this day. 

Madaba still is a small town though, with 80.000 inhabitants and has a small city centre. Yet there is a lot to explore and see in the surroundings. Since it is less than 1h drive from the capital Amman, many travellers include it in their itinerary. 

Madaba is a place famous for its historic mosaics. The Madaba Moisaic Map that covers the floor of St. George’s Church is the oldest we have known to date. The church was built in 1896 over the remains of a Byzantine church from the VI century. Even though only a quarter of the mosaic is preserved it shows precisely the Holy Land. Other famous mosaics were found in the Archaeological Museum and in the Church of the Virgin Mary, they depict everyday life and natural elements such as plants, flowers and even animals. Yet, there are other dozens of mosaics in Madaba, smaller but most from between the V and VII centuries, and therefore important. 

An institute for mosaic art and restoration runs in Madaba under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism with the mission of teaching artisans apprentices the art of making, repairing and restoring the material. It is a special institution because it is the only existing project of its kind in the Middle East region.

• Saint George´s Church

The place that put Madaba on the traveler’s map. The church has a beautiful flooring made out of a Byzantine mosaic that forms a map of Palestine from the V century, the oldest to this date. Because of it, the church is also known as the Church of the Map.

• Archeological Parks 

There are 2 archeological sites close to St. George´s church. Both are small and offer an easy walk. At Park I see more and oldest mosaics, artifacts from the Virgin Mary Church and Roman relics. 

At Park II you will find ruins from the VI century, such as cisterns and ancient Roman buildings, and the Burnt Palace, a mansion that was destroyed after the earthquake and fire. It was likely used by priests and it also holds some mosaics from the Byzantine era. 

• King Hussain Mosque

There are many mosques in Madaba but King Hussain Mosque is right in the city centre on the way to St. John Church. This mosque catches anyone’s attention thanks to its golden tops of the minarets and golden roof. 

• St. John Church

Even though built in the XX century, this church is not less interesting than other historical spots. It has its own museum and visitors can visit the belfry, which guarantees a beautiful view of the city. 

• Shopping for carpets

One of the nice things about travelling is buying different souvenirs and local products. Jordan is known for the manufacturing of carpets and Madaba has many shops. 

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