10 Best Things to Do in Madaba, Jordan
Explore ancient mosaics, religious landmarks, and quiet streets in Jordan’s “City of Mosaics.”
Located just 30 kilometers south of Amman, Madaba is a small city with a deep historical footprint. Known for its intricate mosaics, particularly from the Byzantine and Umayyad periods, Madaba offers visitors a quieter experience compared to Jordan’s capital—without sacrificing cultural richness. Churches, archaeological sites, and local shops are all within walking distance, making it easy to explore at a slower pace. Here are some of the best things to do in Madaba.
See the Mosaic Map at St. George’s Church
The most well-known site in Madaba, St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church houses a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Discovered in the late 1800s, this mosaic is the oldest known map of Jerusalem and biblical geography. While parts of it have been lost, the remaining fragments are still remarkably detailed and remain a key reason many travelers stop in Madaba.
Visit the Madaba Archaeological Park
This open-air archaeological site brings together remnants of Roman roads, early Christian homes, and beautifully preserved mosaics. Highlights include the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Hippolytus Hall mosaic, and parts of a Roman street. The site is compact and easy to navigate, with signs explaining the layered history beneath modern Madaba.
Explore the Church of the Apostles
Located near the edge of the city center, this lesser-visited site features a large mosaic floor dating to the 6th century CE. It depicts the sea, birds, fish, and human figures, including a female personification of the sea labeled “Thalassa.” The church building itself is modest, but the artwork is well-preserved and often less crowded.
Climb the Bell Tower at St. John the Baptist Church
This Latin church offers more than just its interior. Beneath it, there’s a small museum and series of underground tunnels that include what’s believed to be a Moabite well. Visitors can also climb the bell tower for views across Madaba’s rooftops—especially atmospheric near sunset.
Browse the Local Markets and Mosaic Shops
Madaba is known for its mosaic workshops, many of which are open to the public. Small shops around the city center sell handmade mosaic tables, wall pieces, and ceramic tiles. Even if you’re not buying, browsing the studios provides a closer look at a craft the city has preserved for generations.
Stop at the Madaba Museum
Though small, the Madaba Museum houses several mosaics and local artifacts found throughout the region. It’s less visited than other sites but offers a quiet space to understand how the city’s archaeological discoveries were pieced together.
Visit Mount Nebo
Just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Mount Nebo is believed to be the site where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. The mountaintop offers wide views over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even parts of Jerusalem on clear days. The site includes a modern memorial church and preserved mosaics from a 6th-century monastery.
Stop at the La Storia Tourism Complex
Located between Madaba and Mount Nebo, this museum and cultural space features life-size dioramas depicting biblical scenes, Jordanian history, and traditional life. While the approach is more interpretive than academic, it offers an alternative look at local heritage and includes a mosaic workshop as well.
Explore the Ruins of Umm ar-Rasas
About 30 km southeast of Madaba, Umm ar-Rasas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a mix of Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic ruins. The most notable feature is the Church of Saint Stephen, home to an expansive and well-preserved mosaic depicting a series of cities across the region. The site is quiet and often empty, with basic facilities and signage.
Try Local Dishes in Family-Run Restaurants
Madaba’s size makes it easy to find casual, local places to eat. Traditional Jordanian dishes like mansaf, musakhan, and mezze are available in town, often in unpretentious family-run restaurants. Some spots even offer outdoor terraces where you can sit and take in the slower rhythm of the city.
Are you ready to start discovering Jordan?
I decided to book a tour when I went to Jordan and they simplified my planning and enhanced my travel experience ! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!
Are you ready to start discovering Jordan?
I decided to book a tour when I went to Jordan and they simplified my planning and enhanced my travel experience ! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!
More things to do in Jordan
Madaba Archaeological Park
The Madaba Archaeological Park in Jordan preserves mosaics, ancient roads, and historic buildings from Roman,…
