Umm ar-Rasas
Umm ar-Rasas is a village in the Capital Governorate of central Jordan, historically known as the ancient city of "Kastrom Mefa'a," as mentioned in a Greek inscription within an Umayyad-era mosaic. Originally established by the Romans as a military camp to consolidate their influence and protect trade routes between the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant, the site gradually developed into a significant city by the 5th century AD. The archaeological site contains ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods, spanning from the late 3rd to the 9th century AD. Today, Umm ar-Rasas is one of Jordan's most important archaeological and tourist destinations, particularly attracting Christian pilgrims due to its ancient religious landmarks. The most significant discovery in the area is the well-preserved mosaic floor of the Church of Saint Stephen, dating back to 785 AD, which was uncovered after 1986. This mosaic is the largest of its kind in Jordan and remains remarkably intact. Surrounding Umm ar-Rasas are remnants of ancient agricultural zones, along with a sophisticated water collection system that was used both for drinking and irrigation. Despite containing numerous historic churches and the remains of a large Roman military camp, much of the site remains unexcavated. In recognition of its unique blend of civilizations and the fact that most of its churches were built after the advent of Islamic rule, Umm ar-Rasas was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
- Category
- Religious · Historical Religious Places
- Governorate
- Amman
- Address
- Capital Governorate, Central Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Directions on Google Maps · Website
Opening hours
- Monday: 00:00 – 23:59
- Tuesday: 00:00 – 23:59
- Wednesday: 00:00 – 23:59
- Thursday: 00:00 – 23:59
- Friday: 00:00 – 23:59
- Saturday: 00:00 – 23:59
- Sunday: 00:00 – 23:59
Features
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Public toilet
- Toilets
- Walking
- Free parking
- Outdoor seating
- Seating
- Locals
- Point-to-point trail
- Birdwatching
- Outdoor services
Education · adventure · Islamic Heritage