Oval Plaza

الساحة البيضاوية

A unique elliptical public square surrounded by 56 Ionic columns, serving as the heart of ancient Jerash where citizens gathered for commerce and civic activities. This distinctive architectural feature demonstrates innovative Roman urban planning.

Things to do

• Walk the Ionic Colonnade — Stroll around the 56 restored Ionic columns that encircle the plaza, observing the intricate capitals and understanding the engineering that supported the ancient marketplace.
• Study Roman Urban Planning — Examine how the elliptical design created superior acoustics and traffic flow compared to rectangular plazas, reflecting sophisticated Roman civic architecture.
• Photograph at Golden Hour — Capture the columns casting long shadows across the plaza floor during sunrise or sunset, when the ancient stonework glows with warm light.
• Attend Cultural Performances — Check for seasonal evening concerts or theatrical productions held in the plaza during summer months, where modern performers use the ancient acoustics.
• Visit the Museum of Jerash — Explore artifacts excavated from the Oval Plaza and surrounding sites, including coins, pottery, and sculptures that illustrate daily life in Roman Gerasa.
• Sketch or Paint the Columns — Many artists bring supplies to capture the geometric beauty and repetitive Ionic elements that make the plaza an ideal subject for drawing practice.

Food to try

• Mansaf — A traditional Jordanian feast of lamb cooked in a tangy yogurt sauce served over rice and flatbread, commonly enjoyed in nearby Jerash restaurants after touring the ruins.
• Zarb (Zarbieh) — Slow-roasted meat and vegetables buried in hot sand and coals, representing ancient cooking methods still prepared in rural areas around the Jerash valley.
• Hummus and Fresh Pita at Local Vendors — Several food stalls near the Oval Plaza entrance serve creamy chickpea hummus with warm, wood-fired pita bread and olive oil, ideal for a quick snack while exploring.
• Falafel with Tahini Sauce — Deep-fried chickpea patties served in pita with sesame paste and fresh vegetables, a staple lunch option sold by vendors around the archaeological site.
• Qahwa (Arabic Coffee) and Ma'amoul — Bitter coffee paired with date-filled shortbread cookies, traditionally served to visitors in the region as a gesture of hospitality.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Spaces Nearby — The Oval Plaza sits within a living archaeological site; avoid climbing on walls or columns and stay on marked pathways to preserve the 2,000-year-old structures.
• Dress Conservatively for Religious Sites — Wear modest clothing with covered shoulders and knees when visiting Jerash, as several Byzantine churches and Islamic-era structures are integrated into the ancient city.
• Greet Locals with Arabic Phrases — Simple greetings like 'Marhaba' (hello) and 'Shukran' (thank you) are warmly appreciated by local guides and vendors, enhancing the hospitality experience.
• Visit Early Morning to Avoid Crowds — Arriving before 9 AM allows quiet contemplation of the plaza's architecture and better photography before tour groups crowd the site and midday heat intensifies.