Umm ar-Rasas

أم الرصاص

An impressive Byzantine archaeological site featuring the 8th-century Church of St. Stephen with one of the finest preserved Byzantine mosaics showing a map of the region. The site also includes a distinctive bell tower and multiple Byzantine-era ruins scattered across the landscape.

Things to do

• Explore the Church of St. Stephen — Visit the 8th-century Byzantine church to see its remarkably well-preserved floor mosaic depicting a detailed map of the Levantine region with cities, rivers, and geographical features.
• Climb the Bell Tower — Ascend the distinctive standing tower on the site for panoramic views of the surrounding Jordanian landscape and the scattered Byzantine ruins below.
• Survey Byzantine Ruins — Walk among the scattered remains of churches, monastic buildings, and residential structures dating from the 6th to 8th centuries across the archaeological site.
• Study the Mosaic Map — Examine the intricate floor mosaic in detail, which serves as one of the oldest surviving maps of the Holy Land and provides insights into Byzantine geography and trade routes.
• Visit the Site Museum — Review artifacts, pottery fragments, and explanatory displays about daily life in this Byzantine desert settlement and its religious significance.
• Photograph the Landscape — Capture the golden-hour light across the archaeological remains and the distinctive bell tower set against the Jordanian highlands.

Food to try

• Mansaf — A traditional Jordanian dish of lamb cooked in a tangy yogurt-based sauce, often served at local restaurants in nearby Madaba and worth seeking out after visiting the site.
• Falafel and Hummus — Freshly made chickpea fritters and creamy chickpea paste with tahini, staples at roadside vendors and small eateries throughout the Madaba region.
• Zarb — Slow-roasted lamb or chicken with vegetables cooked in an underground pit, a special occasion dish available at select restaurants in Madaba near Umm ar-Rasas.
• Olive Oil and Fresh Bread — Local Palestinian olive oil paired with warm, freshly baked Arabic flatbread is a simple authentic experience widely available in the surrounding villages.
• Musakhan — Palestinian-style flatbread topped with sumac-spiced chicken, onions, and pine nuts, representing the regional cuisine of the Levant.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — Wear long pants or skirts and covered shoulders as a sign of respect for this sacred Byzantine religious site and the local Muslim-majority community.
• Visit Early or Late — Arrive in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat, which can be intense on the exposed archaeological site, and to enjoy better light for photography and reflection.
• Hire a Local Guide — Engage a guide from Madaba who can provide detailed historical context about Byzantine church practices, the significance of the mosaic map, and the site's role in trade and pilgrimage routes.
• Respect Archaeological Areas — Stay on designated paths, do not remove artifacts or touch mosaics, and follow signage to protect this UNESCO-recognized heritage site for future visitors.