While I love to create the posts of free things to do, there are a number of unique and fun things to experience in Madaba that cost very little. Here are 5 things to see in Madaba for Under $5DR. If you are a holder of the Jordan Pass, most of these are included!
Ancient Byzantine Tunnels
Located underneath the Church of the Beheading of St John the Baptist, is an ancient castle! Inside this castle is where the beheading of John, actually took place. Wander further and deeper, and you will find yourself lost in a maze of spooky tunnels.
These dark and damp passageways form part of the Byzantine acropolis. Pass by a 3,000-year-old Moabite well that is still functioning. Head deeper into the abyss and climb down a ladder into a dim room. Here the air is still, thick with moisture and dank. The walls are green with algae and dripping, old black and white photos are full of damp warts. See antiquities and walk on a metal sheet floor that is suspended above an even deeper and darker room.
This castle and its extensive tunnels are accessed through the side door to the above noted church. Cost to enter is a mere 1DR or $2. An absolutely hidden gem in Madaba. Like me, you might be the sole visitor and be the only human down here, inside the belly of the earth, alone in the dark.
Bell Tower
Part of the same church and covered by the cost of the entrance to the tunnels, is the bell tower ascent. This is so much fun and offers views of the city that are unattainable from anywhere else. The climb is narrow and steep, and you will continually need to dodge the bell cords so as not to clang those massive brass bells suspended above your head.
Once you reach the upper most floor, step through the tiny door and out onto the narrow walkway that surrounds the tower. While your hair is being whipped from the winds, take in the stunning 360 degree views of Madaba!
Madaba Archaeological Museum
Located down a narrow alley, cost to enter this museum is 3DR and free if you already have the Jordan Pass. There was no one here when I visited and I was escorted around the site by the caretaker. He would open various rooms and turn on the lights as we went. Besides an actual static and dated museum there are a myriad of things to see in this small space.
This is the one place in Madaba I was able to view most of the mosaics out in the open and uncovered. The benefits of this are that the colours are vibrant and the mosaics clean from accumulated dust.
Located in a late bronze age temple complex, these mosaics are remnants of the floors of peoples homes, built above the temple. Scattered around this haphazard site are various decorative objects, many of which have old inscriptions and depictions.
Ancient Roman Road
This one called a ‘Decumanus’. It runs East West and in typical Roman fashion would intersect the North South Road which has yet to be discovered. Built between the 2nd & 3rd centuries it would have connected the East and West gates of the city.
All along this road, you can see old Roman buildings as well as Byzantine structures and churches. Today, the Decumanus can be walked upon in both of the Archaeological parks in Madaba. Costs to enter and see the road and surroundings buildings is 3DR and includes all the other historical sites within the park. Free of course for Jordan Pass holders.
Martyrs’ Church
Located inside the same Archaeological Park as the Burnt Palace, the central mosaic floor here is a must see. Created during the 6th century, it depicts numerous hunting and village scenes.
Once covered with images of animals and people, most of this was destroyed as a result of iconoclasm. During part of the Byzantine Era in Jordan, religious images of humans and animals were deliberately mutilated. The depiction of living beings was venerated by specific secular groups and when they encountered them, they were erased. What is fascinating specifically at this church, are the two images that were preserved.
Why were they not destroyed? Both were covered by massive and heavy wooden tables and therefore completely hidden from view. They include this image of Jesus in one corner and two chickens up near the nave.
Madaba offers a plethora of amazing things to see. Not only is the town itself a delight to explore and engage with, but the sheer volume of history here makes it a prime destination in Jordan. Come, discover, and enjoy the friendly vibes of this ancient city.
