Madaba Archaeological Park

Took a car booked by the hotel to the airport and rented a Chinese Trumpchi small SUV from Avis. Quick drive to Madaba and found the Visitors Centre free parking in the middle of the city.

This is an open air museum that has within it two churches a Roman road and a private Byzantine villa..

As you first enter is an exhibition of some of the oldest mosaics found relocated from other sites in the Madaba area. The mosaics from the Ma'in, church of the Acropolis date back to 719 AD.

Moving on to the Church of the Virgin Mary, built in the 6th century and discovered beneath the floor of a private house in 1887. The central mosaic, which is from 767, has a great geometric design.

Crossing the Roman road which cut straight (of course -- it's Roman) through the area is the Church of the Prophet Elias (built AD 607), with a crypt (built AD 595). One beautiful small mosaic of the Tree of Life is in an alcove to the side.

Finally under a protective roof are a number of Byzantine ruins, including the Hippolyte Hall with another large floor mosaic of the four seasons and depicting the myth of Hippolytus. Enjoyed the details (such as the fine green bird).Read more