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Top Things to Do in Madaba: Beyond the Famous Mosaics

February 3, 2025 • by Sarah Johnson
Street view of Madaba with local shops and architecture

Discovering Madaba: Jordan's Charming Mosaic City

Madaba may be famous for its Byzantine mosaics, particularly the renowned Madaba Map, but this charming city offers visitors much more than ancient art. With its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage, Madaba deserves more than just a quick stop on the way to Mount Nebo or the Dead Sea.

In this guide, we'll explore the diverse attractions and experiences that make Madaba worth at least a full day of exploration, from archaeological wonders to local cuisine and handicrafts.

1. Explore the Archaeological Park

While St. George's Church and its famous mosaic map often steal the spotlight, Madaba's Archaeological Park offers an even more extensive collection of Byzantine mosaics in their original settings. This open-air museum showcases several church ruins with remarkably preserved mosaic floors dating from the 5th to the 7th centuries.

Highlights include:

  • The Church of the Virgin Mary with its stunning geometric patterns and nature scenes
  • The Hippolytus Hall featuring a mosaic depicting scenes from Greek mythology
  • The Burnt Palace with its well-preserved mosaic floors
  • The Martyrs Church with beautiful floral and animal designs

The park includes elevated walkways that allow visitors to view the mosaics from above without damaging them. Informational panels throughout the site provide context and explanations in multiple languages.

2. Visit the Madaba Museum

To deepen your understanding of Madaba's rich history, the Madaba Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Located near the Archaeological Park, the museum displays include:

  • Additional mosaic fragments and restoration workshops
  • Ancient pottery and glassware
  • Bronze and stone sculptures
  • Traditional costumes and jewelry
  • Historical photographs of Madaba

The museum provides valuable context for understanding the various civilizations that have called Madaba home over the millennia and offers insight into the techniques used to create and restore the city's famous mosaics.

3. Take a Mosaic Workshop

For a hands-on experience that connects you with Madaba's artistic heritage, consider taking a mosaic-making workshop. Several local studios offer classes where visitors can learn the basics of this ancient art form and create their own small mosaic to take home as a unique souvenir.

The Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration offers formal workshops, while smaller family-run studios like the Madaba Mosaic School provide more intimate experiences. Most workshops last 2-3 hours and include all materials. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the high season.

4. Wander the Old Town and Local Markets

Madaba's charming old town, with its narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and local markets, offers a glimpse into authentic Jordanian life. Take time to wander without a specific destination and soak in the atmosphere. The area around St. George's Church is particularly picturesque, with many buildings dating back to the late Ottoman period.

The local souk (market) is perfect for shopping for:

  • Handcrafted mosaic souvenirs and artwork
  • Traditional Jordanian textiles and embroidery
  • Local spices and food products
  • Handmade jewelry and ceramics

Unlike the more touristy markets in Amman, Madaba's shops offer a more relaxed shopping experience with less aggressive bargaining, though negotiating prices is still expected for larger purchases.

5. Visit the Shrine of the Beheading of John the Baptist

This often-overlooked religious site offers both historical interest and spectacular views of Madaba. The shrine is built over a Byzantine-era church and features a bell tower that visitors can climb for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The site includes:

  • Ancient underground chambers and water cisterns
  • A small museum of religious artifacts
  • The bell tower with viewing platform
  • Beautiful modern mosaics in the Byzantine style

The climb to the top of the bell tower involves narrow stairs but rewards visitors with one of the best vantage points in Madaba, perfect for photography and orientation.

6. Sample Local Cuisine

Madaba offers excellent opportunities to sample traditional Jordanian cuisine in a more relaxed setting than the capital. Several family-run restaurants serve authentic local dishes at reasonable prices. Don't miss trying:

  • Mansaf - Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in fermented yogurt sauce, served over rice
  • Zarb - A Bedouin specialty of meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground
  • Mezze - A selection of small dishes including hummus, moutabel, tabbouleh, and fresh bread
  • Knafeh - A sweet cheese pastry soaked in sugar syrup, a popular dessert

Haret Jdoudna, housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building, is one of Madaba's most popular restaurants, offering traditional Jordanian cuisine in a historic setting. For a more local experience, try the small family-run establishments around the main square.

7. Day Trip to Mount Nebo

Just 10 kilometers from Madaba lies Mount Nebo, the historic site where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land before his death. This makes for an easy and rewarding half-day trip from Madaba. At Mount Nebo, visitors can:

  • Visit the modern Memorial Church of Moses with its beautiful mosaics
  • See the Serpentine Cross sculpture symbolizing the bronze serpent created by Moses and the cross of Jesus
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and on clear days, Jerusalem and Bethlehem
  • Explore the small museum with archaeological findings from the area

The site can be reached by taxi from Madaba for about 10-15 JOD round trip (including waiting time), or as part of an organized tour. Many visitors combine Mount Nebo with a trip to the nearby Baptism Site or the Dead Sea.

8. Attend a Local Festival or Cultural Event

If your visit coincides with one of Madaba's cultural festivals, you're in for a special treat. The city hosts several events throughout the year that showcase local traditions, music, and crafts:

  • Madaba Festival for Arts and Culture (usually held in July) - Features traditional music, dance performances, handicraft exhibitions, and food stalls
  • Christmas celebrations - As Madaba has a significant Christian population, Christmas is celebrated with special church services, decorations, and community events
  • Mosaic workshops and exhibitions - Throughout the year, the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art hosts special exhibitions and demonstrations

Check with the local tourist office or your accommodation for information about any events happening during your visit.

9. Explore the Madaba Plains

The countryside surrounding Madaba offers beautiful landscapes and several historical sites worth exploring if you have extra time. Consider renting a car or hiring a driver to visit:

  • Umm ar-Rasas - A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved Byzantine church mosaics
  • Mukawir (Machaerus) - The hilltop fortress where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded
  • The King's Highway - One of the world's oldest continuously used roads, with spectacular scenery

These excursions allow you to escape the tourist crowds and experience the tranquil beauty of Jordan's countryside while discovering lesser-known historical sites.

10. Stay in a Local Guesthouse

Rather than rushing through Madaba as a day trip, consider spending at least one night in the city to fully appreciate its relaxed atmosphere and experience local hospitality. Several family-run guesthouses and small hotels offer authentic accommodations:

  • Mariam Hotel - A friendly, family-run hotel with a swimming pool and garden
  • Mosaic City Hotel - Centrally located with comfortable rooms and helpful staff
  • Black Iris Hotel - Budget-friendly option with a rooftop terrace

Staying overnight allows you to experience Madaba in the evening when day-trippers have left, and locals come out to socialize in the town's cafes and restaurants.

Practical Information for Visiting Madaba

Getting There

Madaba is located just 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, making it easily accessible:

  • By car: About 45 minutes from Amman via the Airport Highway
  • By public transport: Regular buses depart from Amman's South Bus Station (Wehdat) to Madaba
  • By taxi: A taxi from Amman costs around 15-20 JOD one way
  • Tours: Many tour companies offer day trips from Amman that include Madaba, Mount Nebo, and sometimes the Baptism Site or Dead Sea

Best Time to Visit

Madaba can be visited year-round, but the most pleasant weather is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate. Summer (June-August) can be very hot, while winter (December-February) can be cool and occasionally rainy.

How Much Time to Spend

While Madaba's highlights can technically be seen in half a day, we recommend at least a full day to properly explore the city without rushing. If you want to include nearby attractions like Mount Nebo and take a mosaic workshop, consider staying overnight.

Conclusion

Madaba offers visitors a perfect blend of historical significance, cultural experiences, and authentic Jordanian hospitality. While the famous Madaba Map will likely be the initial draw for most travelers, the city's charm, relaxed pace, and diverse attractions make it worth exploring more deeply.

By venturing beyond the main mosaic attractions and taking time to wander the streets, interact with locals, and perhaps try your hand at creating your own mosaic, you'll discover why Madaba is considered one of Jordan's most livable and visitor-friendly cities. Whether as a day trip from Amman or as part of a longer Jordan itinerary, Madaba rewards those who take the time to explore its many facets.