Umm Qais
Umm Qais, Jordan. Photo
Roel Meurders.
Ruins of a Byzantine church at Umm Qais. Photo
David Bjorgen.
Ruins of Umm Qais and surrounding landscape. Photo
Gary Jones.Umm Qais (or Umm Qays) is the site of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara, a member of the Decapolis. The city is mentioned in the New Testament as the site where Jesus cast out demons and sent them into pigs, who then ran into the sea (Matthew 8:28-34).
Since excavations began in 1974, archaeologists have uncovered many impressive remains, including a colonnaded street, a theater, a mausoleum and a Byzantine church. The ruins lie in lush hill country overlooking the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee.
Quick Facts
Umm Qais is 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Amman. It is open 7am to sunset daily.
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Umm Qais. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Jordan Map or get our free Google Earth download.
