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Madaba

Jordan

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Jordan. Madaba (biblical Medeba) - St. George's Church. Fragment of the oldest floor mosaic map of the Holy Land - the Jordan River and the Dead Sea; Shutterstock ID 34182559; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Jordan Online Update

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Overview

The amiable market town of Madaba is best known for a collection of Byzantine-era mosaics. The most famous of these is the map on the floor of St George’s Church, but there are many others in different parts of the town, several of them even more complete and vibrantly colourful.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Interior of Greek Orthodox Basilica of St George with the mosaic map of Holy Land in Madaba, Jordan.

    St George’s Church & Mosaic Map

    Madaba

    This rather modest 19th-century Greek Orthodox church houses a treasure of early Christianity. Imagine the excitement in 1884 when Christian builders came…

  • Church of St John the Baptist in the historic town of Madaba in Jordan.

    Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist

    Madaba

    This operational early-20th-century Roman Catholic church has been transformed into an intriguing destination for visitors and pilgrims by the restoration…

  • Madaba Archaeological Park I & Virgin Mary Church

    Madaba

    Some careful restoration and excavation in the early 1990s led to the creation of this open-air museum, which houses a collection of ruins and fine…

  • Mosaic in the Church of the Apostles in Madaba, Jordan.

    Church of the Apostles

    Madaba

    This insignificant-looking church contains a remarkable mosaic dedicated to the Twelve Apostles. The embroidery-like mosaic was created in AD 568 and is…

  • Archaeological Park II

    Madaba

    Walkways lead around the ruins of this late-6th-century luxury private mansion, destroyed by fire and earthquake around 749. The walkways offer a good…

  • Madaba Museum

    Madaba

    Housed in several old Madaba residences, this museum features a 6th-century mosaic depicting a naked satyr; a saucy (and partly damaged) mosaic of Ariadne…

  • Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art & Restoration

    Madaba

    Originally set up as a school in 1992 by the Jordanian government, this institute trains Jordanian artists in the production and restoration of mosaics,…

  • Visitors Centre

    Madaba

    This helpful interpretative centre makes a good starting point for visiting the highlights of Madaba. It's worth a visit in its own right, as it's housed…

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