Madaba Visitor Center
Your essential starting point for Madaba, offering free maps and guidance to explore its world-renowned mosaic art and ancient Christian heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild and pleasant weather
Madaba Visitor Center
Best Time
Mild and pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your essential starting point for Madaba, offering free maps and guidance to explore its world-renowned mosaic art and ancient Christian heritage.
"Excellent visitor center, free parking, and clear instructions for seeing all the sites. "
🎯 Start at the Visitor Center
Get your free map and essential info here before exploring.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear sunscreen and cover up; you'll be walking under direct sunlight.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Madaba Map Mosaic
St. George's Church
The oldest mosaic map of the Holy Land, a breathtaking Byzantine masterpiece.
Mosaic Craftsmanship
Various workshops and sites
Witness the intricate art of creating stunning mosaics from tiny granite pieces.
Byzantine Heritage Sites
Across the city
Explore ancient churches, hidden caves, and stone towers brimming with history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Madaba Adventure Here
Navigating Madaba's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start at the Visitor Center
Get your free map and essential info here before exploring.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear sunscreen and cover up; you'll be walking under direct sunlight.
🚶♀️ Follow the Brown Line
The tourist area has a marked path for easy navigation.
☕ Cozy Cafes & Shops
Enjoy the charming streets filled with local eateries and boutiques.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start at the Visitor Center
Get your free map and essential info here before exploring.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Wear sunscreen and cover up; you'll be walking under direct sunlight.
🚶♀️ Follow the Brown Line
The tourist area has a marked path for easy navigation.
☕ Cozy Cafes & Shops
Enjoy the charming streets filled with local eateries and boutiques.
💧 Clean Restrooms Available
Visitor center and sites offer clean and accessible WCs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Madaba Visitor Center for its excellent organization, free maps, and helpful staff who provide clear guidance for exploring the mosaic city. The well-marked tourist area and clean facilities are also frequently highlighted as positives, making it an ideal starting point for any Madaba adventure. Some note that the surrounding town can be chaotic, but the dedicated tourist zone is very well-maintained.
"The receptionist welcomed me warmly, gave me a map, and explained to me in details how I could see all the spots and enjoy Madaba. Thank you, for your time and effort. And I definitely recommend to everyone to start here when intending to explore Madaba. Don’t forget to cover up and protect yourself from sunlight and use sunscreen as you will be doing a lot of walking under direct sunlight"
OQAB ALOQAB
"Madaba – The Ancient Byzantine Mosaic City
Madaba is an ancient Byzantine-era city, beautifully repolished in a way that mirrors many European towns, with tiled roads, cozy cafés, boutique shops, and charming restaurants—always bustling with foreign visitors.
The city is world-renowned for its mosaic craftsmanship, an intricate art form that uses tiny granite pieces to create stunning depictions of history, religion, and culture.
Madaba is steeped in mystery and heritage, filled with ancient churches, hidden caves, stone towers, underground tunnels, and countless stories waiting to be discovered.
There are three main ticket counters where visitors can purchase passes to access eight historical sites across the city.
The best time to visit is between September and April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, summer welcomes travelers who enjoy the intense sun and heat.
While a small Christian community still lives here, most residents are Arab Muslims, exceptionally friendly and welcoming to all guests.
Overall: Madaba is a must-visit destination in Jordan, rich in culture, history, and hospitality."
Steiner Mark
"Wow, what an excellent visitor center. Free parking, welcome, short description on what and how to see sites within the small ~1km area of the tourist part of town. Obviously a lot of $ was spent creating a very nice area for tourists. There is a gratis map and 1,2,3...instructions for visiting. Even (!) a brown line on the sidewalk to follow. Well done. WCs are clean and big. There is a picnic bench area (under shade). And all the 'mosaic' sites are within easy walk. Perhaps ~2hrs to see all of it. The cute streets are full of cute shops, cafes, restaurants, usual tourist things. They really want tourists here and have done a great job.
The town around the tourist area is usual busted up, falling-apart look. Streets very tricky to navigate (thanks, google!), traffic chaotic, folks stopping or parking anywhere they please.
But the tourist area, the sites are very well done."
Steven Webb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Madaba is easily accessible by taxi or bus from Amman, approximately a 45-minute drive. The Visitor Center is centrally located within the main tourist area, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.
Yes, the Madaba Visitor Center offers free parking, which is a great convenience for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The visitor center is located within the ~1km tourist zone, and all the main mosaic sites are within easy walking distance. A brown line is marked on the sidewalk to guide you.
The visitor center provides excellent maps and guidance. While the tourist area is well-marked, surrounding streets can be chaotic, so starting at the center is highly recommended.
Most visitors start at the Madaba Visitor Center to get oriented, then follow the marked path to visit the various mosaic sites and churches. Plan for about 2 hours to see everything in the main tourist area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there are three main ticket counters where you can purchase passes to access the eight historical sites across the city. Some sites may be included in the Jordan Pass.
The Madaba Visitor Center itself is free to enter and provides valuable information, maps, and guidance for your visit.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, sites are open during daylight hours. It's best to check with the Visitor Center upon arrival for the most up-to-date information.
The exhibition at St. George's Church, which houses the Madaba Map Mosaic, is often included in the Jordan Pass, but it's advisable to confirm this when purchasing your pass.
Ticket prices vary depending on the sites you wish to visit. Purchasing a combined pass for multiple sites is usually more economical. Inquire at the ticket counters or Visitor Center for current pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Madaba Map Mosaic at St. George's Church is a highlight. Other significant sites include the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Archaeological Park with the Church of the Apostles, and the Burnt Palace.
Most visitors can comfortably explore the main mosaic sites and charming streets within approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Clean and accessible restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and many of the main historical sites.
The streets around the tourist area are filled with charming boutique shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and cozy cafes and restaurants offering traditional Jordanian cuisine.
Yes, Madaba has a rich Christian heritage, with several ancient churches and significant mosaics related to biblical narratives. It's particularly interesting for those with a deep interest in Christian history.
📸 📸 Photography
The Madaba Map Mosaic itself is a stunning subject. Also, capture the intricate details of other mosaics, the architecture of the ancient churches, and the charming street scenes with local life.
Photography is generally allowed inside the churches and sites, but it's always respectful to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography, which might be prohibited to protect the delicate mosaics.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds. The golden hour can enhance the colors of the mosaics.
Look for close-up shots of the detailed mosaic patterns, wide shots showing the scale of the Madaba Map, and shots that capture the craftsmanship of local artisans if you visit a workshop.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for both wide shots and details. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for capturing the highlights. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on mosaics.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on sites with the most vibrant and detailed mosaics, as these tend to hold children's attention best. The charming streets with cafes also provide opportunities for breaks. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and has sun protection, as there will be walking involved.
🏛️ History Buffs & Religious Travelers
Beyond the map, explore the numerous Byzantine churches and archaeological sites that showcase the region's deep Christian roots. The visitor center can provide context on the historical periods and religious significance of each location, enriching the experience for dedicated history enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Madaba Mosaics
Beyond the famous map, numerous other churches and sites in Madaba feature stunning mosaic floors. These artworks often depict biblical scenes, religious figures, geometric patterns, and even daily life from the Byzantine era. The preservation efforts ensure that these ancient masterpieces continue to awe visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich artistic and religious history. Many local workshops continue this tradition, offering visitors a chance to see contemporary mosaic art being created.
When exploring Madaba, take the time to appreciate the detail and artistry in each mosaic. Look for the subtle variations in color and texture, and imagine the skill and patience required to create these enduring works of art. The visitor center can provide context and highlight key mosaic locations to enhance your appreciation.
Planning Your Madaba Exploration
The core tourist area of Madaba is compact, covering about a 1-kilometer radius, and is helpfully marked with a brown line on the sidewalk. This makes it easy to follow a self-guided tour of the main attractions, including the famous mosaic sites and churches. Most visitors find they can see the highlights within a couple of hours.
While the tourist zone is well-organized, be aware that the streets outside this area can be more chaotic. The visitor center's guidance is crucial for a smooth experience. They can also advise on the best times to visit to avoid crowds and the heat, especially during the summer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit