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Um
Qais |
UMM
QAYS (GADARA)
Site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine, Gadara
was renowned in its time as a cultural centre. It was
the home of several classical poets and philosophers,
including Theodorus, founder of a rhetorical school in
Rome; one poet called the city "a new Athens". Perched
on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and
the Sea of Galilee, Umm Qays boasts an impressive
colonnaded terrace and the ruins of two theatres. You
can take in the sights and then dine on the terrace of a
fine restaurant with a breathtaking view of three
countries.
WHAT TO SEE
Umm Qays: the main sights are the ruins of the Roman
city, with its Western Theatre, colonnaded street,
mausoleum and baths.
Umm
Qays Museum in an Ottoman building contains artefacts,
mosaics and statuary. Hours 08:00-17:00, closed Tues.
Visitors' Centre tel. (02) 7500238.
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