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 Qais: the main sights are the ruins of the Roman city, with its Western Theatre, colonnaded street, mausoleum and baths.

Umm Qais Museum in an Ottoman building contains artefacts, mosaics and statuary. Hours 08:00-17:00, closed Tues. Visitors' Centre tel. (02) 7500238.