Madaba

Just 20 minutes south of Amman, on the Kings Highway, is the mosaic-filled city of Madaba. Crowned by a small church, this historic town lies in the middle of Jordan's most fertile land. In many respects Madaba is a typical East Bank town which differs in one major aspect: underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic. Many of these mosaics have been excavated and are on display in the town's museum, but it is estimated that many more lie hidden waiting to be discovered. The finest mosaic found to date is still in its original place on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.