Madaba

Madaba is a city in central Jordan and the capital of Madaba Governorate. It lies about 30 kilometers southwest of Amman along the King's Highway, near Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea basin. With roots in the Roman and Byzantine eras, the city is known for its archaeological heritage and as a gateway to Christian pilgrimage sites in the region.

Madaba is often called the City of Mosaics for its rich collection of late antique and medieval floor mosaics. The most famous is the Madaba Map, a 6th‑century mosaic that depicts the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The map has been an important source for biblical geography and historical studies. The Madaba Archaeological Park preserves additional mosaic floors and remains from various churches and houses dating from the 4th to the 7th centuries.

Nearby attractions include Mount Nebo, a short drive away, as well as other Christian pilgrimage sites in the region. The Madaba Archaeological Park and adjacent mosaics highlight the city’s role as a crossroads of trade and culture in late antiquity.

In modern times, Madaba functions as a center of administration and tourism. It hosts mosaic studios and crafts workshops, a range of hotels and restaurants, and markets for visitors. The population is in the tens of thousands. As the capital of the governorate, it serves as an administrative and service hub for surrounding towns.