Attraction Guide: St. George's Church, Madaba, Jordan

St. George's Church Guide

St. George's Church: Home to the Magnificent Madaba Map Guide

Visit St. George's Church in Madaba, Jordan, a Greek Orthodox church renowned for its stunning 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. This ancient map is a priceless historical and artistic treasure, offering a fascinating glimpse into the geography and religious significance of the region during the Byzantine era. The church itself is a beautiful example of Orthodox architecture. The Madaba Map, discovered in 1884 during the construction of the church, is the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Originally composed of over two million tesserae (small colored tiles), the map depicts the region from Lebanon to the Nile Delta and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Eastern Desert. It provides invaluable insights into the historical geography and urban layout of the Holy Land during the Byzantine period. Tourists can admire the intricate details of the Madaba Map, identifying key landmarks and biblical sites. The church itself is a beautiful example of Orthodox architecture, with its ornate decorations and religious icons. Madaba is also known for its other mosaic workshops, where visitors can observe artisans creating modern mosaics using traditional techniques. Madaba offers a variety of Jordanian culinary experiences. Try the local restaurants for traditional dishes like Maqluba (an upside-down rice and meat dish) and Kunafa (a sweet cheese pastry).