Few artworks have the ability to attract visitors from distant places on their own. And those that do not only have that attraction power because of their artistic value, but also because of the extraordinary symbolism they hold. That is precisely what happens with the mosaic map of Madaba. In this post, we will tell you what it is, where it is, what can be seen in it, and how you can visit it.
What the mosaic map of Madaba is and where it is located
The mosaic map of Madaba is a mosaic located on the floor of the Church of St. George in the mentioned Jordanian city. Although it is not fully preserved, its original dimensions are about 15 x 25 meters, which accounts for its large size. But its value lies not only in that fact or its beauty but also in its antiquity (it was created around the year 560, during the Byzantine rule of Jordan) and above all in its record: it represents the first depiction of the Holy Land for Christians, the Promised Land for Jews, and Palestine for Muslims. That is why it is revered by followers of these three monotheistic religions.
What can be seen in the mosaic map
As is logical, the mosaic map of Madaba does not offer scientific accuracy, but only an approximate representation. However, at the same time, highlighting certain places adds symbolic value to the map, giving the viewer an understanding of the most sacred places in the 6th century, at least for Byzantine Christian society.
These are the highlighted places on the mosaic map of Madaba, in Greek letters in the mosaic itself and in Latin characters on its explanatory panel:
Jerusalem: a sacred city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Bethlehem: the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Dead Sea: a body of water that serves as a border between Israel and Jordan. Jordan River: the river where Jesus was baptized and that gives its name to this country. Jericho: one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Jacob’s Well: a flowing water source mentioned in the Bible. Mediterranean Sea: the Mare Nostrum of Roman times. Mount Sinai: where Moses received the Tablets of the Law. Nile Delta: the most populated region of Egypt, which was a major civilization in the biblical era. Karak: a city located on the King’s Highway, the route that Moses and his followers took to return from Egypt. Monastery of St. Lot: located on the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea. Hebron: a city located in present-day Palestine and one of the oldest in the world.
- Jerusalem: a sacred city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
- Bethlehem: the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
- Dead Sea: a body of water that serves as a border between Israel and Jordan.
- Jordan River: the river where Jesus was baptized and that gives its name to this country.
- Jericho: one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
- Jacob’s Well: a flowing water source mentioned in the Bible.
- Mediterranean Sea: the Mare Nostrum of Roman times.
- Mount Sinai: where Moses received the Tablets of the Law.
- Nile Delta: the most populated region of Egypt, which was a major civilization in the biblical era.
- Karak: a city located on the King’s Highway, the route that Moses and his followers took to return from Egypt.
- Monastery of St. Lot: located on the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea.
- Hebron: a city located in present-day Palestine and one of the oldest in the world.
How to visit the mosaic map of Madaba
To visit the mosaic map of Madaba, you need to access the Church of St. George in this city. It is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays and Sundays. The entrance fee is 1 Jordanian dinar (approximately 1.5 dollars or euros).
By the way, the church is a humble temple rebuilt in the late 19th century and managed by the Greek Orthodox Church. The discovery of the mosaic was accidental, precisely during the reconstruction work of the church.
It is advisable to visit the mosaic map of Madaba with a guide who can explain its meaning and the different parts of it. And that is precisely what our agency provides if you book a travel package to Jordan: you will have a guide in your language who will explain all the details of this historically and religiously significant artwork.
