Jerash, Jordan

Capital City

With a population of 50,745, Jerash is no sleepy backwater. This northern Jordanian city is a bustling hub for tourism, boasting remarkably preserved Greco-Roman ruins that draw crowds of over 330,000 visitors per year. However, the bureaucratic legacy of Jerash's storied past is a persistent headache, with the city's administrative center serving as the capital of the Jerash Governorate. Sweltering Mediterranean summers are another reality for those considering a move here. Overall, Jerash's combination of ancient wonders and modern challenges makes it best suited for history buffs willing to navigate its complexities.