Church of Saint George
Mādabā
The Church of Saint George in Madaba, Jordan, is renowned for containing the Madaba Mosaic Map, an extraordinary floor mosaic dating from the early Byzantine period. This map is the oldest surviving original cartographic depiction of the Holy Land, covering an area from Lebanon in the north to the Nile Delta in the south, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Eastern Desert. Created between 542 and 570 AD, the mosaic originally measured 21 by 7 meters and consisted of over two million tesserae, though now it measures 16 by 5 meters. The map is oriented eastward toward the altar rather than north, aligning with the compass directions as understood in its time. It features detailed depictions of approximately 150 towns and villages, including significant biblical and Christian sites such as Jerusalem with its gates, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tower of David. The mosaic also illustrates natural features like the Dead Sea with fishing boats and wildlife in the Moab desert. The artistry reflects a combination of aerial and folding perspectives and includes Greek inscriptions labeling landscape units. The map likely served as a guide for pilgrims navigating the Holy Land. The church itself is a Greek Orthodox site, built over the mosaic discovered during construction in the late 19th century, and has undergone restoration efforts to preserve this invaluable cultural treasure.
Plan your trip to Jordan with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to visit the Church of Saint George during the cooler months to avoid the intense summer heat typical of Jordan. It is recommended to purchase tickets or join guided tours in advance to ensure access, as the site is popular among tourists and pilgrims. Photography is usually allowed but check for any restrictions. Modest dress is recommended as the site is a functioning church. Exploring the mosaic carefully can take time, so allocate sufficient visit duration. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Interesting facts
- •The Madaba Mosaic Map is the oldest surviving original map of the Holy Land, dating back to the 6th century AD.
- •The mosaic contains over two million tesserae and originally measured 21 by 7 meters.
- •It depicts approximately 150 towns and villages with Greek inscriptions, including detailed representations of Jerusalem and other biblical sites.
- •The map shows natural features such as the Dead Sea with fishing boats and wildlife in the Moab desert, including a lion hunting a gazelle.
- •The mosaic was discovered accidentally during church construction in the late 19th century and has since undergone restoration to preserve it.
History
The Madaba Mosaic Map was created in the 6th century AD, specifically between 542 and 570, as it depicts Jerusalem with buildings erected before 570 and omits those built afterward.
The mosaic was likely commissioned by the Christian community of Madaba, which was then a bishopric seat.
Madaba was conquered by the Sasanian Empire in 614, and later under Umayyad Muslim rule in the 8th century, some figural motifs were removed from the mosaic.
The city was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 746 and subsequently abandoned.
The mosaic was rediscovered during church construction in 1884-1886.
Since then, it has suffered damage from fire and moisture, but significant restoration efforts began in the 1960s to preserve this unique historical artifact.
Place Guide
Madaba Mosaic Map6th century AD
An extensive floor mosaic depicting the Holy Land from Lebanon to the Nile Delta, featuring detailed topographic and biblical sites with Greek inscriptions. It shows Jerusalem prominently with gates, churches, and streets.
