Madaba is a city in central Jordan located south of the capital Amman, known for its historical and cultural significance. It is renowned for its collection of Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially the 'Madaba Map' in the Church of Saint George. This mosaic map dates back to the 6th century and depicts the oldest surviving original cartographic representation of the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem. The city of Madaba is part of the tourism triangle of Jordan, along with Petra and Wadi Rum, and acts as a strategic cultural and tourist hub. The region boasts other historical sites like the Madaba Archaeological Park and the Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Its rich history is complemented by the city's modernity and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants. Madaba's markets and local eats offer visitors a taste of traditional Jordanian culture, while the surrounding areas are known for their production of fruits and the annual grape festival that celebrates the city’s vineyards and wine production.
