BYZANTINE CHURCH

The site contains the ruins of Jordan's largest Byzantine church, dating back to the ^6th century. But, as elsewhere in the country, all that remains are the foundations and some beautiful mosaics. These feature magnificent floral and geometric motifs. A staircase leads to an underground cemetery dug into the rock. The ruins of another, smaller church back onto what used to be a natural waterfall. It was here that the first Christian believers were baptized.

Tell Mar Elias is of great biblical significance, as Elias of Tisbé is mentioned in the Old Testament Book of Kings. Thus, it is commonly believed that the prophet Elias was a native of the region. The Jordan Tourism Board, which seeks to promote the country's biblical sites, is highlighting this site by including it in its "Sacred Land" tour.

For the time being, few tourists come here other than pilgrims on organized tours. If you have the time, Tel Mar Elias is only a short detour from Ajloun and only an hour's drive from Amman. You'll be able to enjoy a site off the beaten track, with a lovely

countryside. When the wind isn't too strong, the picnic tables are very pleasant and the ideal place for a peaceful "lunch on the grass". Marble sculptures and metal religious relics found here can be seen in the small Archaeological Museum at Château d'Ajloun.