One of the members of the Graeco-Roman Decapolis federation, like its more famous neighbour Jerash, Pella lies close to the River Jordan with views over to Israel. The journey here winds through the most fertile land in the country, with orchards and fields of crops running down to the river. The site itself is spread over a couple of hillsides and is partly excavated: there are a couple of temples and an interesting odeon (theatre) built into the natural contours of the rock. Pella makes an interesting addition to a tour of northern Jordan: the site is seldom busy, the ruins are worth a look, the views are impressive and the surrounding, bountiful landscape is a welcome contrast to the seared aridity of the rest of the country.
