We stopped at the Umm Ar Rasas site, which spans the expansive ruins of Kastron Mefaa (mentioned in the Bible as the Roman military outpost of Mephaath). The ruins encompass four churches (including the Church of Lions, with impressive namesake mosaics) and the city walls. Arches rise randomly from the rubble like sea monsters, and you can spot cisterns and door lintels everywhere. The highlight is the ruined Church of St Stephen, protected by a large hangar, which is one of four churches in the original village of Umm Ar Rasas. Inside, the magnificent mosaics date back to about 785 AD.
Parking location – Umm Ar-Rasas: 31.501553N 35.917092E (🚻)