This helpful interpretative centre makes a good starting point for visiting the highlights of Madaba. It is worth a visit in its own right as it is housed in a beautifully restored traditional house from the late 19th century, belonging to the al-Batjali family. Two of the rooms contain interesting information panels in English on the history of Madaba, and there’s a 10-minute film that sets the town in its historical context.
Note the open central courtyard – unusual in Jordan where the predominantly Muslim culture normally dictates a closed, interior space to protect family privacy. The shady courtyard of plumbago and geraniums offers a respite from a hot day's sightseeing; there are clean toilets next to the centre's car park.
