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Famous Landmarks in Amman

Famous Landmarks in Amman

Amman Jordan Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Amman's most recognizable landmarks offer profound understanding of its historical depth and cultural significance.

These sites are a must-visit for any traveler, demonstrating continuous occupation by various civilizations for over 7,000 years.

Iconic Sites

  • The Citadel (Jabal Al Qal'a): Panoramic views, Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace.
  • Roman Theater: 2nd-century amphitheater in The core business district.
  • King Abdullah I Mosque: Striking blue dome, welcomes non-Muslim visitors.
  • Rainbow Street: Lively hub for tourists and locals in Jabal Amman.

Visitor Information & Tips

Access & Fees

  • The Stronghold: 3 JOD, included in Jordan Pass.
  • Roman Theater: 2 JOD, included in Jordan Pass.
  • King Abdullah I Mosque: ~2 JOD entry, conservative attire included if needed.
  • Rainbow Street: No entry fee.
  • Hours: Vary seasonally for Citadel, Roman Theater, Mosque. Check current timings.
  • Guided Options: Local guides often available at Citadel entrance.

Best Viewing & Photography

  • Citadel: Visit late afternoon for the hour after sunrise or before sunset and sunset views.
  • Roman Theater: Early morning to avoid crowds and harsh light; climb to top for best views.
  • Mosque: Visit outside prayer times. Respectful photography.
  • Quieter periods: Early morning for Citadel and From the roman era Theater.

Several cafes in Jabal Weibdeh/Jabal Amman have city views for unique perspectives.

Purchase Attraction Tickets

  • Get your tickets in advance to save time.
  • Use reliable platforms for booking.
  • GetYourGuide for Amman.
  • Many tours and activities are also available.

Featured Visual

  • Roman Theater Image:

    A beautifully preserved 2nd-century Roman amphitheater in Amman.

  • Context:

    Ancient Philadelphia once used this theater for public performances.

  • Modern Use:

    Still hosts cultural events, connecting with its ancient past.

  • Link:

    View Roman Theater

  • Location:

    Downtown Amman.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Amman's museums and cultural institutions dive into Jordan's history, art, and traditions.

Major Museums

  • The Jordan Museum

    Jordan's largest; features Ain Ghazal statues, Dead Sea Scrolls fragments.

  • Jordan Archaeological Museum

    Within the Citadel; artifacts from prehistoric to Islamic periods.

  • Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions

    Near Roman Theater; traditional costumes, jewelry, everyday objects.

  • Jordan Folklore Museum

    Near Roman Theater; handicrafts, musical instruments, village life displays.

  • Royal Automobile Museum

    King Hussein Park; classic cars of the Hashemite Royal Family.

  • Children's Museum Jordan

    Interactive, designed for learning through play.

Art Galleries

Darat al Funun in Jabal Weibdeh, Nabad Fine Art museum, Jacaranda Images.

Performance Venues

Royal Cultural Center hosts various events, concerts, and theatrical performances.

Museum Visual

The striking architecture of The Jordan Museum. View Museum

Special Exhibits & Programming

Always check local listings or the websites of individual exhibition spaces.

  • Look for temporary exhibitions.
  • Explore workshops.
  • Discover special performances.

Historical Sites

Amman’s landscape is dotted with historical sites, each telling a bit of the metropolitan enduring story.

Archaeological Ruins

These locations provide a tangible link to the past.

Sites to Explore

  • The Citadel (Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace).
  • Roman Theater & Odeon (2nd century AD structures).
  • Nymphaeum (remains of a large Roman public fountain).

Historical Districts & Religious Sites

Stunning architecture and spiritual landmarks.

Areas

  • Downtown Amman (Ottoman-era buildings, traditional souks).
  • Jabal Weibdeh and Jabal Amman (historic residential architecture).
  • King Abdullah I Mosque, Abu Darwish Mosque, heritage churches.

Memorial Sites

Honoring Jordan's history and military sacrifices.

Dedicated Sites

  • Martyr's Memorial (museum dedicated to Jordanian soldiers).
  • Royal Automobile Museum (highlights royal family's automotive history, modern heritage).

Historical Context

These sites represent different eras of Amman's past.

Continuity & Coexistence

  • From antiquity Roman to early 20th-century architecture.
  • Reflects the city's multi-religious population.

Additional Historical Insights

Amman's Early Names

  • Known as Philadelphia during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
  • One of the Decapolis cities.

Umayyad Presence

  • The Umayyad Palace complex on the Fortress dates to the 8th century AD.
  • Demonstrates early Islamic architectural elements.

Natural Attractions

While Amman is a metropolitan center, it features parks plus lookout points that connect you with nature within or near the city.

Parks & Gardens

King Hussein Park, Amman National Park, Hussain National Park.

Scenic Viewpoints

The Fortress, Jabal Weibdeh, Jabal Amman. Day trip to Dead Sea.

Wildlife & Geology

No city wildlife. Reserves like Ajloun or Dana Biosphere for viewing. Amman's hills are its chief geological feature.

Natural Highlights

King Hussein Park

Amman's largest park, with Children's Museum, Royal Automobile Museum.

View Park Image

Dead Sea

Unique hypersaline waters for effortless floating, mineral-rich mud for therapeutic benefits.

Explore Dead Sea Tours

Ajloun Forest Reserve

Accessible from Amman, a nature reserve for hiking and wildlife in forests.

Ajloun Experiences

Dana Biosphere Reserve

Further south, diverse landscapes for hiking, including mountains and wadis.

Dana Tours

Amman's Hills Jabal

Define the city's character and create natural elevations for stunning views.

Waterways in Jordan Day Trips

Amman is an inland city, but water attractions are accessible as day trips.

Options Near Amman

  • Dead Sea offers an unique "beach" experience.
  • Many resorts at the Dead Sea have pools.
  • Aqaba (Red Sea) is further for extensive water sports.

Wildlife Reserves Day Trips

No specific wildlife viewing in city limits. Consider nearby reserves.

Reserves to Visit

  • Shaumari Wildlife Reserve (breeding Arabian Oryx).
  • Guided safaris to observe endangered species.
  • Ajloun Forest Reserve and Dana Biosphere Book for bird species and mammals.

Note on Amman's Nature

Amman's urban landscape prioritizes historical and cultural sites.

For extensive nature experiences, plan excursions outside the city.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-trodden paths, Amman features lesser-well-known attractions that offer unique insights and experiences.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Discover unique local culture and history.

Local Treasures

  • Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative (45 min drive): Artisans, pottery, textiles.
  • Islamic Scientific College: Small mosque, library with historic manuscripts.
  • Duke's Diwan: Historic Downtown building, cultural space.

Local Favorites & Emerging Spots

Connect with day-to-day life and new regional experiences.

Unique Discoveries

  • Souk al-Bukhariyeh: Traditional market near Roman Theater.
  • Old British Council Library Building (Jabal Weibdeh): Heritage architecture, serene garden.
  • Beyond Amman: New eco-tourism/cultural initiatives in smaller towns.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture memorable images of Amman's hidden beauty.

Picture-Perfect Spots

  • Jabal Weibdeh: Explore alleys for artistic finds.
  • Citadel: Sunrise or sunset views for breathtaking panoramas.
  • Duke's Diwan: Interior captures early 20th-century Amman life.

The changing light paints the city in warm hues at the hour after sunrise or before sunset.

Duke's Diwan Visual

A beautifully preserved historic building in The city center Amman.

Historical Charm

This cultural space provides a quiet refuge from the bustling souks.

Exploring Beyond Amman

Jordan is distinguished by numerous other captivating destinations for longer visits.

Regional Explorations

  • Petra: The ancient Nabataean city, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Wadi Rum: Desert landscapes for jeep tours and Bedouin camps.
  • Dead Sea: Unique floating and therapeutic mud experiences.

These sites present in-depth cultural and natural encounters beyond the capital.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Time Management

Group nearby attractions to save travel time.

Comfort

Put on comfy shoes for walking, especially at archaeological sites.

Sun Protection

Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat, notably in summer.

Local Guide Advantage

Consider hiring a local guide at major places like the Citadel. They provide deep the historical background and stories that enrich your visit.