Amman, Jordan Tourism Info and Guide

Amman is the modern and ancient capital of Jordan. It is one of the oldest inhibited cities in the world. The city is architecturally renowned for beautiful creations of ancient civilization balanced uniquely by the modern day architecture.

Recent archaeological excavations have uncovered homes and towers believed to have been built as far back as the era of Stone Age, with many references to them found in the Bible. It is hard to describe how wonderful Amman, Jordan is. The closest one could get is if they use their imagination and believe that Amman is a city that illustrates the mood straight from a thousand and one nights.

It is the place of gleaming white houses, kebab stalls with the best meat, and superb Arabian coffee. What’s There to See? Among many things one should see while visiting Amman is the Citadel. Towering above downtown Amman the Citadel, the site has revealed remains from the Middle Bronze Age (2nd mill. BC), the Iron Age (8th century BC), from Hellenistic (2nd century BC), and late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. In the Citadel, three important structures can be viewed. First, the remains of a small Byzantine Basilica.

Corinthian columns mark the site, which is thought to date from the 6th or 7th century AD. Second, about 100 meters south of the church is what is thought to have been the Temple of Hercules, today also known as the Great Temple of Amman. The temple was built in the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD). And finally, the most impressive building of the Citadel, known simply as Al-Qaser (the Palace), which dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period around 720 AD. Its exact function is unknown, but the building includes a monumental gateway, cruciform audience hall and four vaulted chambers. Another breathtaking site in Amman is the Grand Husseini Mosque. This Ottoman style mosque was rebuilt using striking pink-and-white stone in 1924 by the late King Abdullah I on the site of an ancient mosque built originally in 640 AD by Omar ibn Al-Khattab the 2nd Caliph of Islam.

To the east of Amman we can find the Hellinistic ruins of Qaser El-Abd. This enormous palace is thought to have been built by Hyrcanus of the powerful Tobiad family during the 2nd century AD. The name “Tobia” is engraved in Aramaic at the entrance and there is also a carving of a lioness sheltering a cub at the palace. But if that’s not enough, there are the Roman Ruins, which include The Roman Amphitheater (an imposing monument set into the side of the mountain down the hill from the Citadel), The Odeon, and the Nymphaeum. And finally, don’t forget to visit a variety of mosques and museums scattered throughout Amman.

Exploring Amman: Amman is a safe and friendly city to walk around, and walking is the best way to discover its hidden treasures – lovely turn-of-the-century villas in Rainbow Street, glamorous modern residences in Abdoun, hidden gardens, Amman’s unassuming parks, and gaily decorated shop-fronts where colorful tiles and curving Arabic script compete with elaborate window-dressing for your attention. One thing to keep in mind always, if you have trouble finding your way, do not hesitate to ask a passer-by for help. Jordanians are very friendly, and most people will be delighted to help.

As far as hotels, the best place to stay in Amman, Jordan is the Grand Hyatt Amman. Followed by Le Royal Amman, and Sheraton Amman Hotel. All of these are located in the heart of Amman’s stately business and diplomatic district , near many tourist attractions.