Amman is the bustling capital of Jordan, probably starting point for your trip. Despite its modern appearance, Amman preserves numerous historical and archaeological ruins of great interest.
The famous citadel of Amman, the main tourist site, hosts, for example, the remains of the Roman temple of Hercules and the Palace of the Umayyads.
Not to be missed is also the Roman amphitheater of the first century, still able to accommodate about six thousand people, placed on a hill.
Top 5 things to see
Here are some tips on sites not to be missed in Amman.
Citadel of Amman
The citadel of Amman is called in Arabic Jabal al-Qal'a, and is the main site of interest of the capital. Finds attest that it was inhabited since the Neolithic and was subsequently occupied and built by different civilizations. Starting from 1878 it fell into ruin. It houses, among other monuments of interest, the temple of Hercules, of which only the pillars remain, a Byzantine Church and the Palace of the Umayyads.
Roman Theater of Amman
The Roman theater was built between 138 and 161 AD at the behest of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. Leaning against the slopes of a hill, it was divided into three sectors, the lowest for the most illustrious spectators, the one in the middle for the military and the highest for the common people. Next to the theater is the Folklore Museum with objects from local culture and mosaics found in the excavations.
King Abdullah I Mosque
Built between 1982 and 1989, it is surmounted by a magnificent blue mosaic dome. Tourists can access it to visit it: men must wear long trousers and women must cover their heads.
Umayyadi Palace
This palace, which is located in the Citadel, was built in the eighth century and is now almost entirely in ruins. However, the majestic dome remains impressive.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is a 817 meters high hill, from where you can admire views of the Holy Land, Jericho and even Jerusalem on clear days. On its summit, ruins of a church and a monastery were found. The church, with a basilica plant now enlarged and renovated, was initially built to commemorated the point where Moses died.
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