Amman, Jordan
Coordinates: 31.955450, 35.934152
The Amman Citadel (Arabic: جبل القلعة, romanized: Jabal Al-Qal’a) is a historical site at the center of downtown Amman, the capital of Jordan. The L-shaped hill is one of the seven hills (jabals) that originally made up Amman.
The site itself is significant because its occupation dates back to the Neolithic age, it is said that it was once inhabited by Nabataeans although its importance declined after the Umayyad period.
Built during the first half of the 8th century, it is now largely ruined, with a restored domed entrance chamber, known as the “kiosk” or “monumental gateway”
This historical site is located in the middle of downtown Amman, on one of Amman’s original seven hills.
It’s important because the site has a long history of occupations that reads like a who’s-who list of great civilizations that date back to the Middle Bronze age.
It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places.
Remaining today are the ruins of the Roman Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church, and the Umayyad Palace, among others.
The small but well-organized Jordan Archaeological Museum is also included with admission to the Citadel (don’t miss the Ain Ghazal Statues).
Desert castles, the common English name of a series of Umayyad fortified palaces and lodges (qusur) from the Southern Levant.
Know This
Umayyad Palace is at the top of a hill, Jabal al-Qal’a. If driving, there is a free parking lot on site.
If you are taking a taxi, tell them you want to go to Jabal al-Qal’a as nobody calls it Amman citadel.
Definitely worth making the trek. Just be careful outside if you want a ride back down the hill; the taxis will severely overcharge tourists. It shouldn’t cost more than a few JD.
Get there early to avoid the crowds, good views of amman. The museum is definitely something you can pop in for a few minutes.
There is a cafe on site for refreshments if needed.
Carry a bottle of water with you during the visit as it is quite hot and exposed on the hill. Also a hat and suncream is recommended (or long sleeves) as you are walking around for a good hour.
The site is very well presented with both English & Arabic signage explanations of the ruins.
You can get close to everything as the path weaves around the site.
There is a brilliant museum at the top of the hill with plenty of exhibits.
Even if you aren’t interested in the historical/archaeological aspects, the panoramic view of Amman is worth the visit. The Citadel is included in the Jordan Pass.
