Citadel, Amman

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The Citadel is situated on Jebel al-Qal’a. Among the sights are the magnificent Umayyad palace complex and the Temple of Hercules.
The most impressive of the Umayyad palace is the domed entrance hall.

There are also great views of Amman from Citadel Hill.

Admission is 2 JD.

It is easy to walk down to the Downtown area from here, but best to take a short taxi ride to the top if you are in the Downtown area (about 500 Fills).

The Citadel sits on top of one of Ammans hills, unfortanely there isn't much to see up here, the views of Amman are worth the trip up here but not much else...3 JOD to enter, give your self about 30 minutes to walk around and see the entire complex.

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Occupying Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of the seven hills, the Citadel dominates downtown Amman. The hill had been inhabited for thousands of years and remained of importance until the destructive earthquake of 749 AD. The walls protecting the Citadel were rebuilt and restored repeatedly, but trace their foundation to the earliest of times. The Citadel is the site of the ancient city of Rabbat Ammon, the Acropolis of Graeco-Roman Philadelphia, the seat of Christian bishops in the early Byzantine Empire, and the Omayyad Palace complex. When the city fell into decline after the earthquake of 749 AD, the Citadel was never rebuilt. Today, it is one of Amman's most important historic sites and contains ruins of several structures dating various periods, as well as the National Archeological Museum. Cultural events are also frequently held within the Citadel.

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Dating from the late 6th century AD, the Byzantine Basilica Church is located within the Citadel. It was destroyed along with the rest of the Citadel in the 749 AD earthquake and was never rebuilt. The nave of the Church contained a few Corinthian columns which were likely recycled from an earlier Roman temple. Some of these columns have been re-erected in their actual locations, while the semi-circular apse in the back has been partially reconstructed. Behind the church are some Byzantine-period ruins with surviving arches and walls.

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Drive or take a cab to the upper part of the city to see the roman ruins at the Citadel and get a good view of the city. The small museum is worth a look too to see the roman artifacts on display. Small entrance charges apply.

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Here you'll find the Umayyad Palace, which dates back to about AD 720. The most intact building here is the domed audience hall, nearby is the small Byzantine Basilica & the National Archaeological Museum.

South of the Basilica are the remaining pillars of the Temple of Hercules, from here you get a great view of the Downtown area.

The Citadel hill of Amman (Jabal el Qala) has been inhabited for centuries. It was occupied as early as the Neolithic period, and fortified during the Bronze Age (1800 BC). It was important as a military and religious site.
In the citadel you can see the Temple of Hercules, constructed under the rule of Marcus Aurelius (AD 162-166), similar to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus; a Byzantine basilica constructed in the 5th-6th centuries AD; the Umayyad governor's palace (8th century), with the dome, the Umayyad Mosque and the Cistern for the water supply to the governor's palace.
From the citadel you can also enjoy a nice view of Amman. Towards the South, you will see the Roman theatre.

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The Citadel in Amman sits high offering panoramic views of the city - particularly of the Roman Amphitheatre.

The Entrance ticket is 2JD for the site which includes the Umayyad Palace, its plaza in front and residences and market behind, The Byzantine Church, The Temple of Hercules and the Museum which houses a copy of the Dead Sea copper scrolls and pottery they were found in at the Qumran Caves, large sculptures, pottery, coins, and jewelery, as well as other artifacts.

Outiside the Walls of this former city is a Nymphaeum.

There are no coffee shops or beverages stands so make sure you take water and cold drink with you.