Visit of historic center of Amman
History in the modern city
Amman – the capital with more than two-millions inhabitants is situated on the slopes of nineteen hills. For tourists, however, is the most important the highest of them – Jabal al-Qal'a (850m asl), from which is not only a beautiful view of the city full of yellow houses, but there are also the remains of the Temple of Hercules, Citadel and Umayyad palace. Below the hill is the town center „downtown“ il-balad and the biggest monument in Amman – large Roman theater.
Roman Theatre
You can start exploring the historical Amman at the square Hashemite directly opposite the large Roman theater. In its heyday, there used to be about six thousand spectators. Right next to the theater is also interesting building of Odeon. The entire site is a bit „sunken“ into the ground. Quite annoying is very busy road Hashemi, which separates the sights around the theater from the hill with citadel, where you can set out after seeing the theater and its surroundings.
Amman
Still better views of the built-up hills of Amman will gradually open during the ascent to the hill Jabal al-Qal'a leading through winding streets. The valleys between them are mostly filled up by wide streets with dense traffic.
View of the Roman theater
During the ascent to the hill Jabal al-Qal'a and walking here you will see well the Roman Theatre and Odeon from all possible sides.
The ruins of the Temple of Hercules
The top of the hill Jabal al-Qal'a is flat and quite large. Except for several historical monuments there is nothing, so compared to the busy town center it will give here relatively calm impression. At first you will encounter the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, which is unique not by its formidability, but rather by complete freedom of movement, so you can „touch“ here local sights.
Temple of Hercules and Amman
When looking to the modern Amman through the ancient columns of Hercules temple, you may consider how it has changed here during the centuries.
Umayyad Palace
Umayyad Palace is a small museum that is worth a short visit.
Excavations
Basically the whole top of the hill is full of uncovered ruins.
Bagpipes players
You might be surprised to find here also bagpipes players, but tourists willingly make pictures with them and give them also some money, so that's why :-)
The northern side of the palace
The northern side of the palace is surrounded by the remains of massive walls.
View to the north
At the northern end of the hill you will get to know why it’s called the Citadel. You will stand on massive walls with a perfect view of the city.
Buildings in Amman
The buildings look thanks to the color of most of the houses like a thick monolithic wall, but in a way it is also interesting, especially when looking from such outlook points. They are not so interesting from the close.
Amman has the disadvantage that there is not much to see except for the historic center, colorful markets and mosque of King Abdullah.
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