The Amman Citadel is a magical destination: roman ruins on top of a hill right in the center of Amman, the Jordanian capital city. On top of enjoying some history, you will discover great views of the city around it.
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - AMMAN CITADEL
The Amman Citadel is a national historic site known as Jabal al-Qal'a enclosed by fortifications. It is considered one to oldest continuously inhabited places. Most of the ruins are from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Amman Citadel
Getting to the Amman Citadel
- You cannot miss it. It is on the hill in the middle of the city
- If your hotel is on top of the hill, you can walk like I did
- If you are fit and full of energy, you can walk up from the amphitheater
- Otherwise taxis are an easy option
Visiting the Amman Citadel
- At the end of the afternoon, most tourist busses have left and the place gets very quiet.
- The entrance fee to the Amman Citadel is only 2 Dinars at the time I wrote this
- Amman Citadel Opening hours: Friday: 10am to 4pm all year round - rest of the weel 8am to 4PM between October and March and 8am to 7pm from April to September
- Plan 1 to 2 hours depending on how much you like ruins
- I recommend staying until sunset to listen to the Muezzin call
Walking in Amman to the Citadel
I really enjoyed this walk on top of one of Amman’s hill. I was able to observe life around, the shops, the housing. The best way to discover a city is by walking. From some of the points along the road I was able to see the other hill across and all these incredible stairs which are everywhere. Best city to get fit.
One thing that surprised me a lot was the pavement. I spent a lot of time looking at my feet while walking (and it was not because of doggy gift like in France). All the way I observed red and yellow pavements which were quite often changing shapes. I do not know the reason but it was fun to think what would be the next shape I will see (I know, my games are only funny to me LOL)
The views from the Citadel
After a very safe 40 minute walk, I arrived at the Citadel located in the center of both ancient and modern Amman. I really enjoy the mix of ruins and views all over the city. Down from the Citadel is the Roman amphitheater which I decided not to visit as I knew that Jerash the next morning had 2.
At the end of the afternoon, all the kids start launching their kite from their building which creates interesting sights all around the Citadel.
Ruins of the Amman Citadel
The Citadel itself includes
- the Temple of Herakles – Roman period remains
- the Byzantine Church – dating to the 5th-6th centuries
- the Ummayad Palace – situated in the northern portion of the Citadel.
- a little museum
They are explanations of the various ruins on boards or you can hire a guide at the entrance. For more archeological information on the Citadel, click on the Art and Archeology website.
Not the scale of the Ruins of Jerash but the strategic position makes up for it!
Want to see MORE of JORDAN?
Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Jordan Travel Guide.
And you, do you walk to discover a city?
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