The Citadel (Jebel al-Qala'a)

The Citadel — Amman's Crown

High above Downtown, the Citadel sits atop Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of Amman's seven hills. Here, on a plateau with a 360° panorama over the city, 9,000 years of civilization have layered upon each other: from the Bronze Age through the Ammonites, Romans, Byzantines, and Umayyads to the Ottoman period.

Temple of Hercules

The most massive ruins of the Citadel: The Temple of Hercules was built between 162–166 AD under Emperor Marcus Aurelius and was one of the largest temples of the Roman Empire. Of the original 10-meter-high Corinthian columns, a few still stand—along with a giant marble hand that must have belonged to a once 12-meter-high statue of Hercules. The view through the columns to the Roman theater below in the valley is Amman's most iconic photo spot.

Umayyad Palace

At the northern end of the Citadel lies the Umayyad Palace from the 8th century—a complex from the golden age of Islam. The restored domed hall with its geometric cross shape and barrel vault is architecturally impressive. The Umayyad rule (661–750) was the first Islamic dynasty, and this palace showcases their splendor.

Archaeological Museum

The small but fine museum on the Citadel hill displays finds from the excavations: Bronze Age figures, the Ain-Ghazal statues (7,000 BC—the oldest human-shaped statues in the world are replicas, originals in the Jordan Museum), Nabataean pottery, and Islamic artifacts.