Discover Amman.. The most important tourist attractions you must visit

Written By ندى ماهر عبدربه on 2025/03/01

This article was written originally in Arabic and is translated using a 3rd party automated service. ArabiaWeather is not responsible for any grammatical errors whatsoever.

Arab Weather - Amman , the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is located in the center of the country, leaning towards the north and is the largest city in Jordan in terms of area and population. It is the center of the Capital Governorate, which is also the largest Jordanian governorate.

Amman is spread over several mountains, and was formerly known as the city of seven mountains, but with urban and population expansion the number of these mountains has increased in recent decades. The city is about 750 meters above sea level, with some of its mountains reaching more than 1100 meters.

Amman is about 350 kilometers from the southernmost part of Jordan (Aqaba) and 91 kilometers from the northernmost part (Ramtha), making it close to the capitals of the Levant. Amman's area extends to about 7,579 square kilometers, equivalent to 8.5% of the total area of Jordan.

Oman enjoys a generally moderate climate, with a Mediterranean climate prevailing in most of its regions, while semi-desert climates prevail in the eastern and southern parts. Its summers are moderate with a slight rise in temperatures, while its winters are characterized by cold and rainy weather, where temperatures sometimes drop to zero or below, and its highlands witness snowfall.

Tourist areas you must visit in Amman

 

History of Amman

 

The history of Amman dates back to the 7th century BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in history, as it has witnessed several civilizations whose remains still bear witness to its ancient past.

The Hittites, Hyksos, and Amalekite tribes were the first to settle in the area, but the actual existence of the city began with the Ammonites, who called it "Rabbath Ammon," meaning "the house of the king." Later, the city was ruled by the Assyrians, then the Babylonians, and then the Persians.

In 332 BC, Amman came under the rule of the Greek Empire before being taken over by the Ptolemies. In 285 BC, Ptolemy II changed its name to "Philadelphia" after the commander Philadelphus, which means "city of brotherly love".

After a period of Nabataean control, the city became part of the Roman Empire in 30 BC, and flourished urbanly with the construction of the Roman amphitheater, paved streets, and temples with huge columns. However, its decline began with the Byzantine rule, as it came under the influence of the Ghassanids.

The Islamic conquest reached it in 635 AD, led by the companion Yazid bin Abi Sufyan, and it was renamed Amman. The city witnessed great prosperity during the Umayyad era, when a large palace was built on the Citadel Hill, and a mint was established there, and it became a major station for commercial and Hajj caravans.

During the Abbasid era and after, Oman witnessed a decline in its importance. Some sources indicate that Saladin passed through it in 1184 AD on his way to liberate Jerusalem.

With the advent of the Ottoman era, the city regained its vitality, especially after the migration of large numbers of Circassians and Chechens to it in the nineteenth century. The Ottomans also established a station on the Hejaz Railway, which contributed to its economic and political renaissance.

Amman witnessed remarkable development in the early twentieth century, with the establishment of its first municipal council in 1909. In 1921, Prince Abdullah bin Al Hussein chose it as the capital of the Emirate of Transjordan. With the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946, Amman became the official capital of the state, and since then, it has developed into one of the most prominent capitals in the region.

 

 

 

Amman neighborhoods and its most important landmarks

 

downtown

If you want an authentic city experience, Downtown is the place to go. It features narrow streets and traditional markets where you can buy local products, and is home to the historic Al-Hussein Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Amman.

 

Citadel Mountain

Towering over downtown, the Citadel Hill is an archaeological site dating back thousands of years. It includes landmarks such as the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace and the Byzantine Church, giving visitors a unique opportunity to discover the city’s rich history.

 

 

Jabal Al-Lweibdeh

Jabal Al-Lweibdeh is known for its artistic and cultural atmosphere, with art galleries and literary cafes such as Darat Al Funun, which is a haven for artists and creatives.

 

 

Abdali

If you are looking for a high-end shopping experience, Abdali is the place to be, as it is home to Abdali Boulevard, which includes international stores, luxury hotels and fine restaurants.

 

Places not to miss in Amman

 

Jara Market

Open every Friday in the summer, Souk Jara in Jabal Amman features stalls selling local produce and handicrafts, as well as live music and traditional food.

 

Nymphaeum

This monument dates back to 191 AD and was used as a luxurious building with fountains and magnificent mosaic sculptures.

 

Hejaz Railway

This line is considered one of the most prominent achievements of the Ottoman era, as it was the main means of transporting pilgrims between the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula. You can visit the museum at the station to see the old steam locomotives.

 

 

Cultural and artistic activities in Amman

 

Royal Film Commission Jordan

The Commission is a centre for supporting local and international film production, offering workshops and independent film screenings to promote cinematic creativity in Jordan.

 

Turquoise Mountain Foundation

This organization works to preserve heritage by supporting local artisans in making unique handicrafts.

 

National Museum of Fine Arts

The museum houses a distinguished art collection of more than 1,000 works from 60 countries, making it one of the most prominent destinations for art lovers.

 

Rainbow Street

Rainbow Street is one of the most famous streets in Amman, as it includes many cafes, restaurants and art galleries, and is an ideal place to spend a pleasant evening.

 

Discover Jordan's museums here

 

The most famous mosques in Amman

 

King Hussein Mosque

It is considered the largest mosque in Jordan, and is distinguished by its unique Umayyad architectural design.

 

Al-Husseini Mosque

Located in the city center, it is one of the oldest mosques in the capital, distinguished by its historical character and location near the popular markets.

 

King Abdullah I Mosque

Famous for its striking blue dome, it can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers.

 

 

A unique shopping experience in Amman

 

JoBedu

If you are looking for products that express Jordanian culture with a youthful spirit, JoBedu is the perfect choice, offering designs inspired by local character and Jordanian humor.

 

RAKZ Center for the Development of Jordanian Crafts

This center in Jabal Al-Lweibdeh is a space to support women's handicrafts from different regions of Jordan.

 

Why should you visit Amman?

 

Whether you are a fan of history, art, shopping, or traditional cuisine, Amman offers a unique experience that combines tradition and modernity. Enjoy a tour of its historical markets, discover its archaeological sites, taste its traditional dishes, and immerse yourself in its distinctive cultural atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

This article was written originally in Arabic and is translated using a 3rd party automated service. ArabiaWeather is not responsible for any grammatical errors whatsoever.


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