RotanaTimes
Thursday, 28th March 2024
OFFERS & PROMOTIONS
ROTANA ESCAPES
NEWS & ARTICLES
YOUR COMMENTS
GUEST GALLERY
FIND HOTELS
SHARE
THIS
The perfect blend in Amman

There was a time when Amman was viewed as little more than a stop off point on the way to the more popular destinations of Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. An almost forgotten city until it became Jordan’s capital in 1921, it has slowly evolved and developed a character of its own.

Now the ever-expanding capital is full of old and new flavours that will ensure you are kept entertained across a weekend. While it cannot compete with the storied history of many of the Middle East’s most famous cities, Amman is full of charm, thanks to its traditional mosques and souks being joined by modern art galleries, quaint cafés and sprawling malls.

DAY ONE
A must-visit for anyone travelling to the capital, the Roman Theatre is the most impressive remnant of ancient Philadelphia. Cut into the northern side of a hill and with the ability to seat around 6,000 people, it was built in the second century AD and once housed a statue of the goddess Athena (which is now in the Jordan Museum).

Full restoration of the theatre began in 1957 and the reconstruction is impressively accurate. Concerts are even held during the summer months, while the best time to visit is in the morning when the light is soft and the crowds have yet to appear.

Another ancient site that continuously proves popular with visitors to the city is the Citadel. Sitting on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala’a (about 850 metres above sea level is surrounded by a 1,700-metrelong wall and was occupied throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages.

The most striking sites within the Citadel are the Temple of Hercules and the Ummayad Palace. The former was built by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and is home to two giant standing pillars, while the latter is a series of structures that was believed to be an extensive complex of royal and residential buildings that was once home to the governor of Amman.

Many of the buildings were destroyed by an earthquake just 29 years after being constructed, but the remains are suitably impressive and provide a glimpse into what the city looked like more than 1,200 years ago.

There is also a small archaeological museum in the city with a range of rare artefacts for those with an interest in the Islamic faith, as it is home to some 7,000 books, many of which are based on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.

DAY TWO
Explore the modern side of the city by heading to Jabal Al Luweibdeh, a Bohemian neighbourhood that is home to funky cafés, street art and prominent art galleries. Here visitors will discover a complex of three villas that doubles as an exhibition space for Arab artists. It also hosts film screenings amid the columned ruins of a sixth century Byzantine church, while the studios on the first floor lead to a library and rooms displaying contemporary works and even video art.

This area of western Amman is also where visitors will discover modern shopping malls and buzzing bars, while the downtown area of the city is home to mosques, coffeehouses and huge souks where you can grab a bargain – especially if your haggling skills are up to par. Close to this area is The Jordan Museum, one of the best complexes of its kind in the Middle East. Housed in a modern and extremely grand building, there are a series of informative displays that tell the rich history of Jordan from the first people through the Nabataean civilisation to today.

TOP ARTICLES & NEWS
Rotana showcases global expansion plans at ITB Berlin
Rotana marks its 15th year of participation at the travel show and presents visionary ambitions for global growth ]
روتانا في معرض بورصة برلين الدولي للسياحة والسفر 2024
روتانا " تحتفي بمشاركتها في الحدث للعام الخامس عشر باستعراض رؤيتها الطموحة للنمو عالمياً ]
Rotana announces Philip Barnes as new CEO
Rotana is proud to welcome Philip Barnes as our new CEO, joining our team on the 1st of March 2024. ]
روتانا تعيّن فيليب بارنز رئيساً تنفيذياً جديداً لها
بارنز يحظى بخبرة واسعة تزيد على 40 عاماً في مجال افتتاح الفنادق والمنتجعات الجديدة ]
From Italy to Rotana
From Italy to Rotana ]
Rotana at The Saudi Tourism Forum 2024
Rotana highlights aggressive expansion plan in the kingdom at the Saudi Tourism Forum 2024 ]
روتانا تشارك في ملتقى السياحة السعودي 2024
روتانا تسلط الضوء على خطتها التوسعية الضخمة في المملكة العربية السعودية خلال ملتقى السياحة السعودي 2024 ]
FIND OFFERS & PROMOTIONS
ABOUT ROTANAROTANA WEBSITES
HISTORY
ROTANA VALUES
VISION / BRAND PROMISE
OUR AWARDS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CORPORATE EXECUTIVES
HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
UPCOMING OPENINGS
BRANDMARK
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
NEWS ROOM
PRESS & MEDIA
SALES OFFICES & GDS
CORPORATE GUESTS
www.rotana.com
www.rotanatimes.com
www.rotanaearth.com
www.rotanacareers.com
www.rotanalifestyle.com
© Copyright 2024 Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC.
Please see our
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookie Settings
This website uses cookies so that we can improve your user experience and measure the performance of our site.
If you continue on this website, you will be providing your consent to our use of cookies.
Read our Cookie Statement
ACCEPT