+26About Amman
Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, situated in the north-central part of the country within the Amman Governorate. It is a major urban hub built upon a series of jebels (hills) and wadis (valleys). The city is notable as a modern economic and political center while also containing significant ancient ruins, such as the Roman Theatre and the Citadel, which reflect its long and layered history dating back to the Neolithic period.
Basic information
While the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the city as a major settlement was refounded by the Ptolemaic dynasty in the 3rd century BC and named Philadelphia. Its key architectural features are a blend of ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad structures alongside modern buildings. The city's historic core, Jabal al-Qal'a (the Citadel Hill), is a protected archaeological site. Amman serves as the administrative, commercial, and international diplomatic center of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Location
Amman is the primary international gateway to Jordan, served by Queen Alia International Airport, located approximately 30 kilometers south of the city center. The city is a central hub for the country's highway network, with well-maintained roads connecting it to other major cities like Irbid, Zarqa, and the Dead Sea. Public transportation within the city includes buses and service taxis. Tourist infrastructure is extensive, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and visitor centers. The city is accessible year-round, though summer heat and winter rain can affect outdoor activities.
Nature
Amman features a semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The landscape is defined by its hilly terrain, with buildings constructed on the slopes of numerous jebels. Natural vegetation is sparse and consists primarily of drought-resistant shrubs and grasses, with more cultivated greenery found in parks and gardens. The city's original wadi systems are now heavily influenced by urban development, though they remain defining topographic features of the urban landscape.
Story
Amman's history spans several millennia, with evidence of settlement from the Neolithic period. It became a major city of the Decapolis league under the name Philadelphia during the Roman era. It later came under Byzantine and then Umayyad rule, during which period the city saw significant construction, including a notable palace complex on the Citadel. Amman entered a long period of decline after several earthquakes and shifts in trade routes. Its modern revival began in the late 19th century with Circassian settlements and accelerated dramatically after it was designated the capital of the Emirate of Transjordan in 1921.
- Distances
- Airport
- Food & Drink
- Cafe
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Beauty & Health
- Baths
- Beauty Salons
- Fitness centers
- Hairdressers
- Massage salons
- Saunas
- Wellness centers
- Shopping
- Branded boutiques
- Clothing markets
- Clothing stores
- Shopping centers
- Souvenir shops
- Entertainment
- Cinemas
- Discos
- Museums
- Night bars
- Parks
- Sights and excursions
- Large quantity
- Recommendations
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- Tips:
- Location type
- Sightseeing
- Target audience
- Couples
- Families
- Friends
- Solo
- Youth
