Amman Travel Guide
Travel to Amman - Modern Capital, Ancient Foundations
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Amman is a new city, barely 60 years old, yet is built upon the foundations of the much older settlements of biblical Rabbath-Ammon and Philadelphia – once one of the Greco-Roman Decapolis cities. It sprawls over seven hills and is gateway to the treasures of the desert kingdom of Jordan, yet has attractions all of its own.
Amman was first settled as far back as the Neolithic period, some 7,500 years ago, but it was as chief city of the Old Testament Ammonites and then later under the Ptolemaic king Ptolomy Philadelphus that it grew in importance. Today the Greco-Roman remains of the Citadel area are the surviving remnants of past glories.
Attractions in Amman
Amman’s Citadel is its primary attraction with finds dating back to the Bronze Age. This was ancient Rabbath-Ammon and remains visible today include the Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Basilica and Ommayed palace. Here too can find the National Archaeological Museum, Nymphaeum, Folklore Museum and Museum of Popular Traditions and just outside the city walls, the Roman Theatre. Other attractions in the city include the National Gallery of Fine Arts and the Museum of Archaeology.
Activities in Amman
Amman’s main sights can be covered in a day’s sightseeing either travelling between them by taxi or on a guided city tour. Allow longer if you want to explore the excellent museums.
Relaxing
As one would expect of a major capital city Amman has a variety of restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy. Some are quite male orientated, though those venues in large hotels welcome women. Amman has some excellent patisseries and ice-cream parlours.
Getting Around
Most people tend to travel around the city by taxi (negotiate the fare before setting off) or on a guided city-tour given that they only tend to stay a day or so in the city and don’t want to waste time getting to grips with the city’s bus service.
Amman Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
