Amman Citadel. Another Reason to visit Jordan

Amman Citadel

Looking for travel inspiration for your next vacation? Take a look at my series of reasons to visit Jordan. They will surprise, excite and make you want to go there. This one is the Citadel in Amman.

High above Amman is the Citadel where centuries of inhabitants, including the Greeks and Romans, built on top of earlier generations. Around the site are visible remains from Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. This makes it a site of enormous archaeological importance, with much of it is still to be excavated. Not surprisingly it attracts study groups from across the world eager to help.

It provides a 360-degree vantage point across the city, making it obvious why it was the best site to defend the city. In addition to enjoying sweeping views across modern Amman, and beyond, the Citadel is full of striking ruins. My personal favourite is the Temple of Hercules, with a huge hand from the statue that once stood here lying on the ground.

A visit to the Jordan Archaeological Museum on the Citadel is essential. Built in 1951, it dramatically brings home how ancient the history of Jordan is through a series of displays in the small hall of pots, tools and statues dating back from prehistoric times to the 15th Century. The prized possession being the Ain Ghazal statues, the world’s oldest man-made statues.

Temple of Hercules on Amman Citadel

Temple of Hercules on Amman Citadel

Amman Citadel

Amman Citadel

Jordan Archaeological Museum on the Amman Citadel

Based on my time in Jordan, there are ten things that I recommend you visit during the course of a one-week vacation. You can find out more on each by clicking on them to get more details, my thoughts and  pictures:

1. Ras El Ein Graffiti Amman.
2. Roman Amphitheatre Amman.
3. Citadel Amman.
4. Petra.
5. Little Petra.
6. Wadi Rum Desert.
7. Jerash.
8. Madaba Map.
9. Baptism site of Jesus Christ.
10. Aljoun Castle Fortress.

Disclaimer: I travelled as a guest of Jordan Tourism Board on an 8-night trip exploring Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, the Dead Sea and other popular destinations.