Amman Citadel – Your Complete Guide

If you have time to visit just one place in Amman, make it the Amman Citadel. This breath-taking archaeological site is more than enough reason to add Amman to your itinerary, even for just a quick stopover.

We’ll be honest: Amman wasn’t initially high on our list. We planned to head straight to Jerash, a hidden gem we couldn’t wait to explore, and then to Petra. But skipping Amman would have been a colossal mistake. The moment we stepped through the gates of the Citadel, we knew we had discovered something truly special.

Perched atop Jebel Al Qala’a, the highest hill in Amman (jebel means “hill” in Arabic), the Citadel offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The contrast between the ancient ruins and the sandstone-colored urban landscape below is absolutely mesmerizing. If you time your visit right, you might have this incredible site all to yourself.

With centuries of history and fascinating landmarks to explore, the Amman Citadel is a place to take your time and soak it all in. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to experience this stunning destination.

Inside of Umayyad Palace in Amman Citadel
Inside of Umayyad Palace

Brief history of Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel isn’t just a collection of ruins. It’s a living testament to the many civilizations that have shaped Jordan’s capital over thousands of years. Thanks to its strategic location, this site has been continuously occupied since the Bronze Age, witnessing the rise and fall of empires.

Its most famous era dates back to the 2nd century AD when Amman was part of the Roman Decapolis. The Romans left their mark with grand structures, including the iconic Temple of Hercules. Towering columns and a massive hand—believed to be from a colossal statue of Hercules – hint at the temple’s former grandeur.

After the Romans, the Byzantines and Umayyads took over, adding their own layers to the Citadel’s history. A Byzantine church and the beautifully designed Umayyad Palace stand as reminders of these eras, blending Roman influence with early Islamic architecture.

Today, wandering through the Citadel, you’ll feel the weight of history beneath your feet. It’s a place where time stands still, offering sensational views and a deep connection to Jordan’s past.

Remains of Temple of Hercules at Amman Citadel

How to get to the Amman Citadel

Amman Citadel is located in the city’s central district, only a 15-minute walk from the Roman Theatre. However, walking up the hill can be challenging, especially in the middle of the day. If you’re planning to walk up ensure you have plenty of water and few snacks. Don’t forget to bring a hat to protect you from the heat!

Alternatively, to save time and effort, just take a taxi from the centre. It will cost you around 1-2JOD to get right to the main entrance. That way, you’ll also have more time to explore this beautiful place.

If you’re staying further away from the city centre, we definitely recommend a taxi. Amman is relatively spread out and can be a bit chaotic to navigate on foot. 

If you rented a car for your trip, we still recommend taking a taxi. We found driving in the city centre quite stressful, so we either walked or took taxis when visiting the main tourist attractions. We recommend this because you will have a much better experience and enjoy your day.

Opening times and tickets

Opening times

The opening times of the Amman Citadel vary depending on the time of the year, and there isn’t an official site that has accurate times. We recommend checking them with your hotel or guide before you go to avoid disappointment.

From our research, the Citadel is open from 8am to 5:30pm in April and May, and during summer (June to October), it’s open from 8am to 6:30pm. In the winter (from November to March) it operates for shorter hours, 8:00 am to 4 pm. During Ramadan, the official information states that it closes at 5:30pm. However, when we actually visited during Ramadan, the site was open till 7 pm. Since it’s such a large site, it’s more like you won’t be able to get in after closing time but you can still slowly make your way to the exit if you’re inside already.

View  over the whole site from the Amman Citadel entrance
View from the Amman Citadel entrance

We can’t recommend enough visiting Jordan during the Holy Month. It has some downsides, like less restaurants or shops open during the day, but on the plus side there were fewer crowds, and we had some places just for ourselves.

Tickets

The entrance fee for foreigners is around 3JOD and they only take cash so make sure you carry some on you when you visit.

However, this site is included in the Jordan Pass, so you won’t have to pay to enter if you have the pass. If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, the Jordan Pass is worth considering, as it is a great way to save money on both attractions like Petra as well as the entry visa costs.

What is JordanPass

The Jordan Pass is a package designed for tourists visiting Jordan. It offers free entry to over 40 attractions. You must purchase the pass online before you arrive in Jordan. The pass has three pricing tiers (see below), depending on how many days you plan to visit Petra. 

A table with JordanPass pricing. Entrance to Amman Citadel is included in the pass
Jordan Pass pricing table

It’s important to note that if you stay in Jordan for over 3 nights, the pass also waives you a tourist visa fee (40JOD) upon arrival. So, this is definitely a must for anyone coming to Jordan and looking to explore, including main landmarks like Petra, Amman Citadel, or Wadi Rum.

Best time to visit the Amman Citadel

With Amman Citadel, just like the entire Jordan, the best time to visit is spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), which are cooler and better suited for exploring. Unfortunately those are also peak times which means that there will be more people visiting the main sites.

Summer is very hot in Jordan, so if you visit during this season you must plan your day accordingly, utilising cooler early mornings and late afternoons to see places or go to places with plenty of shade during the day.

First thing in the morning

Regarding the best time to visit Amman Citadel, we have heard and read a lot of recommendations. Most of them say to get there first thing in the morning. We think it makes sense, especially in the summer months, to beat the heat and midday sun. However, if you’re hoping to experience fewer crowds, early morning is no longer the way forward.

We visited Amman Citadel twice on the same day and can tell you that visiting it late afternoon is the best option. The site is open from 8 am. First thing in the morning, you already have buses and many tours ready to enter the site.

Visit Amman Citadel in the afternoon

However, if you come in the afternoon, you will be greeted by a peaceful and serene atmosphere compared to the morning rush (at least, that’s what we experienced). You will find small groups walking around the site, but with time, they will disappear. You’ll have a whole place to yourself and an unique view – an entire place bathed in an orange sunset glow. 

Picture taken in the morning
Picture taken before sunset

We think coming here in the afternoon and staying for sunset is the best time to see this magnificent place. It feels a little bit unreal and magical in that lighting. We hope you get to experience it too!

Sunset at Amman Citadel
Sunset at Amman Citadel

What should you wear at Amman Citadel

Whether you’re visiting Amman Citadel or any other place in Jordan, we recommend respecting the country’s culture. Jordan is not as strict as some of the other Middle Eastern countries, but we recommend considering the traditions and not wearing tight or revealing clothes (tank tops, shorts, or short skirts for ladies).

We recommend light clothing with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts. This is not just to show respect and consideration to local customs. It is also because they will protect your skin from the sun during your visit, as there isn’t much shade in the Amman Citadel.

The Citadel is quite big, with many things to explore, so prepare for at least 2 hours of walking around an uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes like trainers are the best to keep you going. Avoid wearing flip-flops or open-toe sandals, as you can easily injure yourself on loose rocks.

As we mentioned before, there aren’t many places to escape the sun in the Citadel, and we recommend bringing a hat or baseball cap to protect your head from sunstroke (especially during the summer months).

If you’re visiting during cooler months and planning to stay to see the sunset, make sure you pack a light jacket or sweater with you, as it can get a bit chilly after it gets dark.

Things to see at the Amman Citadel

Temple of Hercules

The Temple of Hercules is undeniably the most photographed and iconic landmark of the Amman Citadel. Though only a few columns of this ancient masterpiece remain today, their size continues to captivate thousands of visitors. When we first stood before it, we could almost picture see how grand it must have been back then.

Temple of Hercules in the Amman Citadel
Temple of Hercules with the famous giant hand

The Temple of Hercules was built during the Roman period in the 2nd century AD. During this time, Emperor Marcus Aurelius ruled Rome, and it is believed that he commissioned the statue of Hercules. It is said that the statue was almost 13m tall and that the temple formed a part of a bigger complex dedicated to the demigod himself.

There is not much left of the site now apart from the most famous artifact from the temple—a giant hand. This broken hand is the only thing left to imagine the splendor and size of this temple. It serves as a haunting reminder of the temple’s former glory and a testament to the Romans’ ingenuity. It’s believed that at this was the biggest Roman statue ever made!

By the 6th century AD, Christianity had spread throughout the region, and the Byzantine Church was constructed at Amman Citadel. Built during the Byzantine Empire, the church featured large, intricately carved columns and a floor adorned with decorative mosaics.

While most of the structure has deteriorated over time, the layout of the church and its surviving stone columns still gives us a good idea about the architecture of the period. This church is one of many built across Jordan during the Byzantine era, reflecting the region’s shift from Roman paganism to Christian rule.

Umayyad Palace Complex

Next to the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace is another most famous and impressive site in the Citadel. 

Unayyad Pala
Umayyad Palace with its famous blue dome

Following the Byzantine period, the Citadel became an important administrative center under the Umayyad Caliphate in the 8th century AD. The Umayyads, who were among the first Islamic rulers, constructed a grand Umayyad Palace complex on the site. This palace served as a governor’s residence and administrative hub, highlighting the Citadel’s continued political importance.

The palace’s most striking feature is its large domed audience hall. Its distinctive blue dome likely served as the backdrop for official ceremonies and meetings. Surrounding the hall are remnants of various rooms, courtyards, and a cistern that used to provide water to the palace residents. The Umayyad Palace represents an essential chapter in Islamic architecture, blending influences from earlier civilizations with early Islamic design principles

Colonnaded Street at Amman Citadel

The Colonnaded Street at Amman Citadel, built around 730 AD, was a key road in the Umayyad Palace complex. Lined with beautufully decirated towering columns, it connected the grand Entrance Hall of the palace to other important sections of it. It is a perfect example showcasing the architectural brilliance of the era.

The most famous and impressive feature of this street is a drain running along in its the centre. It was part of an advance underground water system that supplied the entire site!

At the time the street was also a great security measure to ensure safety of the palace. Two gates on each side of the street helped make sure that no one will be able to enter without permisson.

Jordan Archaeological Museum

Established in 1951, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed from the Citadel and across Jordan, spanning the prehistoric period to the Islamic era.

The museum is next to the Temple of Hercules and showcases a wide range of archaeological finds, including some of the oldest statues ever made! It used to house the Dead Sea Scrolls, but they have been moved now to the Jordan Museum.

The Byzantine Church

Sitting high above the bustling streets of Amman, the Amman Citadel is one of Jordan’s most significant archaeological sites. Over centuries, it has been home to many different civilizations that have left behind remarkable structures.

In this section, we’ll introduce you to the must-see highlights of this open-air museum as well as those lesser-known ones – what makes them unique and why they’re worth your time. So, let’s take a walk through history and discover the gems hidden on this hilltop!

Useful tips for Amman Citadel

  • If you’re coming to Jordan and planning to stay here 3 nights or more, make sure you buy JordanPass (check above for details)
  • Arrive early (in the summer to avoid heat) or late to avoid crowds and allow you to explore at your own pace.
  • Take a guided tour. There are many certified guides on site, and exploring the site with one of them will definitely enhance your visit.
  • Make sure you bring your camera and tripod. Amman Citadel is magnificent, with photo opportunities around every corner; we recommend visiting in the afternoon and staying until the golden hour. That is when this place shines even more.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – you will walk a lot and don’t want poor footwear to ruin your day. Pack plasters just in case. They saved our feet from blisters more than once.
  • Bring a hat, and sunscreen and don’t forget your sunglasses like we did.
  • Take a taxi to the entrance. Unless you have plenty of time and love uphill walks, we definitely recommend getting the lift to the top.
  • Don’t forget to bring cash with you to pay at the entrance if you don’t have JordanPass.

A blessing in disguise

The incident

Amman Citadel was our favourite site in Amman, but it’s also where Justin had an unfortunate accident. While exploring the Umayyad Palace Complex, he slipped from a raised area and landed on an uneven curb, injuring his ankle quite badly.

We were far from the entrance, and there was no one around to assist. His foot swelled up quickly, and we were unsure if it was broken. After a few minutes, we managed to get Justin to stand and lean on me for support. We then began making our way, slowly but steadily, toward the gate.

Thankfully, a staff member who was doing the final rounds of the Citadel noticed us. After a brief conversation, he called a taxi and offered to help carry Justin back to the entrance. It seemed like a long walk, but within minutes, he had carried Justin to the gate where the taxi was waiting. This was even more impressive as during Ramadan they hadn’t been able to eat or drink all day – we were so touched by this kind gesture.

The insurance

At the hospital, we were quickly taken care of. Justin was immediately seen by a doctor, and after some X-rays and scans, the swelling appeared worse than it was. Luckily, the doctors confirmed it was only a severe sprain, not a fracture, which was a huge relief.

What really stood out during this experience was the kindness and support from the locals. Everyone was so helpul and selfless. It was time to go home after a long day to have iftar (break fast during Ramadan) our taxi driver offered to come with us into the hospital. He wanted to be our translator in case we needed one and wait for us to drive us home. In addition, the hotel where we stayed gave Justin a walking stick as we checked out. They wanted to make it easier for him to get around when we were going to explore rest of Jordan. We were really moved how helpful and considerate everyone at the hospital and citadel was.

The second thing that was striking to us was the peace of mind we had because of our travel insurance. We didn’t have to worry about the cost of the hospital, tests, or medication—it was all covered. This was our first accident while traveling, and we realized how important it is to have good insurance, especially in a stressful situation.

This experience really reinforced for us the value of having proper travel insurance while travelling – it’s not just for trip cancellations. It’s crucial for health emergencies like this one. We never travel without one because it can get very expensive very quickly. In this case the hospitalisation and medicine cost us around £50. However our next accident would have cost us over $20k, if we didn’t have a good travel insurance.

Summary

The Amman Citadel is one of Jordan’s most iconic and captivating sites. We fell in love with the contrast of this ancient site with the modern urban landscape below. Seeing the setting sun over the hills, bathing everything in a warm glow, made us forget the world for a moment.

From the Roman Temple of Hercules to the Byzantine church and the majestic Umayyad Palace, the Citadel is a must-visit on any Jordan itinerary. We hope that, with all the information and tips we have provided, we have convinced you to come here (or climb if you feel energetic) and experience this historic place.

We also hope that we might have reinfored the importance of comprehensive travel insurance when travelling. Don’t save money – stay safe!