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 Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:56 am Post subject: JORDAN TOURISM : Jordan Travel & Tourism GUIDE |
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JORDAN TOURISM : Jordan Travel & Tourism GUIDE
Most of Amman’s noteworthy historical sites are clustered in the downtown area, which sits at the bottom of four of Amman’s seven hills, or jabals. The ancient Citadel, which towers above the city from atop Jabal al-Qala’a, is a good place to begin a tour of the city. The Citadel is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon, and excavations here have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains. The most impressive building of the Citadel, known simply as al-Qasr ("the Palace"), dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. Its exact function is unclear, but it includes a monumental gateway, an audience hall and four vaulted chambers. A colonnaded street also runs through the complex. To the north and northeast are the ruins of Umayyad palace grounds.
Close to al-Qasr lie the remains of a small Byzantine basilica. Corinthian columns mark the site of the church, which is thought to date from the sixth or seventh century CE. About 100 meters south of the church is what is thought to have been a temple of Hercules, today also known as the Great Temple of Amman. The temple was built in the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 CE), and is currently under restoration.
Also on Citadel Hill, just northwest of the Temple of Hercules, is the Jordan Archeological Museum. This small museum houses an excellent collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the 15th century. There is an exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a copy of the Mesha Stele (see Madaba section for explanation) and four rare Iron Age sarcophagi. Museum hours are 08:30-17:00 daily. On Fridays and official holidays the museum is open from 09:00-16:00.
Downhill from the Citadel and five minutes walk east from downtown, the Roman Theater is the most obvious and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. The theater, which was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (138-161 CE), is cut into the northern side of a hill that once served as a necropolis—or graveyard. It is very similar in design to the amphitheater at Jerash, and can accommodate 6000 spectators. The theater is still used periodically for sporting and cultural events.
Two small museums are built into the foundations of the Roman theater. The Jordan Folklore Museum is in the right wing of the theater and displays a collection of items showing the traditional life of local people. At the other end of the theater stage, the Museum of Popular Traditions displays traditional Jordanian costumes, including fine embroidery and beautiful antique jewelry. It also houses several sixth-century mosaics from Madaba and Jerash. The Museum of Popular Traditions is open daily 09:00-17:00, and closed on Tuesday. The Jordan Folklore Museum is open every day from 09:00-17:00, except Friday when its hours are 10:00-16:00.
To the northeast stands the small theater, or Odeon, which is still being restored. Built at about the same time as the Roman theater, this intimate 500-seat theater is used now as it was in Roman times, for musical concerts. Archaeologists think that the building was originally covered with a wooden or temporary tent roof to shield performers and audiences from the elements. Heading southwest from the theater complex, Philadelphia’s chief fountain, or Nymphaeum, stands with its back to Quraysh Street. Much of the fountain, which was completed in 191 CE, is hidden from public view by private houses and shops. The Nymphaeum is believed to have contained a 600 square meter pool, three meters deep, which was continuously refilled with fresh water. Jordan’s Department of Antiquities is currently excavating the Nymphaeum, and ultimately hopes to restore the site to its original structure by 2010.
From the Nymphaeum, the short stroll to the King Hussein Mosque bustles with pedestrians, juice stands and vendors. The area around the King Hussein Mosque, also known as al-Husseini Mosque, is the heart of modern downtown Amman. The Ottoman-style mosque was rebuilt in 1924 on the site of an ancient mosque, probably also the site of the cathedral of Philadelphia. Between the al-Husseini Mosque and the Citadel is Amman’s famous gold souq, which features row after row of glittering gold treasures.
Other places to visit:
* The Flag of Amman: The flag of Amman existed during the Iron Age .It is also the capital of the Ammonites. Given the name of Philadelphia it was one of the cities of the Deco polis .It was opened by Yazeed Bin Zaid on February 22nd 636 AD. It is also the location of the Al Waleed Palace in the Umayyad era.
* Noyjess's Tomb: This is a tomb belonging to the Roman Leader Noyjess's the tomb dates all the way back to the all 2nd century AD.
* Iraq Al Ameer: Iraq Al Ameer holds a palace built by Hokyanoos from the Teebee Ammonite family. It dates all the way back to the 2nd century BC.
* The Auditorium: The auditorium is a stone built theater dating all the way back to the 2nd century BC.
* The Shrine of Hercules: The shrine is built during the Roman Reign and is established on the remains of the Awni Shrine.
* The Ummaid Palace: The Umayyad palace is built by Waleed II at the Qal'a Hill.
* Al Rajm Al Malfoof: Al Rajm Al Malfoof is a defense tower built on the outskirts of Amman. It is during the Ammonite era in the first Millennium BC. At that point in time the city was known as Riya Ammon
* Al Webdeh Church: The Church is located within the bounds of Darat Al Funun and is dated to be built in the 6th century AD.
* Ahl Al Kahf: This is stone cave which is home to roman tombs, Byzantine tombs, and Bani Sajeen who have been mentioned in the Holy Quran, as well as being home to the historical figures of Ahl Al Kahf also mentioned in the Holy Quran.
* Um Al Rassas: The area incorporates one of the, most significant churches of the Christian Era. It is home to the Estifan Church built in 1119 AD. Um Al Rassas is also home to the Nazik Sam'an Al Awdi Tower.
* Ayn Ghazal: Ayn Ghazal is a village from the Tynish Era it is home to several works of sculpture dating back to the year 10000 BC.
* Amman Theater: The Amman Theater forms one of the most important buildings of Philadelphia. The architectural work dates all the way back to the 3rd Century AD.
* Sabeel Al Hooriyat: Sabeel Al Hooriyat is a Roman road dating all the way back to the 3rd century BC. Its pavements are decorated with water fountains. It runs all the way from the Roman Amphitheater to the Roman City Center.
* Al Quwaisemeh: Al Quwaisemeh is home to two Byzantine churches one of which has been decorated with Mosaics.
* Khibit Al Khrais: Khibit Al Khrais is home to an Ammonite Tower, an Umayyad Mosque and, a Byzantine Church. �
* Al Kharaneh: Al Kharaneh is an Umayyad palace located on the edge of the � desert. It is intended as a resting spot for travelers of the Umayyad era.
Source: kinghussein.gov.jo & ammantoday.com |
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