If you want to explore the history of Jordan through the ages there are a number of historical monuments in Jordan including the time-honored buildings, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Jordan. The presence of these monuments of Jordan will take you on a walk through the country’s rich history. If you are willing to have in-depth historical information about Jordan, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical sites in Jordan for a great trip:
List of Monuments in Jordan
1. Roman TheatreÂ
The Roman Theatre, a large amphitheatre in the Citadel is a magnificently restored theatre, and a relic of Roman Philadelphia. The Roman Theatre is a large amphitheatre considered by many to be the highlight for foreign tourists. Believed to have been constructed in the 2nd century A.D., the theatre is cut into the northern side of a hill and has a seating capacity of 6000 people. This popular monument in Jordan was constructed on three tiers, the first and closest to the stage was for the rulers, the second was for the military and the third was for the general populace. The theatre is filled by people whenever any concert is organised. Above the theatre is a shrine believed to be of goddess Athena. The Roman Theatre underwent restoration work from 1957, and the morning is the perfect time to capture the magnificence of the theatre.
Address: Taha Al-Hashemi St., Amman, Jordan.
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2. The Siq
It is the main entrance to the city of Petra also known as the Siqit. It is a narrow gorge and is about a mile long. The path starts at the dam and ends at the Treasury (Al Khazneh). The most impressive thing about the Siq are the limestone patterns which are carved all along the rocks. A valley outside leading to the Siq is known as Bab al Siq, where you can see massive square monuments carved out of the rock, known as Djinn rocks. You can either walk or ride a horse fro reaching here. The local horsemen will ask for a 7USD tip for the short ride. Most tourist would walk directly and swiftly to get to the treasury probably because of time constraints. We were fortunate to have had a guide who narrated the historical details as we walked along the Siq. You will find ancient carvings along the way. This ancient monument in Jordan was an amazing magical walk before entering the main city. Walk slowly and enjoy the spectacular views of the Siq if you have the time. This is the path that the advance Nabateans and Romans used in the old times to get to the main city.Â
Address: Al Siq, Jordan.
3. The Treasury
The Treasury is the most popular monument in Jordan situated in the city of Petra. This is a 40 metre high ancient temple you will rest your eyes upon as soon as you cover the Siq. At the top of the Treasury, there sits an urn which is rumored to contain the treasure of a Pharaoh. It is intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals and figures, many of which are thought to be associated with the afterlife. On the upper level, there are figures of dancing Amazons and the entrance is flanked by statues of the twins Castor and Pollux, all of whom are figures in Greek mythology. The original purpose of the Treasury remains unknown to this day. It is commonly featured in Hollywood, most famously in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Address: The Treasury, Petra, Jordan.
4. The Citadel
An ancient citadel containing ancient structures. Also known as Jabal Al Qal’a, the place has been an important human settlement area for about 18,000 years. The Citadel hill contains the ruins of the Temple of Hercules. Ummayad palace is another sight here constructed in the 8th century A.D. but it is now in ruins, though the entrance has been partially reconstructed. This famous monument in Jordan also contains a Byzantine Church which dates to the 5 _ 6th centuries A.D., and the National Archaeological Museum. The museum houses a small yet interesting collection of artefacts from all eras from all over Jordan, the most famous of which are The Dead Sea Scrolls. It houses exhibits which are as old as the Palaeolithic era (1000 _ 10000 years old) to the 13th century A.D.
Address: K. Ali Ben Al-Hussein St. 146, Amman, Jordan.
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5. The Street of Facades
The Street of Facades is a row of monumental tombs situated in Petra, an ancient city of Jordan. It is a long street lined with marvelous tombs, with large facades, also known as false faces, hanging down their front. There are a number of burials on either side, decorated by grindstones you would love to see here in this important monument in Jordan. It is believed that some of these tombs were for senior city officials or even princes. Some of the canyon walls are lined with tombs for ordinary citizens. Most of the facades are damaged up to great extent because of the floods.
Address: The Street of Facades, Petra, Jordan.
6. Royal Automobile Museum
The Royal Automobile Museum, amuseum for cars is a must visit for people who have an interest in automobiles. The museum features the collection of King HussainÍs classic cars that he received starting from 1916 and heaven for car enthusiasts. It also contains modern sports cars. The museum is also famous for containing the rover used in the popular Hollywood film The Martian.”Whether you are a local or visitor to Jordan this is a must visit museum that has many legendary classic cars. The personal collection of King Hussein with more than 70 classic cars and motorbikes displayed in it. This iconic monument in Jordan is something of a gem, and a great way to recount the story of modern Jordan.
Address:Â Al Hussein Public Parks, Amman 11953 Jordan
7. The Great Temple
Although it is called the Great Temple, archaeologists do not know for certain if it is in fact a temple as recent findings indicate it might have been a palace and assembly hall. Covering an area of 7560 square meter the Great Temple is the largest freestanding building that has been discovered in Petra. The temple was around 19 feet tall, evidence found by archaeologists indicates that . The complex has two levels, a lower one and an upper one. Th8s cultural landmark in Jordan represents one of the major archaeological and architectural components of central Petra. Since 1993 archaeologists from Brown University have been Excavating this temple precinct. These investigations are conducted under the auspices of the department of Antiquities of Jordan .
Address: The Great Temple, Petra, Jordan.
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8. Jordan National Gallery
The Jordan National Gallery exhibits an excellent collection of art. The finest collection of art in all of Jordan, it is a must see for every tourist in Amman. This beautiful monument in Jordan comprises over 2000 works by artists from over 50 countries. Focusing mainly on works from developing countries in Asia and Africa this Fine Arts Museum has collections from hundreds of contemporary artists from nearly 60 countries. These include paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics and textiles. Established in 1980 and renovated in 2005, this is one of the largest fine Arts museums in the Middle East. In addition to the permanent collection the gallery also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events.Find out about upcoming cultural events and exhibitions from the gallery website calendar. The gallery comprises two buildings with a small park in between them. The gift shop and the cafe are in separate buildings.Â
Address: Hosni Fareez St., Amman, Jordan.
9. Wadi Rum
This historical monument in Jordan is a protected area of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan. Including jeep, camel and hiking tours, there are many ways to enjoy the attractions of Rum, and you can stay overnight in a Bedouin tent. Known as the “Valley of the Moon”, this valley is carved into sandstone and granite rock. It is located in southern Jordan 60 kilometers east of Aqaba. In particular, trekkers and rock-climbers enjoy visiting the area. Camping under the stars is also a wonderful experience. This beautiful red-sand desert is famous for its awe-inspiring sunsets, which peek through the mountain and rock formations at various angles, creating some of the best photo ops I’ve ever seen. You actually feel like you’ve left the Earth. There are several high peaks there, the highest being Jabal Umm ad Dami, at over 6,000 feet. On clear days from the top, you can see the Red Sea, even the Saudi Arabian border. The territory is still home to a few hundred Bedouins.
Address: Wadi Rum, Petra, Jordan
10. Downtown Jordan
The oldest part of the city of Amman, that’s why it is considered as one of the historical landmarks in Jordan which is popularly called Downtown Jordan. It is reminiscent of the older part of Amman.Also called the Balad, it is the oldest section of the city, and is the old commerce centre. The area cradled between the Royal Hashemite Court, the Hashemite Plaza and the Citadel is the oldest part of the city. This was the section inhabited by people during the Neolithic Age. The Seven Hills of the cities around this neighborhood in a rough manner and used to provide a natural perimeter and border security to it. For tourists, and in addition to the historical aspect, it also serves as some of the best shopping opportunities in the city. Antiques, electronics, jewelry, meat and vegetable produce, clothes and baked goods – all these and more are found in this bustling quarter. Additionally there are coffee shops and restaurants. It comprises independently owned businesses and a myriad of markets.Â
Address: Al-Urdon St. Amman Jordan.
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11. Jordan Archaeological Museum
Technically located inside the Citadel ground, the Jordan Archaeological Museum is prominent enough to be it’s own attraction. Established in 1951 it exhibits finds from archaeological sites from around the country, covering a period of time from prehistoric to the 15th century. The displays are elegantly organized in chronological order. Even though the focus isn’t on history, merely following the progression of artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Hellenistic period, the Roman period, the Byzantine period, the Islamic and onwards gives you a very good idea of the history of the country and how it evolved culturally and technologically. The highlights of the collections here in this popular landmark in Jordan are Ancestor Statues from the neolithic period found in Ain Ghazal, Egyptian Casket from the Middle Bronze Age, Head of Anthropoid Sarcophagus and Anthropoid Coffins from the Iron Age, Cult Offering Stand of Astarte, a remnant from Phoenician times Atargatis from the Nabatean temple at Khirbet Tannur, etc.
Address: Museum St, Amman Citadel, Amman, Jordan.
12. King Abdullah Mosque
Surrounded by important buildings such as Ministry of Justice, the Parliament, and the Ministry of Education is a building more important still. It is the country’s foremost mosque, a grand and opulent building with a beautiful blue dome inscribed with verses from the Quran, beneath which 7000 people may pray at a time. This religious monument in Jordan was completed in 1989. There are two other sections, one for 500 women worshippers and another far smaller and closure resume for Royal patronage. Apparently this is the only mosque in the country which openly welcomes non-muslim visitors. With artifacts related to the late King Abdullah I, you will find an Islamic Museum inside. There may also be some archaeological artifacts.
Address: King Abdullah Mosque, Abdali st. Amman, Jordan
13. Roman Nymphaeum
This ancient Roman structure built in the second century, close to the Amphitheater and the Odeon, is a partially preserved public fountain. Public fountains used to be a very important part of Roman city life. Right now, the structure of this old monument in Jordan is undergoing slow but meticulous restoration led by students from the University of Jordan and the Hashemite University. In its heyday it must have been quite a sight, with water, mosaics, carvings, and a huge swimming pool. There’s technically not much to see here, but there are a lot of photography opportunities, especially at sunset.
Address: Al-Hashemi St., Amman, Jordan.
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14. The Odeon Theater
This is the third of the three major Roman structures in the city. The Odeon is usually a smaller theater next to a larger Amphitheater in the Roman world. Accordingly, this 500-seat ancient theater built in the second century CE is close to its larger and more famous companion. This cultural monument in Jordan was probably used for more intimate performances than those held at the amphitheater. And notably, such use of the theater continues today with musical concerts, especially the Al-Balad Music festival. It is thought that once upon a time the structure must have had a wooden roof. Unless there is an event happening there is not much to see here but the photographs always come out nice, especially in twilight. In more recent history the theater is famous as the place of safe haven for 50000 Palestinian refugees fleeing their homes when they were displaced by the newly-created Israel in 1948.
Address: Al-Hashemi St., Amman, Jordan.
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