Overview:

Qasr Al-Mshatta (the Palace of Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik) is a large palace complex located near Amman in Jordan. It was probably first constructed during the caliphate of the Umayyad ruler Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik between 743 AD and 744 AD. It was built on the site of earlier Umayyad or Byzantine fortifications and was likely designed by the prominent Islamic architect Yezid bin Salam. The palace complex was probably abandoned by the Umayyads after their downfall in 750 AD. The majority of the palace complex was destroyed in a major earthquake in 749 AD and the ruins were later used as a building material in various constructions in the area. Today, the remaining parts of the palace, including the odeon (Amman75) and several fragments of the original façade, are preserved in good condition. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

1. Odeon-The Odeon is a Roman-built theater in Amman, Jordan. It is located in the modern part of the city, making it one of the oldest structures still standing in Amman. Built primarily of larger stones near the intersection of two major roads, the Odeon faces outward towards the city center. It is thought to have been built in the 2nd century AD and is believed to have been a public gathering place for some two hundred and fifty years. The Odeon is most well known for its surviving stone seating and its curved back wall, both of which remain intact today. 2. Hisham's Palace (Qasr al-Mshatta) - Hisham's Palace (Qasr al-Mshatta) is a palace and archaeological site located in south Jordan. It was built around 750 AD in the architectural style of the Umayyad dynasty. This palace was once the residence of Hisham, the ninth Umayyad caliph. It contains mosaic floors and marble panels depicting nature and geometric designs. Hisham's Palace is considered among the finest examples of early Islamic art and architecture and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The palace is a major tourist attraction in Jordan and attracts many visitors each year. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Odeon (Amman75) is the longest-standing institution in the city of Amman, Jordan. Hisham's Palace (Qasr al-Mshatta) is one of the oldest sites in the region. The site dates to the 1st century AD and was a grand residence for the Umayyad Caliph Hisham bin Abdul Malik. Most of the ruins that remain today were built in the 8th century, although significant changes and additions were made in the 9th and 10th centuries. The site contains many examples of Umayyad architectural styles, from its grand entrance, courtly reception halls, to its gardens and pools. Its mosaic floors are also among the earliest examples of this type of decoration. Hisham's palace was abandoned in the 12th century and became an archaeological site. In the 1960s, the Jordanian government used the site to build The Odeon, a large university campus. It was originally called Amman75, but was later re-branded as the Odeon in 1997. Today it is the home to the University of Jordan, the country’s largest and oldest university, and numerous colleges. The Odeon’s campus has since grown to include student housing, libraries, health facilities, cafeteria, and theaters, making it a bustling center of student life with a long history. The archaeological site is still visible and is also a popular destination for tourists. To protect its historical importance, the Jordanian government has declared Qasr al-Mshatta a protected site. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Odeon of Amman was built in the 2nd century BC by the Greco-Roman emperor, Hermernius Terentius. 2. The Odeon is located on the north side of the Amman Citadel, and is one of the most stunning monuments of Amman. 3. It is believed that the Odeon was used for musical performances, public greetings, and the sentencing of criminals. 4. At the base of the Odeon stand two Corinthian columns, each topped with a statue of Hermernius Terentius. 5. On the southern portal of the Odeon, an inscription is still visible with the name of the emperor gracing the building. 6. The Odeon is one of the few structures in Amman that is still standing from the Roman period. 7. Hisham's Palace, located in Qasr al-Mshatta, is one of the most impressive Islamic architecture sites in Jordan. 8. Built in the 8th century, the palace has been studied as an example of ancient Islamic art and architecture. 9. The walls of the palace feature surviving mosaics depicting scenes from Islamic mythology and art. 10. The entrance to the palace was decorated with sculpture-covered arches, an arcade along the entrance, and a large water-filled fountain. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.