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| Remains of the Hercules Temple and view to the downtown |
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| Pillars from the Hercules Temple and View to the downtown |
As we get to the top, we will be amazed by the panoramic views over the downtown.
And as we walk in the Citadel, we find ruins from various historical periods. Several civilizations existed here, from the Bronze Age to the early Islamic Era. Thousands of years of History in one place.
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| Hercules Temple |
The Hercules Temple was built between 162 to 166 BCE, during the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Only two giant pillars are standing that were re-erected in 1993. Its capitals are corinthian.
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| Hand and Elbow of Hercules statue |
Adjacent to the remains of the temple, is part of one hands and one elbow of Hercules. But, where is the rest of this Roman demigod? Nobody knows..
Considering the measurements of the hand and elbow, this statue of Hercules was one of the highest ever built.
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| Umayyad Palace |
Not far away, we find the ruins of the Governor's Umayyad palatial complex, mosque and Ayybid fortifications, from the Early Arabian Islamic Era.
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| Dome of the Umayyad Palace |
The dome of the Umayyad palace was recently restored after the big earthquake of 747 or 749 BCE.
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| Ancient tomb cave |
In this journey through time,
we find a cave from the Early Bronze Age,
23rd century BCE,
believed to be a tomb cave.
23rd century BCE,
believed to be a tomb cave.
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| Pillars of the Byzantine Church and view to the Umayyad Palace |
On the way to the museum, are the remains of a Byzantine church, built in 550 BCE. Stones and pillars from the temple were re-used to build the church, to serve the spiritual needs of the small Christian community. Only some pillars remain, today, in place.
Close to the temple, is the National Archeological Museum of Jordan. The entrance is included in the ticket. It's a small museum but filled with History.
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| Stone Age artefacts |
The museum contains important statues, pottery, coins, jewellery, armors, stones, glass artefacts, scriptures and others pieces from several periods of History.
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| Ammonite statue |
The items are labelled in english and arabic
and arranged in chronological order.
and arranged in chronological order.
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| Anthropoid Coffins from Iron Age 1000-539 BCE |
There are local official guides, who can show you the site and speak a range of languages.
However, the site is very easy to navigate on a self-guided tour as the signage gives good details.
Signs are in English and Arabic
Signs are in English and Arabic
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| Skeleton of a child that was buried in a jar |
It is very hot during the Summer, and without a breeze,
it can be a challenge to spend much time out,
among the ruins,
So it's advised to bring water, a hat, comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
it can be a challenge to spend much time out,
among the ruins,
So it's advised to bring water, a hat, comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
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| Marble Bust of Zeus - Roman Period |
Opening Hours
Summer: 8h -17h
Winter: 8h - 16h
Ramadan: 8h - 15:30h
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| Ain Ghazal Statue |
Entrance Fees
Non- Jordanian: 3JD
Best Time to Visit
During Spring or Autumn.