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Jordan Tourism Guide |
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Amman |
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AMMAN & NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
AMMAN
Begin your stay in the capital, Amman, known in history
as Rabbath-Ammon and in Graeco-Roman times as
Philadelphia. No more than five hours drive from
anywhere in the country, it is a convenient base for
your tour. Your hosts, the Jordanians, are wonderfully
gracious and welcoming, and most will surprise you with
their excellent English. Business and the arts are
thriving, and there are first-rate hotels, restaurants,
galleries and shops. Add to this energetic mix the
mystique of old Amman, and all your expectations will be
surpassed.
Amman consists of an old and more traditional part
called "City Centre" or "Downtown" (in Arabic Balad),
and a modern vibrant western style "West Amman".
High above the city, at the ancient Citadel, study the
traces of Amman's many lives: the regal columns of a
Roman temple in silhouette against the sky, the elegant
capitals of a Byzantine church, endlessly inventive
carvings in the Umayyad Palace, fascinating displays in
the Archaeological Museum... and digs and ruins
everywhere you step. At the foot of the Citadel, take a
seat in the Roman Theatre, a deep-sided bowl carved into
the hill and still used for cultural events.
For a glimpse of recent history, take a ride on the
Hijaz Railway. This famous train was repeatedly
sabotaged by the Arab troops of Emir Faisal and Lawrence
of Arabia to defeat the Ottomans. While the days of
Lawrence are long gone, the railway retains its
sentimental appeal.
In a quieter vein, wander through Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
Street (Rainbow St.), with its lovely villas from the
1920s and 1930s. Stroll through shops and Suqs (oriental
markets) and find unique treasures to take home. Take in
the music that is at the heart of Jordanian culture.
Pause in the coffee houses for a game of backgammon, or
savour the sweets and mezzeh (appetisers) of traditional
Jordanian cuisine.
Above all, as a privileged and honoured guest, delight
in the friendship of the Jordanian people and the
heritage and beauty of their land.
WHAT TO SEE
Information on Amman and its attractions are available
from the Ministry of Tourism, 3rd Circle, tel. 4603360,
hours 08:00-15:00, Sun. to Thurs. or the Jordan Tourism
Board, tel. 5678294, which provide all kinds of
information, maps and brochures, hours 08:00-16:00, Sat.
to Thurs. This is also the place to contact in the
unlikely event you have a complaint about a hotel,
restaurant, etc.
The Citadel
Towering above Amman, the site of the earliest
fortifications. Numerous excavations show Roman,
Byzantine and Early Islamic remains, and excavations are
continuing. Important structures are the Temple of
Hercules, the Umayyad Palace complex with its monumental
audience hall, and a Byzantine church.
Jordan Archaeological Museum
Citadel Hill, tel. 4638795. Excellent collection of the
antiquities of Jordan dating from prehistoric
times to the 15th century. Opening hours 08:00-19:00
April - Sept., and 08:00-16:00 Oct. - March. Fridays and
on official holidays 10:00-16:00. Admission 2 JD.
Roman Theatre
Dating from 151 AD and built to seat 6,000 people, the
theatre has been partially rebuilt and is again being
used for performances.
Jordan Folklore Museum
Roman Theatre, tel. 4651742. A recreation of traditional
Jordanian life, including costumes, home furnishings,
musical instruments and handicrafts dating back to the
19th century. Opening hours 08:00-19:00 April - Sept.,
and 08:00-16:00 Oct. - March. daily except Fri.
10:00-16:00. Admission 1 JD, the ticket is valid for the
Museum of Popular Traditions.
Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions
Roman Theatre, tel. 4651760. Costumes and jewellery from
Jordan and the West Bank, many over 100 years old;
mosaics from Jarash and Madaba. Hours 09:00-18:00.
Entrance fee (see the Jordan Folklore Museum).
Odeon
Built in the 2nd century AD and recently rebuilt, this
intimate 600-seat theatre is now used for concerts.
The Suq
Downtown Amman. A typical Middle Eastern market where
you can buy almost anything - it is also an interesting
cultural experience.
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