Rising above downtown Amman, the Citadel is a hilltop archaeological site where landmarks from several eras share the same ridge. Also known as Jabal Al-Qal‘a, it offers a view into the city’s history, from the Bronze Age through the late Islamic periods.
At a glance
- Location: Jabal Al-Qal‘a, overlooking downtown Amman.
- History: Settlement at the site stretches from the Bronze Age through the late Islamic periods.
- Entrance fee: 0.25 Jordanian dinars for Jordanians and 3 Jordanian dinars for foreigners.
- Access: The site has step-free entrances and exits, accessible internal pathways and tactile floor indicators.
What to see at Amman Citadel
Amman Citadel’s main landmarks reflect the long sequence of communities and rulers associated with the site. The Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Church and Umayyad Palace are among the significant places to explore.
The Ammonites made the site their capital, Rabbath Ammon, and built a palace and temple there. During the Hellenistic period, Ptolemy II Philadelphus rebuilt the city and renamed it Philadelphia. In the Roman period, Philadelphia flourished, expanded and became one of the cities of the Decapolis League.
The site’s other landmarks include the Umayyad Mosque, Market (Souq), Cistern and Ayyubid Tower. Together, these remains give you a way to trace different periods while moving around the hilltop. For a broader look at the city’s archaeological collections, the Jordan Museum and Amman’s archaeological museums add a downtown perspective.
The hilltop setting and city views
Amman Citadel occupies a hill in the heart of Amman, with views over downtown. Its elevated position is part of the site’s defining setting, with archaeological remains set above the surrounding city. The nearby Roman Theater and Odeon downtown offer another look at the city’s Roman-era landmarks.
Settlement here stretches from the Bronze Age through the late Islamic periods. That long span helps explain why the Citadel brings together landmarks from several eras rather than a single period of Amman’s history.
How do you get from central Amman to the Citadel?
Amman Citadel sits above downtown. From the Toledo Amman Hotel, Citadel Hill is about 9 minutes by car or 32 minutes on foot. You can pair the hilltop visit with downtown’s Roman Theater and Odeon.
A Citadel visit can also fit into a wider city route, linking the hilltop with downtown in a day.
Tickets, hours and access
- Opening hours
- 8:00 am–4:00 pm from November through April, 8:00 am–6:30 pm in summer, 8:00 am–
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities lists the entrance fee as 0.25 Jordanian dinars for Jordanians and 3 Jordanian dinars for foreigners.
The Department of Antiquities gives seasonal opening hours: 8:00 am–4:00 pm from November through April, 8:00 am–6:30 pm in summer, 8:00 am–5:30 pm in April and May, and 9:00 am–5:00 pm during Ramadan. April appears in overlapping seasonal categories, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Access features include step-free entrances and exits, accessible internal pathways and tactile floor indicators for wheelchair users and visitors with visual disabilities. These features can help you plan how to move around the site.
FAQs
What is another name for Amman Citadel?
The site is also known as Jabal Al-Qal‘a.
How long has the Citadel been settled?
Settlement at the site stretches from the Bronze Age through the late Islamic periods.
What are the main landmarks at Amman Citadel?
Key landmarks include the Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Church, Umayyad Palace, Umayyad Mosque, Market (Souq), Cistern and Ayyubid Tower.
Is Amman Citadel accessible for wheelchair users?
The site has step-free entrances and exits, accessible internal pathways and tactile floor indicators for wheelchair users and visitors with visual disabilities.