AMMAN

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Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts – a unique blend of old and new, situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. In the commercial heart of the city, ultra-modern buildings, hotels, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques rub shoulders comfortably with traditional coffee shops and tiny artisan workshops. Amman’s neighborhoods are diverse and range in cultural and historical context from the hustle and bustle of the downtown markets, to the art galleries of Jabal Al Lweibdeh and the modern shopping district of Abdali. 

If a journey through history is what you’re looking for then the best place to start would be the Citadel. Located on a hill it gives visitors a glimpse into the evolution of Amman and provides stunning views of downtown Amman. Among the sites you can’t afford to miss at the Citadel are the Umayyad Palace complex, the Temple of Hercules and the Byzantine Church.

This summer street market in Jabal Amman is open on Fridays and includes stalls selling local wares, pop-up cafes, street food and live performances from local bands and musicians. If you’re in Amman during the summer, you can’t miss out on this family friendly activity!

Built in 191 AD, it was once a large two-story complex with fountains, mosaics, stone carvings and possibly a 600 square meter swimming pool. 

View the great collection of working steam locomotives, formerly used for as part of a pilgrimage route connecting the Ottoman Empire to Saudi Arabia and an intrinsic part of the Great Arab Revolt in 1918.  For more of an in-depth look at the history of the station make sure to visit the onsite museum.

The Royal Film Commission is a committee that aims to develop the local production industry by encouraging Jordanians to use film and audio-visual media to express their original ideas. The commission also provides opportunities for audiences and filmmakers to get together, watch independent films, and exchange ideas in addition to supporting local and international movie productions in the Kingdom.

The Jordan Museum is located in the dynamic new downtown area of Ras al-‘Ayn. Presenting the history and cultural heritage of Jordan in a series of beautifully designed galleries, The Jordan Museum serves as a comprehensive national center for learning and knowledge that reflects Jordan’s history and culture, and presents in an engaging yet educational way the Kingdom’s historic, antique and heritage property as part of the ongoing story of Jordan’s past, present, and future.

Turquoise Mountain celebrates and protects heritage in Jordan, Syria, and elsewhere, transforming lives and supporting communities with jobs, skills, and opportunities.

In Jordan, Turquoise Mountain works with talented master artisans from across the region to revitalise traditional craft and produce beautiful heritage objects. 

Visit the showroom on Rainbow Street to discover their collections. 

Jordanian, Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese families built the houses that form Darat al Funun. They are a living memory of the history of Jordan and the shared history of the Bilad al Sham. Darat al Funun today is an oasis for the arts overlooking the crowded downtown area of the old city of Amman. Along with visiting the Darat’s contemporary art exhibitions, many come to admire Amman’s traditional architecture, attend events in the archaeological site, read a book in their art library, or take a walk in the gardens.

A contemporary art gallery based in Amman, Jordan, Nabad has been exhibiting and providing artworks by emerging and established artists from Jordan since 2008. In addition to seeking to promote Jordanian art, Nabad also showcases a number of artists from the wider Arab world and beyond, with a view to cultivating intercultural dialogue among artists and with the public.

Nestled at the cusp of ancient and contemporary history is a sanctuary of the senses that is Dar Al-Anda. The name is an authentically Arabic one. It best translates into “home of the giving“and therefore exemplifies what they stand for. Dar Al-Anda aims to enrich the lives of their patrons, employees and community by giving them the opportunity to experience art in all of its forms, thereby provoking thought and discourse.

The King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, named after the late King, is the largest mosque in the Kingdom. Its architecture reflects the Umayyad style prevalent in several sites in Jordan.