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Nymphaeum of Amman

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Landmark
—°1
Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)

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The Nymphaeum of Amman is an impressive Roman public fountain located in the heart of the modern downtown area, close to the ancient Roman Forum. Built in 191 AD during the reign of Septimius Severus, it was dedicated to the water nymphs and served as a central landmark in the city of Philadelphia. The original structure was a massive two-story building extending over 68 meters in length, with a height of about 12 meters. Its facade was ornately decorated with Corinthian columns, niches for statues, and intricate stone carvings that reflected the wealth of the Antonine era. At its center was a large swimming-pool-like basin fed by a complex system of channels and pipes bringing fresh water into the city. While only portions of the original structure remain today, the Nymphaeum stands as a testament to the sophisticated Roman engineering and the vital role of water in the social and architectural life of the ancient Near East.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C891317212527272521149
Rain mm444323114111161835

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Nymphaeum of Amman is a freestanding ruin in the city centre, viewable from the outside at any time. The interior is partially accessible but not open for entry.
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Typical hours
As an open ruin, there are no fixed opening hours. Daylight has the best views, while the area is lit at night.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time, tripods are fine. The ruin remains and surrounding architecture create beautiful contrasts.
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Time needed
A visit to the Nymphaeum takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The nearby attractions, however, warrant a longer stay.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theatre, both within walking distance. Downtown features many souvenir shops and cafés.
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Getting there
The Nymphaeum is located on the main street in Amman (Al-Hashemi Street), easily reachable on foot or by taxi. Look for the large circular structure.
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Insider tip
Visit the Nymphaeum in the late afternoon when shadows emphasize the stonework details. Pair it with a visit to nearby Hashemite Square for a local experience.

Geography

Coordinates
31.95150, 35.93700

Facts

  • Constructed in 191 AD, it is a key site of Roman Philadelphia.
  • The structure reached a maximum height of 12 meters.
  • The facade once featured 6.5-meter-high Corinthian columns.
  • It was fed by water diverted from the Amman River (Seil Amman).
  • Archaeologists found remains of colored marble cladding.
  • The site underwent significant cleaning and restoration in the 2010s.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Roman Theater of AmmanRoman Theater of Amman<1 km · NExplore →
King Abdullah I MosqueKing Abdullah I Mosque3 km · SExplore →
Haya Cultural CenterHaya Cultural Center4 km · SExplore →
Ghamadan ParkGhamadan Park9 km · WExplore →
SahabSahab10 km · NWExplore →
Al Hussein Public ParksAl Hussein Public Parks13 km · SExplore →
Wadi as-SirWadi as-Sir13 km · SExplore →
RusseifaRusseifa14 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nymphaeum of Amman (1)

Nymphaeum🏺 historical

A grand 2nd-century Roman public fountain featuring ornate columns in downtown Amman.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Nymphaeum in Amman located?
In the old city (Downtown), just a few minutes' walk from the Roman Theater.
What was the function of this building?
It was a monumental public fountain dedicated to the nymphs.
Do you have to pay to visit?
It can often be seen for free from the street; access to the site is usually free.
What condition are the ruins in?
It has undergone extensive restoration to show the original Roman facade's splendor.
When was it built?
It dates back to the 2nd century AD (approx. 191 AD).
Nymphaeum of Amman: where is it located?
Nymphaeum of Amman is located in Jordan.
Nymphaeum of Amman: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Nymphaeum of Amman: why is it worth visiting?
The Nymphaeum of Amman is an impressive Roman public fountain located in the heart of the modern downtown area, close to the ancient Roman Forum.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Amman — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Amman
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Sahab — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Sahab
Sahab is located southeast of the capital and serves as a major logistics hub.
Al-Jiza — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Al-Jiza
Al-Jiza forms the southern gateway to the Greater Amman area.
Al-Muwaqqar — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Al-Muwaqqar
Al-Muwaqqar was a magnificent desert palace in early Islamic times.

History & landmarks

Umayyad Palace — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Umayyad Palace
This ruin complex on the Citadel hill dates from the 8th century.
Abu Darwish Mosque — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Abu Darwish Mosque
This mosque rises on Jabal al-Ashrafiyeh and stands out with its characteristic pattern of alternating black and white stones.
King Abdullah I Mosque — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
King Abdullah I Mosque
A distinctive landmark of Amman, known for its magnificent blue mosaic dome.
Rujm al-Malfouf — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Rujm al-Malfouf
A round megalithic watchtower in Amman, probably built during the Kingdom of Ammon.
Qasr al-Mushatta — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Qasr al-Mushatta
The ruin of the largest Umayyad desert castle in Jordan.
Qasr al-Abd — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Qasr al-Abd
A Hellenistic palace near Iraq al-Amir, built from huge stone blocks.
Qasr Tuba — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Qasr Tuba
This remote desert castle from the Umayyad period consists of an unusual combination of baked bricks and stone.

More places

Roman Theater of Amman — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Roman Theater of Amman
A monumental 2nd-century amphitheater cut deep into the hillside, capable of seating 6,000 spectators.
Amman Citadel — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Amman Citadel
The historic hill of Jabal al-Qal'a features ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods.
Temple of Hercules — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Temple of Hercules
The monumental remains of a Roman temple, whose colossal pillars stand majestically over the old city of Amman.
Amman Plateau — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Amman Plateau
The expansive and rolling plateau upon which Jordan's ever-growing capital was built.
Wild Jordan Center — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Wild Jordan Center
Operated by the national conservation society, this center in Amman promotes eco-tourism.
Haya Cultural Center — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Haya Cultural Center
The Haya Cultural Center in Amman is a pioneer of childhood education in Jordan.
Prince Hashem Bird Garden — Nymphaeum of Amman (Jordan)
Prince Hashem Bird Garden
A cozy, shaded park in the heart of Amman that houses a variety of bird species and playgrounds.
🗺️
Ghamadan Park
Also known as the King of Bahrain Kingdom Forest, this park offers extensive wooded areas near Amman.