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Roman Theater of Amman

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Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)

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The Roman Theater of Amman is an impressive architectural legacy of the ancient city of Philadelphia, located in the bustling heart of Jordan's modern capital. Built during the 2nd century AD under the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD), the theater was masterfully carved into the northern side of a steep hillside. With a seating capacity of approximately 6,000 spectators, its design ensured that the audience remained shielded from the direct glare of the sun while enjoying flawless acoustics. The seating is divided into three horizontal tiers, which historically corresponded to the social status of the attendees. Adjacent to the stage area are the remains of the ancient forum, once the social and commercial center of the city. Following extensive restoration in the 20th century, the theater continues to serve as a spirited venue for concerts, festivals, and cultural ceremonies. It also houses the Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions and the Jordan Folklore Museum within its side chambers.

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 Roman Theater of Amman is a monumental 2nd-century amphitheater carved into the hillside. Visitors can freely enter and explore the seating rows and the stage.
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Typical hours
The theater is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with shorter hours in winter. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, and the theater's acoustics offer great opportunities for recordings. Tripods are permitted, but watch out for steps and slippery surfaces.
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Time needed
A walk through the theater takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Those wanting to visit the small archaeological museum at the entrance should allow an hour.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Amman Citadel and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Both are within walking distance and offer deep historical insight.
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Getting there
The theater is in central Amman, near the Hashemite Plaza. It's easily walkable from most downtown hotels or reachable by taxi.
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Insider tip
Visit the theater in the late afternoon when light paints the stone structure gold. Sit on the upper rows and enjoy the view over the city.

Geography

Coordinates
31.95160, 35.93920

Facts

  • The theater can accommodate a maximum of 6,000 spectators.
  • It was commissioned between 138 and 161 AD during the Roman era.
  • The seating area consists of 33 rows of stone benches.
  • Its northern orientation was chosen to provide shade for the audience.
  • The theater's acoustics remain functional and impressive today.
  • The facility was extensively restored starting in the late 1950s.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nymphaeum of AmmanNymphaeum of Amman<1 km · SExplore →
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 →
RusseifaRusseifa13 km · NEExplore →
Wadi as-SirWadi as-Sir14 km · SExplore →

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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Sights in the town Roman Theater of Amman (4)

Jordan Folklore Museum🏛 museum

Located at the Roman Theater, this museum displays traditional Jordanian life and 19th-century costumes.

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My home🌿 nature

A hilltop vantage point offering panoramic views over the historic Roman Theater district.

Hashemite Square Gardens📍 landmark

A public park and plaza in front of the Roman Theater, serving as a popular meeting spot in the city center.

Mosque📍 landmark

A local mosque in Amman's historic district, characterized by its slender minaret.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many seats does the theater have?
It can hold about 6,000 spectators.
Are the steps safe to climb?
They are very steep; be careful during the ascent.
What is inside the theater?
Two small museums: folklore and traditions.
Are there toilets there?
Yes, public toilets are available at the entrance.
When is the light best for photos?
In the morning, when the sun shines directly on the theater.
Roman Theater of Amman: where is it located?
Roman Theater of Amman is located in Jordan.
Roman Theater of Amman: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jordan Folklore Museum, My home, Hashemite Square Gardens.
Roman Theater of Amman: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Roman Theater of Amman: why is it worth visiting?
The Roman Theater of Amman is an impressive architectural legacy of the ancient city of Philadelphia, located in the bustling heart of Jordan's modern capital.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Nymphaeum of Amman — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Nymphaeum of Amman
A monumental Roman public fountain located in downtown Amman.
Umayyad Palace — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Umayyad Palace
This ruin complex on the Citadel hill dates from the 8th century.
Abu Darwish Mosque — Roman Theater 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 — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
King Abdullah I Mosque
A distinctive landmark of Amman, known for its magnificent blue mosaic dome.
Rujm al-Malfouf — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Rujm al-Malfouf
A round megalithic watchtower in Amman, probably built during the Kingdom of Ammon.
Qasr al-Mushatta — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Qasr al-Mushatta
The ruin of the largest Umayyad desert castle in Jordan.
Qasr al-Abd — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Qasr al-Abd
A Hellenistic palace near Iraq al-Amir, built from huge stone blocks.
Qasr Tuba — Roman Theater 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

Amman Citadel — Roman Theater 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 — Roman Theater 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 — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Amman Plateau
The expansive and rolling plateau upon which Jordan's ever-growing capital was built.
Wild Jordan Center — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Wild Jordan Center
Operated by the national conservation society, this center in Amman promotes eco-tourism.
Haya Cultural Center — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Haya Cultural Center
The Haya Cultural Center in Amman is a pioneer of childhood education in Jordan.
Prince Hashem Bird Garden — Roman Theater 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.
Amman National Park — Roman Theater of Amman (Jordan)
Amman National Park
This expansive park in southern Amman is a popular destination for picnics and family outings.