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Umayyad Palace

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The Umayyad Palace is a sprawling complex on Amman's Citadel hill (Jabal al-Qal'a), serving as a premier example of early Islamic palatial architecture. Built around 720 AD during the Umayyad Caliphate, it functioned as the residence and administrative seat for the governor of the Balqa district. The most famous feature of the site is the monumental domed entrance hall, featuring a cruciform floor plan and a distinctive wooden dome reconstructed in the 1990s over the original stone foundations. The palace architecture displays a rich blend of Sassanid and Byzantine influences, characterized by intricate stucco decorations and geometric patterns. The wider complex includes a courtyard, a throne room, and residential quarters, along with a massive open-air water cistern that provided for the Citadel's inhabitants. Its prominent location overlooking the Roman Theater and the surrounding hills highlights the strategic and political importance of Amman as a regional power center in the 8th century.

Location: Jordan
Top sights: Coin museum · Umayyad Audience Hall and Throne Chamber · Umayyad Bath House
Nearby: Sahab (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	8	9	13	17	21	25	27	27	25	21	14	9
Rain mm	44	43	23	11	4	1	1	1	1	6	18	35

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Umayyad Palace sits on Amman's Citadel hill and is accessible as an open-air museum. The ruins can be visited during the regular opening hours of the Archaeological Park.

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Typical hours

The Archaeological Park is usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, slightly shorter in winter. On Fridays it typically opens in the afternoon.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site, even with a tripod, as long as it does not disturb other visitors. The restored domed gate makes a particularly photogenic subject.

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Time needed

Allow about one hour for the palace complex to see all ruins and the small museum. Combined with the rest of the Citadel, budget two to three hours.

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Combine with

Amman's Citadel includes, besides the Umayyad Palace, the Temple of Hercules and the Archaeological Museum. From the hill you get a great view of the Roman Theatre and downtown.

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Getting there

The Citadel is a 20-minute uphill walk from Amman's city centre. Taxis and buses stop at the hill's base; you can drive up to the parking area.

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Insider tip

Best to come in the late afternoon when the light turns golden and temperatures are milder. From the Citadel you can watch the sunset over Amman.

Geography

Coordinates

31.95500, 35.93480

Facts

The palace dates back to the early 8th century AD.
The dome was reconstructed based on evidence of an original vault.
It was the primary center of government for the Umayyad Caliphate in Amman.
The water cistern has a capacity of approximately 1,370 cubic meters.
Archaeological finds include early Islamic ceramics and glassware.
The site offers a 360-degree view of the seven hills of Amman.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Temple of Hercules<1 km · NExplore →

King Abdullah I Mosque2 km · SExplore →

Haya Cultural Center4 km · SExplore →

Ghamadan Park9 km · WExplore →

Sahab11 km · NWExplore →

Al Hussein Public Parks12 km · SExplore →

Wadi as-Sir13 km · SExplore →

Russeifa14 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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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Umayyad Palace (4)

Coin museum 🏛 museum

A museum at the Amman Citadel showcasing a significant collection of historical coins from various eras.

Umayyad Audience Hall and Throne Chamber 🏺 historical

The impressive audience hall of the Umayyad Palace, featuring a large restored domed hall.

Umayyad Bath House 🏺 historical

Ruins of a private hammam used by the Umayyad elite at the Amman Citadel.

Umayyad Residential Units 🏺 historical

Archaeological site showing the layouts of 8th-century Umayyad residential quarters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Umayyad Palace located?

On the grounds of the Amman Citadel.

What is the most striking feature?

The restored blue dome of the audience hall.

When was the palace built?

In the first half of the 8th century during the Umayyad dynasty.

Can you enter the domed hall?

Yes, visitors can enter the hall and admire the architecture from the inside.

Are there English explanations?

Yes, there are information boards in Arabic and English throughout the site.

Umayyad Palace: where is it located?

Umayyad Palace is located in Jordan.

Umayyad Palace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Coin museum, Umayyad Audience Hall and Throne Chamber, Umayyad Bath House.

Umayyad Palace: when is the best time to visit?

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

Umayyad Palace: why is it worth visiting?

The Umayyad Palace is a sprawling complex on Amman's Citadel hill (Jabal al-Qal'a), serving as a premier example of early Islamic palatial architecture.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Umayyad Palace

Best time to visit & climate