Amman Citadel: opening hours, price (3 JD) and Temple of Hercules, visiting in 2026
The Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) takes 1.5 to 2 hours to visit. The ticket costs 3 JD for non-Jordanians (Jordan Tourism Board fee, checked on 23 October 2026) and entry is included in the Jordan Pass. Opening hours vary by season and by source (about 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in winter, until late in the day in summer, shorter on Fridays): check them on the day. Standing on the highest hill of the centre, it gives the best view of the city, above all at sunset.
Highlights
The Temple of Hercules
The great Roman columns of the 2nd century, the best-known image of Amman; you can still see a colossal stone hand, a remnant of the god's statue.
The Umayyad Palace
An 8th-century administrative complex with a large cross-shaped hall and a monumental gateway, showing the time when the citadel was a centre of Islamic power.
The Byzantine church
The remains of a 6th-century church, between the temple and the palace.
The citadel's archaeological museum
A small museum of pieces found on the hill and in the region, quick to go through.
Practical info
Tips
- The 3 JD ticket is free with the Jordan Pass; the pass must be bought before arrival, see the Jordan Pass guide. The nicest time is late afternoon for the light and the sunset, then walk down to the Roman Theatre and the city centre (Al-Balad souks). The hill is steep: take a short taxi up, and walk or taxi down. There is little shade, so bring water and a hat in summer. Signs are in Arabic and English; a local guide is worth it if you care about the history. For an organised visit, see the Amman city tour; to see everything in one day, Amman in one day. The Jordan Museum, more complete, is not covered by the pass.
How to get there
The citadel overlooks the city centre (Al-Balad). From the Roman Theatre, take a taxi of a few minutes or climb the stairs on foot; from other districts, a taxi or ride-hailing app is enough. Back to Amman.
Opening hours
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