Visiting the Roman theatre of Amman in Jordan.
As you wander around Amman and experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in the Jordanian capital, you can feel the history in the air. The Roman theatre of Amman is one of the city’s famous historical landmarks that is as ancient as time itself, and dates back to the Roman period when Amman was known as ‘Philadelphia’.
No trip to Jordan is complete without exploring the landmarks which fill the city with history, culture and an abundance of character. Located at the foot of Jabal Al-Joufah, and opposite the Citadel which sits at the top of the hill, the Roman theatre earns its place as one of Amman’s main attractions.
Its architectural brilliance is displayed through its ability to stand the test of time and still remain in a condition where it can be used for events today. This blog has all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Roman theatre, to experience the palpable feelings of the past.
Taking in the grand historical site in my first trip to the Middle East.
A brief introduction to the Roman Theatre in Amman.
There are reminders throughout Amman giving glimpses to its great history, none more so than the Roman theatre of Amman, which was impressively carved into the hillside of Jabal Al-Jofeh around two thousand years ago under the peaceful reign of Antoninus Pius, back in the 2nd century AD. Its ability to stand the test of time demonstrates the Roman’s prowess in engineering and design.
The Roman influence in Amman lasted for several centuries, until the decline of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. After this, the city fell into the hands of various other empires, including the Byzantines and the Ottomans. Despite the changes in power, the Roman theatre remained standing and continues to be an important part of the city's cultural heritage.
The Roman theatre is an ideal location for history enthusiasts to connect with the timeless structure, and try and recreate the daily lives of the ancient Roman civilisation. The structure faces north to protect spectators from the sun during the live theatrical performances that once did, and still do grace this magnificent venue.
There is a similar theatre within the Petra site which is well worth a visit if you are heading to the lost city!
Many facts about Petra describe the use of Roman Theatres across the country in ancient times.
The Roman historic venue also shares similarities with the Theatre of Dionysus at the site of the Acropolis in Athens.
Although the Roman theatre of Amman is truly impressive to have survived so long, it has had some restoration work over the years to maintain its safety and strength.
The restoration efforts have been led by the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, which has worked tirelessly to protect and maintain the Roman theatres in Amman. The restoration work has involved a combination of traditional and modern techniques, and has been carried out with great care and attention to detail.
The Jordanian Government first invested some resources into a full restoration in 1957, using some non-original materials, which does unfortunately mean it isn’t 100% original, however, this doesn’t take away its aurora, furthermore, allows it to still be a vibrant hub of performances today.
Exploring the grounds of the famous Roman Theatre in Amman.
Some interesting Roman theatre of Amman facts.
The Roman Theatre of Amman was built in the 2nd century AD.
The theatre seated 6000 spectators.
When the theatre was built, the city was called Philadelphia.
The stage was deliberately designed to face south, so the audience could remain in the shade for most of the day.
There was a class system in the tiered layout of the Roman theatre, where, the rulers sat at the bottom, Military and dignitaries in the middle tier, and then the general public were sat at the top level.
The theatre was restored in 1957 to allow current day events and performances to take place.
There was a wide range of events taking place in the Roman theatre, including famous gladiatorial contests.
Roman theatre actors would wear masks known as ‘personae’.
The stage set up in the Roman theatre was advanced and included special effects, hydraulics and performance assistance areas such as trap doors.
Roman theatre originated in Rome, but then spread across the Roman empire.
The Roman theatre in Amman was used as a filming location for the movie "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."
The Nymphaeum in Amman was once a grand fountain complex, decorated with intricate mosaics and sculptures.
The Roman theatre in Amman was not just used for entertainment but also had political and social significance.
The Amman Citadel Festival is one of the most popular cultural events held at the Roman theatre in Amman.
Birdseye view of the Roman Theatre.
Important information for your visit to the Roman theatre of Amman.
The Roman Theater is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, therefore, it is a popular addition in Jordan travel plans.
Some information you should know before you plan your visit:
Roman theatre official opening hours:
Summer - 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Winter (November through April) - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
April and May - 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
The Holy month of Ramadan - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The surrounding museums and other ancient sites share the opening times of the Roman theatre.
We found the landmark to be very quiet, but we did visit in a quieter season.
Roman theatre entrance fee:
The entrance fee is 2 Jordanian Dinars, and this fee covers the Roman theatre, along with the Folklore Museum, and Museum of Popular Traditions.
A key tip when visiting Jordan is to purchase a Jordan Pass before you travel to Jordan, which covers your visa and entrance to most tourist sites.
The Roman theatre and Citadel is covered by the Jordan Pass.
Roman theatre of Amman location:
Al Hashemi Street, Al Balad - Downtown Amman. Jordan.
How to Get to Roman Theatre of Amman:
Amman is a city that is famously spread over 7 hills making it more difficult to navigate than the average city, however, its central location, close to the Citadel, downtown and Rainbow Street make it easily accessible. Most of the points of interest in the ‘White City’ can be reached by foot. The Middle East heat in the summer time can make walking very difficult, especially when factoring in the hills and steep ascents, so here are some other options.
Car/taxi/bus.
Travelling by road is probably the best option for reaching the Roman theatre, especially in the summertime. There are plenty of options for yellow taxis driving by constantly. You need to be careful with the fares though. Even though most of our time in Jordan was trouble free, there was one taxi driver who drove the long way around the city, then locked the doors and tried to overcharge us. So try and agree a price before you enter any taxi.
From the airport.
If you are making a quick visit to the Jordanian capital, or have to wait to check into your hotel and want to explore the historical sites first, then you can expect to pay 20-25 Jordanian Dinars for an official airport taxi to the downtown area, where the Roman theatre is located. This is a fixed price before you enter the taxi. Be careful of unlicensed taxi drivers trying to pull you into their cars.
The best time to visit the Roman theatre of Amman?
As stated above, the weather in Jordan can rise to very high temperatures in the height of summer, therefore, it is recommended to visit the theatre during the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). Visiting in these months makes it more bearable to explore Amman on foot, while avoiding peak summer crowds at the famous landmarks dotted around the city.
How long is needed to visit the Roman theatre of Amman?
60-90 minutes is more than enough time to visit the theatre and surrounding museums.
What is the most popular event at the Roman theatre of Amman?
The Al-Balad Music Festival is the most popular event at the Roman theatre of Amman. The multi-day concert event runs bi-annually and has done since its launch in 2009. The Arab religion is the emphasis for the cultural arts performances.
Local graffiti art adds some character to Amman.
What to do at the Roman theatre of Amman?
Roman theatres were designed with the same three building blocks throughout the empire, and the Roman theatre of Amman is no different. The Cavea (seating area), the Orchestra (area between stage and seats), and the pulpitum (the stage).
All three areas offer something to do during your visit.
Climb to the top of the Cavea for great views.
One of the best things to do inside the Roman theatre is to climb to the top of the ‘cavea’. Although it can be challenging due to the heat and steepness of the ascent, the rewarding views from the top make it worthwhile.
You will get fabulous views of the surrounding Downtown, the citadel and a Birdseye view of the interior of the theatre.
Take some snaps in the Orchestra.
Taking some pics in the orchestra section of the theatre makes for a really good Instagram profile photo, showing the scale of the theatre. As seen in my photos, it really is an impressive structure.
Visit the two museums.
As you exit the theatre site, you will see two small heritage museums on either side .
West side - The Museum of Popular Traditions.
Cultural artefacts from all over Jordan.
Costumes.
Tools
Household items
Musical instruments.
East side - The Folklore Museum.
Cultural artefacts of Jordanian and Palestinian origin.
Costumes
Mosaics
Textiles
Embroidery
Jewellery
Household items.
Test out the acoustics on the Pulpitum.
You will find that the acoustics of the theatre are still mind blowing, even after two thousand years. Try to stand on the small circle on the stage and make some noise. This is the spot where the noise carries the whole theatre. It’s a great tester, to send your fellow travellers to the top of the cavea to listen out for your voice.
Sit in the important seats in the Cavea.
Sitting in the important seats at the bottom of the cavea offers a tangible link to the important historical figures that once sat there. It makes for a great photo also.
Explore the remains of the Amman Roman Forum.
Once upon a time, a public square (Roman Forum) stood in front of the theatre of Amman, and impressively, measured 100m x 50m, making it one of the largest of its kind throughout the Roman Empire. There are still some remnants in front of the theatre, such as columns and Roman paving stones.
Go and visit the Odean and Nymphaeum.
Once you have finished exploring the Amman Roman theatre, head east to the Odean (a smaller Roman performance venue), which also includes an ornate fountain called the Nymphaeum built in 191AD. This was built in dedication to the water nymphs.
Inside photo of the Roman Theatre.
View from the Citadel on top of the hill in Amman.
Other things to do in Amman.
Amman is a city with a rich history and culture, therefore, the perfect starting point for your Jordan itinerary. In addition to the Roman theatre, some of the other must-see attractions in Amman include:
The Amman Citadel.
This ancient hilltop fortress offers stunning views of the city and is home to several archaeological sites, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.
The Jordan Museum.
This museum houses some of the most important artefacts from Jordan's history, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ain Ghazal statues.
Rainbow Street.
This trendy street is filled with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The King Abdullah Mosque.
This grand mosque is one of the largest in the world and is a must-see for anyone interested in Islamic architecture.
Admire the local street art murals.
Amman has seen a rapid rise in graffiti art murals across the city. Exploring the different artistic masterpieces is a great free activity in Amman.
Cooling down in a local restaurant near the Roman Theatre.
Hotels near the Roman theatre of Amman.
Personal recommendation.
Following my stay in Amman, The Nomads Hotel is highly recommended, due to its great location, courteous staff and very reasonable cost. The hotel is located just off Rainbow Street, and is around a 10/15 minute walk to downtown, the citadel and Roman theatre. There is also a lovely breakfast included with your booking. Secure your stay and get planning your historic trip to Amman.
Other highly rated options.
Amman International Hotel. *****
Landmark Amman Hotel & Conference Center. *****
Regency Palace Amman. *****
The scale of the height of the theatre can be sown in this photo.
Final thoughts on the Roman theatre of Amman- what did I learn?
Amman is a very interesting city, with similarities to Rome and Athens in terms of historical prowess and ancient landmarks. A day spent exploring the Roman theatre, Citadel and Archaeological museum is a very productive day of learning and certainly offers a passage through a Middle Eastern time machine to days that we will only ever be able to imagine.
You will find yourself feeling both insignificant compared to the sheer size of the theatre, however, also feeling like a real life Roman gladiator as you feel the ancient history flowing through the ancient site.
You can’t visit Amman without taking a seat in the Roman theatre.
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