Cave of the Seven Sleepers | Amman

Information

Landmark: Cave of the Seven Sleepers
City: Amman
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Amman, Jordan, Asia

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Kahf al-Raqim) is an ancient rock-cut burial site located in the village of Al-Rajib, approximately 10 kilometers east of Amman. It is recognized as the traditional location of the religious narrative involving a group of monotheistic youths who slept for 309 years to escape Roman persecution.

Visual Characteristics

The cave is a partly natural and partly man-made rock-cut tomb with a southern-facing entrance. The exterior facade is constructed of limestone and features Byzantine-style ornamentation, including two stone pilasters and recessed niches. The interior is divided into three small chambers-east, west, and north-containing eight stone-carved sarcophagi, one of which has a perforation allowing a view of skeletal remains. Above the entrance are the structural remnants of a Byzantine Church later converted into a mosque, evidenced by a stone mihrab and four pillars.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated in Al-Rajib, off the main road connecting Amman to the Sabah district.

Road Access: Accessible via the Airport Road or the Amman-Sahab highway; the journey takes approximately 20 minutes from the city center.

Public Transport: Local buses from the Wihdat bus station travel toward Sabah, followed by a short walk to the mosque complex.

Parking: A large paved parking area is available on-site at the modern mosque complex that adjoins the historic cave.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site dates back to the Byzantine era (circa 5th century AD) when it was used as a rock-cut necropolis. It gained primary historical significance in 1951 when Jordanian archaeologist Rafiq al-Dajani conducted excavations and identified the cave as the one described in the 18th Surah of the Quran. The architectural layers include an original Byzantine church, an Umayyad mosque, and a later reconstruction commissioned during the Tulunid period in the 9th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the cave to view the sarcophagi and the Kufic inscriptions on the walls. The "chimney" ventilation shaft, which allows sunlight to penetrate the cave, is a primary feature mentioned in traditional texts. Guided tours often include viewing the display of artifacts found on-site, such as Roman and Islamic coins, a clay bowl, and a copper comb.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features a modern mosque with restrooms and ablution facilities. There are paved walkways, and the modern complex provides shade for visitors. Reliable 5G cellular signal is available across the village of Al-Rajib. Basic food and drink vendors are located in the immediate vicinity and within the village.

Best Time to Visit

The site is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Morning visits (before 11:00) offer the best direct sunlight for viewing the interior chambers through the natural ventilation shaft. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the outdoor ruins and the Byzantine cemetery located 500 meters west.

Facts & Legends

The name "Al-Raqim" refers to the lead tablet or inscription traditionally believed to have recorded the names of the sleepers and their dog, Qitmir. A unique "secret" for visitors is the ancient olive tree located directly to the left of the cave entrance, which local oral tradition associates with the era of the sleepers' awakening.