Umayyad Palace | Amman

Information

Landmark: Umayyad Palace
City: Amman
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Umayyad Palace, Amman, Jordan, Asia

The Umayyad Palace (Al-Qasr al-Umawi) is an 8th-century residential and administrative complex located on the northern plateau of the Amman Citadel. It served as the regional governor's residence and seat of power during the Umayyad Caliphate.

Visual Characteristics

The complex is defined by its architectural transition between Byzantine and Islamic styles. The most prominent feature is the restored blue-domed audience hall, built over a Byzantine structure. The interior of the hall follows a cruciform plan with ornate stonework and recessed niches. Surrounding the hall are the remains of a colonnaded street, residential quarters (bayts), and an open-air throne room.

Location & Access Logistics

The palace is situated at the northern end of the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a). It is approximately 0.2 km north of the Temple of Hercules. Access is included in the Citadel entrance fee. The site is a 10-minute walk from the main ticket office. Taxis provide direct access to the Citadel gate from downtown Amman.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed around 720–750 AD during the reign of the Umayyad dynasty, the palace was built upon the foundations of earlier Roman and Byzantine structures. It survived the massive earthquake of 749 AD, although much of the residential area was severely damaged. The dome was reconstructed in the 1990s by Spanish archaeologists using wood and traditional materials to reflect its original Persian-influenced design.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Audience Hall: The central monumental entrance featuring a wooden dome and intricate floral and geometric stone carvings.

The Throne Room: Located at the northernmost point, consisting of a courtyard leading to the governor's official reception area.

The Residential Units: Ruins of nine separate residential blocks designed to house the governor's family and staff.

Colonnaded Street: A preserved pathway connecting the palace to the southern administrative sectors of the Citadel.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The palace grounds are open-air with gravel paths. Informational signage in Arabic and English describes the function of various rooms. Restrooms and a cafe are located near the Citadel entrance (250m south). 5G signal is consistent throughout the site.

Best Time to Visit

The site is open daily from 08:00 to 19:00. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for viewing the interior stonework of the dome. The shaded interior of the Audience Hall offers a respite from the sun during the midday heat.

Facts & Legends

A verified technical feature is the palace cistern, a massive circular water reservoir located just south of the complex, which held over 1,300 cubic meters of water. Legend suggests the palace was designed to be a "city within a city," capable of sustaining the provincial administration during periods of siege or civil unrest.