Modern and ancient Arab city (Amman)

Member Name: llamass

Product:	Amman
Date:	25/05/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting ruins and pleasant atmosphere

Disadvantages: Few sights

Amman is a city that illustrates perfectly the two opposing images that many westerners hold of the Arab world. In parts it is a ultra-modern sleek city with designer malls and oil rich families living in ridiculous luxury and on the other it is the winding streets, full of banter-full venders of spices and poverty with a muezzin call filtering through in the background.

Taking a look at both sides of the city is worthwhile just for the sheer contrast, however, unless you want to shop for designer clothes and watches most tourists will spend most of their time in the old city. The city probably won't hold your interest for more than a few days as there isn't an excess of things to do but it is a useful transport centre for Jordan and lets the visiter see a slightly unusual city setting over 7 flowing hills.

For me there are 3 main activities that should not be missed in Amman which are as follows; firstly the Roman Theatre which dates from the reign of Marcus Aurelius (169-177 AD) this is a very well preserved remain that is also impressive for it's size-it could hold around 6000 people. Located in the Al Ballad district.

Secondly the Citadel which is an archaelogical sweep of the history of the city. Positioned on a hill in the city it offers fantastic views any time of day but sunset is particularly spectacular. The citadel contains the ruins of the Roman Temple of Herakles, a Byzantine Church and the Ummayad mosque and as such has a thousand years worth of architecture styles and a snapshot of the regimes which have controlled the city and region throughout history. The museum on site contains some interesting exhibits including fragments of the dead sea scrolls.

Lastly Al Ballad area in the central downtown of Amman is the old part of the city and an interesting area to explore without a guide. It contains many souqs and vendors and is evocative of an ancient arab world. It is possible to buy many things such as spices, cloth, souvenirs and many fresh juice bars, falafel and shawarma shops.

Summary: Interesting city but the lack of sights is unlikely to keep a toursit for more than a couple of day.