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Visiting the Roman Theater in Amman: What You Need to Know

February 25, 2025 • by Jordan Explorer Team
Roman Theater in Amman

The Roman Theater stands as one of Amman's most impressive ancient monuments, a testament to the city's rich history and the architectural prowess of the Roman Empire. Carved into the hillside of downtown Amman, this remarkably preserved structure offers visitors a tangible connection to the past and spectacular views of the surrounding city. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit to this iconic landmark, covering its history, practical information, and tips to enhance your experience.

Historical Background

Construction and Original Purpose

Built during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius between 138-161 CE, the Roman Theater was the centerpiece of Philadelphia (as Amman was known during the Roman period). The theater was part of a larger Roman complex that included a forum and colonnaded street, reflecting the importance of Philadelphia as a member of the Decapolis street, reflecting the importance of Philadelphia as a member of the Decapolis, a league of ten important Greco-Roman cities in the region.

The theater was designed not only for entertainment but also as a civic gathering place where citizens could attend political meetings, religious ceremonies, and cultural performances. Its strategic position, built into the hillside facing north to keep the audience shaded during performances, demonstrates the Romans' practical approach to architecture.

Design and Architecture

The Roman Theater in Amman is a classic example of Roman theatrical architecture, featuring:

  • Three-tiered Seating (Cavea): Divided into the summa cavea (upper section), media cavea (middle section), and ima cavea (lower section), reflecting the social hierarchy of Roman society
  • Orchestra: The semicircular area in front of the stage where the chorus would perform
  • Scaenae Frons: The elaborately decorated backdrop of the stage
  • Vomitoria: Passageways beneath the seating that allowed the audience to enter and exit efficiently

The theater could accommodate approximately 6,000 spectators, making it one of the largest in the region. Its remarkable acoustics, a hallmark of Roman theater design, allow a person standing at the center of the orchestra to be heard throughout the entire structure even when speaking at a normal volume.

Rediscovery and Restoration

After the decline of the Roman Empire, the theater fell into disuse and was gradually buried under centuries of accumulated soil and debris. It wasn't until the 20th century that excavation and restoration work began in earnest. Major restoration efforts took place in the 1950s and 1960s, with additional conservation work continuing to the present day.

Unlike some ancient sites that have been heavily reconstructed, the Roman Theater in Amman retains much of its original material, making it an authentic example of Roman architecture. Today, the theater occasionally hosts cultural events and performances, continuing its original purpose as a venue for entertainment and community gatherings.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location and Access

The Roman Theater is located in the heart of downtown Amman (Al-Balad), at the base of Jabal Al-Qalaa (the Citadel Hill). Its central location makes it easily accessible:

  • By Taxi: Any taxi driver will know the theater. A ride from most parts of Amman should cost between 2-5 JOD depending on distance.
  • By Foot: If you're already exploring downtown, the theater is within walking distance of other attractions like the Nymphaeum, Hashemite Plaza, and the souks.
  • From the Citadel: After visiting the Citadel, you can walk down the hill to the theater (approximately 15-20 minutes downhill).

The main entrance is located on the eastern side of the complex, facing Hashemite Plaza.

Opening Hours and Admission

  • Summer Hours (April-October): 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Winter Hours (November-March): 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Admission Fee: 2 JOD (included in the Jordan Pass)

The ticket also includes access to the small Folklore Museum and Popular Traditions Museum housed within the theater complex.

Best Time to Visit

For the best experience, consider these timing factors:

  • Time of Day: Early morning (8-10 AM) offers the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Late afternoon provides beautiful golden light on the stone.
  • Day of Week: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends (Friday-Saturday in Jordan).
  • Season: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring the open-air site.

If you're interested in seeing a performance at the theater, check local event listings as occasional concerts and cultural events are held here, particularly during summer months.

Exploring the Roman Theater

What to See

When visiting the Roman Theater, be sure to explore these key features:

  • The Seating Area: Climb to the top tier for spectacular views of downtown Amman. Notice how the seating is divided into three sections, reflecting the social hierarchy of Roman society.
  • The Orchestra: Stand in the center of the semicircular area at the base of the theater and test the remarkable acoustics by speaking at a normal volume.
  • The Stage: Examine the remnants of the once-elaborate scaenae frons (stage backdrop) and imagine how it would have appeared with its original marble decorations and columns.
  • The Museums: Two small museums flank the theater:
    • The Jordan Folklore Museum displays traditional costumes, household items, and handicrafts
    • The Museum of Popular Traditions focuses on Jordanian cultural heritage and traditional dress
  • The Colonnaded Street: Remnants of the Roman street that once connected the theater to the forum can be seen nearby.

Photography Tips

The Roman Theater offers numerous photographic opportunities:

  • Morning Light: The theater faces north, so morning light illuminates the seating area beautifully.
  • Symmetry Shots: Position yourself at the center of the orchestra or at the top of the central staircase for perfectly symmetrical compositions.
  • Scale: Include people in some of your photos to demonstrate the impressive scale of the structure.
  • Details: Don't miss the carved stone details, particularly around the stage area and on the remaining columns.
  • City Views: From the upper tiers, you can capture panoramic views of downtown Amman with its distinctive white buildings.

Guided Tours

While you can easily explore the theater on your own, hiring a guide can significantly enrich your experience:

  • Official Guides: Licensed guides are available at the entrance for around 10-15 JOD for a 30-45 minute tour.
  • Audio Guides: Not consistently available, but sometimes offered at the ticket office.
  • Group Tours: Many city tours of Amman include the Roman Theater with expert commentary.

A knowledgeable guide can point out easily missed details and provide historical context that brings the ancient structure to life.

Visitor Tips and Etiquette

Practical Advice

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: The stone steps are steep and can be slippery, especially if worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic.
  • Bring Water: There's limited shade within the theater, and Amman can get very hot, particularly in summer months.
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended, especially during midday visits.
  • Allow Time: A thorough visit, including the museums, takes about 1-1.5 hours.
  • Combine with Other Sites: The theater is within walking distance of the Nymphaeum, Citadel, and downtown souks, making it easy to combine these attractions in a single day.

Accessibility Considerations

The Roman Theater presents challenges for visitors with mobility limitations:

  • The site involves numerous steep steps with no modern accessibility accommodations
  • The entrance area and orchestra level are accessible, but reaching the seating areas requires climbing stairs
  • The small museums have narrow doorways and limited space for maneuverability

Visitors with mobility concerns may still enjoy views of the theater from the plaza in front of the entrance and can access the orchestra level with assistance.

Cultural Etiquette

As with all historical sites in Jordan:

  • Treat the ancient structure with respect by not climbing on fragile areas or touching carved details
  • Dispose of trash properly in provided bins
  • Dress modestly out of respect for local culture, particularly if you plan to visit other sites in the area like mosques
  • Ask permission before photographing site staff or other visitors

Beyond the Theater: Nearby Attractions

The Roman Theater's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other downtown attractions:

  • The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a): A 15-20 minute uphill walk from the theater, offering panoramic views and more ancient ruins
  • The Nymphaeum: A partially restored Roman public fountain complex just a few blocks away
  • Hashemite Plaza: The open space in front of the theater, often hosting local events
  • Downtown Souks: Traditional markets selling everything from gold to spices, just a short walk away
  • King Hussein Mosque: A beautiful mosque in the heart of downtown
  • Rainbow Street: A 20-minute uphill walk (or short taxi ride) to this trendy street with cafes and shops

The Roman Theater isn't just a remarkable archaeological site; it's a living piece of Amman's history that continues to serve as a gathering place and cultural venue. Its central location in downtown makes it an essential stop on any Amman itinerary, offering visitors both a glimpse into the ancient past and a vantage point from which to observe the vibrant, modern city that has grown around it. Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply looking for a spectacular photo opportunity, the Roman Theater delivers an unforgettable experience at the heart of Jordan's capital.