Umayyad Palace

Palace from the 8th century

04/2023 The Umayyad Palace in Amman is a significant example of early Islamic architecture and stands atop the Citadel Hill (Jabal al-Qala) in the heart of the Jordanian capital. It was built in the 8th century, probably during the reign of Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik (724–743 AD), as an administrative center and residence for the local governor.

The palace reflects the Umayyad heyday, when Amman was an important provincial capital. The Umayyads incorporated elements of Roman, Byzantine, and Sassanid architecture, utilizing older structures and materials to create a new architectural masterpiece.

Among the most striking features is the monumental entrance hall with a cruciform floor plan and a modern wooden dome. The impressive stucco decorations show Persian influences and geometric patterns. Other parts of the complex include a large audience hall, a throne room, private living areas, a bath, and a mosque with its own orientation toward Mecca.