The so-called Temple of Hercules (AD 162–166) dominates Amman’s Citadel. These days, archaeologists prefer to call it the Great Temple of Amman, since its dedication remains uncertain. Only six Corinthian columns stand reconstructed today. The rest lie as fragmented drums, their dowel holes revealing Roman engineering techniques. A colossal marble statue once graced the site. All that survives is a weathered elbow and fingers, suggesting a figure over 13 metres tall, likely toppled in the 8th-century earthquake. The temple’s platform doubles as Amman’s premier viewpoint, framing the modern city against the 150-metre Jordanian flag. Excavations nearby expose layers of civilisation: Umayyad palaces, Byzantine churches, and Roman baths intertwine with older Bronze Age ruins. Though the Hercules name persists thanks to the sculptural remnant, archaeologists emphasise the temple’s civic importance. Its sheer scale reflects Amman’s status as a regional hub. Guides prove invaluable for deciphering 9,000 years of history compressed into a single hilltop.

The Jama Masjid was built by the Islamic ruler Shah Jahan to complement his new Red Fort. Completed in 1658 as the largest mosque in India, it boasts a stunning courtyard that provides space for 25,000 worshipers as well as a vast dome and two minarets.

The Hopsewee Plantation, which predates the Revolutionary War, is a remarkably well-preserved historical landmark. You can tour the four-bedroom home or stroll the grounds of this once-sprawling rice plantation.