Roman Nymphaeum Amman - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Roman Nymphaeum Amman is the largest in the region of its kind. Even with its partially preserved state, it is larger than the public fountains in Jerash and Gadara.

Much of the Nymphaeum is hidden from public view by houses and shops around the structure. It is kind of nestled between the city's buildings. To access the structure, you will need a ticket to the roman theatre.

The theatre is not completely restored so you would be able to see only parts of it, and the visit will not take long.

The Roman Nymphaeum Amman was constructed in the 2nd century CE over caves with running water. It was an area of public gatherings and a sign of a city's wealth. It is located only a short distance from the Roman Theatre of Amman.

Amman was divided into two main parts by the Romans. The upper part consisted of the main Roman Temple of Hercules. The lower part followed a typical Roman city plan with two collonaded streets (Cardo and Decumanus) along the major two valleys of the city. The Nymphaeum was located close to the point where the Cardo intersects with the Decumanus.

The Amman Nymphaeum is a half-octagonal building of symmetrical design with a restored length of 68 m. The monumental structure used to be richly decorated with carvings, mosaics and statues.

The second floor of the Nymphaeum consisted of three large apses with two rows of niches designed to host statues. The height of the apses is around 12 m in front of which was a gallery with columns of the Corinthian order. The apses were terminated in semi-domes, which collapsed in one of the earthquakes of the 7th century AD. The lower part is the foundation built on barrel vaults.

Starting in 2015, the Nymphaeum underwent restoration for 3 years. It was then reopened in October 2018.

The Nymphaeum can be visited at any time of the year. Be aware that it lies in the heart of the city and near the Roman theatre which is extremely popular and crowded in the evenings, at weekends and on public holidays.

1. You need the Roman Amphitheatre ticket in order to get into the place.
2. The gate might be locked but knock on it. The attendant will come and open the door.

1. The nymphaeum was built in the 2nd century CE, during the same period as the nearby Roman theatre.
2. The caves over which the nymphaeum was built were believed to be sacred to mythological nymphs. 
3. Amman was known by ancient Greeks and Romans as Philadelphia.

Roman Nymphaeum Amman can be visited easily in 30 minutes.

Roman Nymphaeum Amman lies in the heart of the city. From most of the other major attractions in the city, like the Royal Theatre, it is at a walkable distance.

If you have a Royal Theatre ticket, you can enter Roman Nymphaeum without paying any entrance fee.

Roman Nymphaeum is open from 8 AM to 3 PM daily except on Fridays when it is closed.