Amman
Thriving city situated 30 km North West of the capital Amman. As-Salt is enclosed by breathtaking views and is a wonderful contrast to some of the westernized sites of Amman, thanks to its good water supply and agricultural land it had been settled at least since the Iron Age. It has been identified with Roman Gadaron; and in the Byzantine period it had its own bishop. Its name (Latin: Saltus means wooded valley).
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee added As-Salt “the place of tolerance and urban hospitality” to its World Heritage List to become the sixth Jordanian landmark to be declared a world heritage site.
What to see in As-Salt
As-salt archeological museum
The As-Salt Archaeological Museum is located in the new As-Salt commercial centre. The museum, with its two exhibition halls, was opened in 1986.
The main exhibition hall contains a collection of pottery from Tuleilat Ghassul, dated to the Chalcolithic (4500-3300 BC). The museum also showcases items from the Early Bronze Age (3300-2200 BC), the Middle and Late Bronze Age periods (2200-1200 BC) the Iron Age (1200-539 BC), the Byzantine period (AD 324-636) , and the Ayyubid/Mameluk period (AD 1174-1516)
As-salt folklore museum – Abu jaber house
The museum was established for the conservation and display of the popular heritage of al-Balqa’ Governorate. It is comprised of two sections representing Bedouin and village life. For a fascinating look into the unique traditions and culture of As-Salt this museum is a must see!
Prophet yusha’s shrine – prophet joshua’s shrine
Within a mosque to the west of As-Salt, on a hill carrying his name lies the shrine of Prophet Yusha (Joshua). He was the apprentice of Prophet Moses and later his successor. Prophet Joshua led the army of the tribes of Bani Isra’il in conquest over the land of Palestine.
The religious harmony trail
Reflected in the old mosques and churches residing together in peace, the city of Salt is a living example of interreligious harmony and coherence within a single neighborhood. The architecture and ancient houses reflect in the religious writings and symbols common to Muslim and Christian families.
Al-hammam Street
The oldest and most active street in As-Salt city, named after a Turkish bath, the narrow pedestrianized street rolls around the contours of the hillside between 150 year old traditional ottoman stone architecture.
Heritage houses
The historical buildings of As-Salt reflect the harmonious spirit of the city. With a unique architectural style seen nowhere else, the old houses of As-Salt have been nominated for UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage status.
As-salt great mosque
The original building, constructed in the 14th century, was the oldest mosque in As-Salt. It was made of mud and straw.
The Ottomans rebuilt it in the 1860s and then in 2007, what remained of the Ottoman structure was renovated and expanded into the new mosque you see today, which reflects a mix of modern and traditional architecture. As a town that appreciates interfaith coexistence, the stairs of the mosque lead to the church of the Good Shepherd.