Architecture sights in Amman
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A
Byzantine church
Almost as significant as the Darat al-Funun's artistic endeavours are the architectural features of the site. At the base of the complex, near the entrance, are the excavated ruins of a 6th-century Byzantine church. Buildings further up the hill are mostly restored residences from the 1920s; it was in one of these that TE Lawrence wrote part of Seven Pillars of Wisdom. There is also a peaceful café and gardens with superb views over Amman.
Access is easiest on foot. From near the southern end of Al-Malek al-Hussein St, head up the stairs under the 'Riviera Hotel' sign. At the top of the stairs, turn immediately right onto Nimer bin Adwan St and walk uphill for 50m where …
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B
King Hussein Mosque
Built by King Abdullah I in 1924, and restored in 1987, the King Hussein Mosque is in the heart of Downtown on the site of a mosque built in AD 640 by 'Umar, the second caliph of Islam. The mosque is more interesting as a hive of activity than for any architectural splendour; the precinct is a local meeting place and exudes an altogether Arab flavour. Non-Muslims, while generally welcome any time (except during prayer time), may feel intrusive.
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Abu Darwish Mosque
On top of Jebel al-Ashrafiyeh' is the striking Abu Darwish Mosque, built in 1961 with unmistakable alternating layers of black and white stone. Non-Muslims are generally not permitted inside, but the views on the way up are good. Take service taxi 25 or 26 from Italian St in Downtown to the mosque, or charter a taxi. It's a very long and steep climb southeast of Downtown if you decide to walk.
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