Old capitalDuring the Ottoman Empire, Al Salt was the capital city of Jordan. After the First World War and the Arab Revolt, when the modern state of Jordan was created, Al Salt was passed over in favour of Amman.
Where Amman has grown phenomenally, becoming a bustling modern metropolis, Al Salt retains the charm and pace of a different century.
HistoryPerched on three hills in an area with fertile soils, a clement climate and a good water supply, Al Salt has been a place of human settlement since at least the Iron Age.
The Romans, Byzantines and Mamluks all saw the civilizing benefits of the area. Evidently, the Mongols also felt the settlement worthy of their attentions as they sacked it.
Elegant architecture
Today, the distinct Ottoman architecture of elegant buildings with ornate, mysterious doorways and stylised long-arched windows still line the streets. The streets themselves wind their way around the hills while interconnecting stone stairways and paths descend the slopes.
It is a lovely town to wander around and despite its charms, visitors are rare, as Al Salt is off the mass tourist route.
Souq
Al Salt's souq is a single pedestrianised street that is well worth walking through; it is utterly authentic, and here simply to serve the local community.
Read more about historical towns and monuments in Jordan
