Iraq Al-Amir Caves
Ancient caves carved into hillsides near Amman, offering a free glimpse into millennia of human history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Iraq Al-Amir Caves
Best Time
Avoid midday heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient caves carved into hillsides near Amman, offering a free glimpse into millennia of human history.
"A unique historical site that's free to explore, leaving the mind thinking about its ancient past."
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
Google Maps is reliable for reaching the caves; roads are generally well-maintained.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain inside and around the caves is rocky and sandy; caution is advised.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Cave Dwellings
Cliff face
Explore over 10 caves carved into the hillside, inhabited since the Copper Age.

Panoramic Views
Higher cave levels
Enjoy scenic vistas of the surrounding Wadi El Sir valley from the cave openings.

Proximity to Qasr Al-Abd
800m - 1km away
Combine your cave exploration with a visit to the nearby 'Palace of the Slave'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate to Ancient Secrets
Explore with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
Google Maps is reliable for reaching the caves; roads are generally well-maintained.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain inside and around the caves is rocky and sandy; caution is advised.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no services available, so pack essentials for your visit.
⏳ Allow 1 Hour for Visit
Explore the caves and enjoy the views; it's a quick but memorable stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
Google Maps is reliable for reaching the caves; roads are generally well-maintained.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain inside and around the caves is rocky and sandy; caution is advised.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no services available, so pack essentials for your visit.
⏳ Allow 1 Hour for Visit
Explore the caves and enjoy the views; it's a quick but memorable stop.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The natural beauty and ancient structures offer great photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Iraq Al-Amir Caves to be a worthwhile and unique historical site, offering a glimpse into ancient dwellings. While the lack of information and facilities is noted, the free entry and intriguing atmosphere make it a recommended stop, especially when combined with nearby attractions.
"These are the caves of Iraq Al-Amir in the south west of Amman on the way to the Dead Sea. Use a maps application to get here as it isn’t straightforward to get here. The trip is worthy, and so are the caves.
The caves span over two floors, and on each floor you go to the right and then to the left to explore the different caves.
The place is rocky in some places, and sandy in others. Thus, caution is required while exploring.
Entering the caves is for free, and the premises isn’t attended. Expect to spend anywhere between 30-60 minutes here.
1 KM away from the caves is the Qasr Al-Abd."
Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة
"On your way to Qasr al-Abd in Iraq al-Amir, you’ll come across these beautiful historic caves. I highly recommend taking a walk through them and exploring — it’s a unique experience! However, the site would really benefit from some informational signs to guide visitors."
Abdullah Widyan
"If you are in the area make sure to visit “palace of the slave” too. Its just down the road. There are several caves to explore in the cliff face but this site shouldn’t take more than 1hr to explore. I am definitely happy that I went. No entrance fee. No bathrooms or running water it just the caves and the gates are always left open. There is definitely more about these caves than have been explored. You can tell that each cave goes a bit deeper/has not been fully excavated. Leaves the mind thinking. Its nice."
Omar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Iraq Al-Amir Caves are located southwest of Amman, about a 20-minute drive. Using a reliable maps application like Google Maps is highly recommended as signage can be sparse. The roads leading to the area are generally well-maintained.
While the roads are well-mapped, it's best to rely on GPS navigation. Travelers mention that the site isn't always straightforward to find without a map application.
Most visitors arrive by private car or taxi. Public transport options are limited, making a car the most convenient choice for exploring the area.
Parking is typically available on the street beside the caves. Be prepared to park near donkeys, as mentioned by some visitors.
Absolutely! The caves are a perfect half-day excursion from Amman, easily combined with other nearby attractions like Qasr Al-Abd.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Iraq Al-Amir Caves is completely free. The premises are unattended, and the gates are usually left open for visitors.
As the site is unattended, there are no official opening hours. Visitors can typically access the caves at any time, though it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.
Unfortunately, there are no facilities such as restrooms or running water available at the cave site. Visitors are advised to come prepared.
Many visitors note a lack of informational signs or guides at the site, which can enhance the historical context. It's recommended to do some research beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The caves have a rocky and sandy floor, and some areas can be uneven. It's important to tread carefully and wear appropriate footwear.
Most visitors spend between 30 to 60 minutes exploring the different caves and enjoying the views.
While generally safe, caution is advised due to the rocky terrain. Some caves have railings for safety, and stairs are stone but can be a bit worn.
You'll find several large caverns with dark ceilings and dusty floors. They offer a cool environment and a sense of ancient habitation.
Yes, some visitors find it a nice spot to sit and have lunch on a safe ledge with the caves behind them. Bringing a towel or mat is a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique cave entrances carved into the cliffs, the panoramic views of Wadi El Sir from the cave openings, and the textures of the ancient stone.
The interiors can be dark, so a good camera or smartphone with low-light capabilities is helpful. The natural light filtering in can create dramatic effects.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer, more flattering illumination for both the caves and the surrounding landscape.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but as it's an unattended historical site, respectful photography is encouraged.
Focus on the scale of the caves, the intricate rock formations, and the contrast between the dark interiors and the bright exteriors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since there are no facilities, it's essential to pack plenty of water and snacks. The relatively short exploration time (around an hour) makes it manageable for younger attention spans. Combining the visit with the nearby Qasr Al-Abd can offer a broader historical context for children.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine this free attraction with a picnic lunch, as mentioned by visitors who enjoyed having a meal on a safe ledge. The main costs would be transportation to and from the site, making it an ideal addition to a day trip from Amman that maximizes value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ancient History
While the exact history of each cave is not fully documented on-site, their presence speaks volumes about the strategic importance and resourcefulness of ancient peoples in Wadi El Sir. The site leaves visitors pondering the deeper stories and unexplored aspects of these ancient dwellings.
It's worth noting that the caves are located near the ruins of Qasr Al-Abd, a Hellenistic palace, further highlighting the rich historical tapestry of the area. Visiting both sites provides a more comprehensive understanding of the region's past.
Navigating the Terrain and Experience
The caves themselves are described as having dark ceilings and dusty floors, offering a cool escape from the heat. While the site is free to enter and unattended, this also means there are no facilities like restrooms or running water. Visitors are advised to bring their own water and snacks for the visit.
Despite the lack of amenities and signage, many find the experience unique and worthwhile. The open gates allow for spontaneous exploration, and the natural beauty of the surroundings, coupled with the historical intrigue of the caves, makes for a memorable stop.
Social
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