Iraq Al-Amir Caves - Image 1
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Iraq Al-Amir Caves

4.3
·116 reviews·Amman, Jordan

Ancient caves carved into hillsides near Amman, offering a free glimpse into millennia of human history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
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Iraq Al-Amir Caves - Image 1

Iraq Al-Amir Caves

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient caves carved into hillsides near Amman, offering a free glimpse into millennia of human history.

4.3
(116 reviews)

"A unique historical site that's free to explore, leaving the mind thinking about its ancient past."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Cave Dwellings

Ancient Cave Dwellings

Cliff face

Explore over 10 caves carved into the hillside, inhabited since the Copper Age.

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Higher cave levels

Enjoy scenic vistas of the surrounding Wadi El Sir valley from the cave openings.

Proximity to Qasr Al-Abd

Proximity to Qasr Al-Abd

800m - 1km away

Combine your cave exploration with a visit to the nearby 'Palace of the Slave'.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigate to Ancient Secrets

Use a reliable maps app to find Iraq Al-Amir Caves, as signage can be minimal. The journey is rewarding, leading to a unique historical site just a short drive from Amman. Be prepared for rocky and sandy terrain within the caves.

Explore with Ease

Entry to the caves is free and the site is unattended, with gates usually left open. While there are no facilities like bathrooms, the caves offer a cool respite on hot days and a glimpse into ancient life. Allow about an hour for your visit.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nestled among the hills just 20 minutes from Amman, is a quaint village filled with ancient stone secrets. Iraq al-Amir, which means “Caves of the Prince” in Arabic, is home to more than 10 caves that have been inhabited by various groups since the Copper Age, as well as the ruins of an Ozymandian castle.
yasminkawartravels
324 likes • 12.3K views

🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation

Google Maps is reliable for reaching the caves; roads are generally well-maintained. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain inside and around the caves is rocky and sandy; caution is advised. Reddit

Iraq Al Amir caves.. It's a place where you can clear your mind and enjoy nature at its greatest forms. Tell us about a place where you can free your mind and loose your sense of time. ENJOY 😊 . . . . . . . . #houseofculture #houseofculturejo #سياحة #سياحة_داخلية_الأردن #عراق_الأمير #iraqalamir #iraqalameer #iraqalamirwomencooperative #qasralabd#iraqalamircaves #ammancave #وسط_البلد#عمان_وسط_الب...
houseofculturejo
22 likes • 1.2K views

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no services available, so pack essentials for your visit. Reddit

⏳ Allow 1 Hour for Visit

Explore the caves and enjoy the views; it's a quick but memorable stop. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation

Google Maps is reliable for reaching the caves; roads are generally well-maintained. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The terrain inside and around the caves is rocky and sandy; caution is advised. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no services available, so pack essentials for your visit. Reddit

⏳ Allow 1 Hour for Visit

Explore the caves and enjoy the views; it's a quick but memorable stop. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The natural beauty and ancient structures offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(116 reviews)

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

Free entry
Unique historical site
Cool escape from heat

What People Dislike

Lack of information
No facilities

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Most visitors arrive by private car or taxi. Public transport options are limited, making a car the most convenient choice for exploring the area. Reddit

Parking is typically available on the street beside the caves. Be prepared to park near donkeys, as mentioned by some visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! The caves are a perfect half-day excursion from Amman, easily combined with other nearby attractions like Qasr Al-Abd. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

Unfortunately, there are no facilities such as restrooms or running water available at the cave site. Visitors are advised to come prepared. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

Most visitors spend between 30 to 60 minutes exploring the different caves and enjoying the views. Reddit

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. Reddit

You'll find several large caverns with dark ceilings and dusty floors. They offer a cool environment and a sense of ancient habitation. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer, more flattering illumination for both the caves and the surrounding landscape. Instagram

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but as it's an unattended historical site, respectful photography is encouraged. Instagram

Focus on the scale of the caves, the intricate rock formations, and the contrast between the dark interiors and the bright exteriors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Iraq Al-Amir Caves can be an engaging stop for families, offering a sense of adventure and discovery. The caves provide a natural playground for curious minds, sparking imagination about ancient life. However, parents should be mindful of the rocky and sandy terrain, ensuring children wear sturdy shoes and are supervised closely to avoid slips and falls. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Iraq Al-Amir Caves are an excellent choice as entry is completely free. This makes it an accessible historical site that doesn't require any financial outlay. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Ancient History

The Iraq Al-Amir Caves, meaning 'Caves of the Prince,' are a testament to the long history of human habitation in the region. These caves have been inhabited by various groups since the Copper Age, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient lifestyles. The sheer number of caves carved into the hillside suggests a significant settlement that has endured for millennia. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the Terrain and Experience

Exploring the Iraq Al-Amir Caves requires a bit of awareness regarding the terrain. The paths leading to and within the caves are described as rocky and sandy, necessitating caution and appropriate footwear. Some visitors mention that the stairs and stone pathways can be a bit worn, but generally manageable. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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