Odeon Theater Amman
An intimate 2nd-century Roman amphitheater in Amman, famed for its acoustics and hosting live music and cultural events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience live music & acoustics
Odeon Theater Amman
Best Time
Experience live music & acoustics
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate 2nd-century Roman amphitheater in Amman, famed for its acoustics and hosting live music and cultural events.
"The Odeon Theater is a magical historic location, perfect for experiencing live music."
Check Event Schedules
You can only enter the Odeon for concerts or events. Check listings! :ticket:
Distinguish from Roman Theater
It's smaller than the main Roman Theater next door. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intimate Roman Amphitheater
Adjacent to the Great Roman Theater
Experience the acoustics of this 500-seat venue, perfect for musical performances.
Live Concerts & Events
Odeon Theater stage
Catch open-air concerts and poetry seminars in this historic setting.
Folk Museum Access
Included with entry
Explore local history and culture at the adjacent Folk Museum.
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Planning Your Visit
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Understanding the Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedules
You can only enter the Odeon for concerts or events. Check listings! :ticket:
Distinguish from Roman Theater
It's smaller than the main Roman Theater next door. :world_map:
Enjoy the Acoustics
Known for its excellent sound quality, especially for music. :musical_score:
Combine with Citadel Visit
Often visited alongside the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedules
You can only enter the Odeon for concerts or events. Check listings! :ticket:
Distinguish from Roman Theater
It's smaller than the main Roman Theater next door. :world_map:
Enjoy the Acoustics
Known for its excellent sound quality, especially for music. :musical_score:
Combine with Citadel Visit
Often visited alongside the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Odeon Theater for its excellent acoustics and historical significance, often highlighting its intimate atmosphere for musical performances. While it's a smaller venue compared to the main Roman Theater, its charm and the opportunity to attend live events are highly valued. Some note that access is primarily event-dependent, and more government support could enhance its tourist appeal.
"Part of the Roman theater of Amman. I filmed here numerous times. I always enjoy the acoustics. The government needs to do more to boost this place and bring in more tourists."
Ghassan Al Zabri (Gus the Sound Guy)
"Excellently preserves Roman theatre. Entry cost is cheap and includes the very interesting Folk Museum. Climb to the top of the theatre and get a feeling of what it must have been like to see a play almost 2,000 years ago. It’s also very lively with families"
jeremy kalous
"The Odeon Theater or the Winter Theater is a small Roman amphitheater located in the center of the Jordanian capital, Amman, where the Great Roman Amphitheater is also located. It was built in the second century AD, before the construction of the Great Amphitheater, to accommodate about 500 spectators.
The Odeon Theater was mainly used for musical performances. Archaeologists believe it may have been roofed with a wooden roof or temporary tent to protect the audience and performers from the weather. It is believed that the severe earthquake that struck the city of Amman and the regions of the Levant in 1927 was the main reason for the demolition of a large part of it, especially its high facade.
The amphitheater and the surrounding area in the Hashemite Square have recently been restored, where concerts and poetry seminars are held today."
Mohammad Ayoub
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Odeon Theater is located in the heart of downtown Amman, near the larger Roman Theater and Hashemite Plaza. It's easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. If you're exploring downtown, it's a walkable distance from many central points.
Parking in downtown Amman can be challenging. It's best to use a taxi or ride-sharing app. If you drive, look for public parking lots in the vicinity, though they can fill up quickly.
Many Amman city tours include the Roman Theater and its surrounding historical sites, which often encompass the Odeon. This is a great way to get context and transportation sorted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can typically view the exterior of the Odeon Theater from the public plaza. However, to enter and experience its acoustics or attend an event, you'll need a ticket for a specific concert or performance.
The Odeon Theater itself doesn't have fixed public opening hours for general entry. It's primarily accessible when there are scheduled events. The surrounding plaza is generally open.
Entry to the Odeon Theater is usually tied to event tickets. If you're just viewing it from the outside in the plaza, there's no charge. The adjacent Folk Museum may have a small admission fee.
Yes, for concerts and performances, tickets are often available online through event organizers' websites or ticketing platforms. Keep an eye on local event listings.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Odeon is a smaller, 500-seat amphitheater primarily for musical performances, located on the east side of Hashemite Plaza. The Roman Theater is much larger, seating thousands, and is on the southern side.
You can admire its preserved Roman architecture, appreciate its acoustics, and if there's an event, enjoy a live performance. It's also adjacent to the Folk Museum.
Historic sites can present accessibility challenges. While the plaza area is generally flat, the seating areas within the amphitheater might be difficult to navigate. It's best to inquire directly with event organizers for specific event accessibility.
Capture its intimate scale from the plaza, or during an event to show its use. Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful.
Built in the 2nd century AD, it predates the Great Roman Theater and was designed for musical performances. It suffered damage from earthquakes, notably in 1927.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Odeon Theater itself does not have dining facilities. However, the surrounding downtown Amman area and Hashemite Plaza are filled with local eateries, cafes, and restaurants offering Jordanian cuisine.
Downtown Amman offers a wide array of traditional Jordanian dishes, including mansaf, falafel, shawarma, hummus, and various mezze. You'll find everything from street food stalls to sit-down restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The plaza in front offers a great vantage point to capture the entire amphitheater. If attending an event, photos from the seating tiers can highlight the stage and atmosphere.
Yes, you can take photos from the public areas. If attending a performance, check the specific event's policy on photography, especially regarding flash.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but also offers clear views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Odeon itself is best experienced during an event, the surrounding plazas are open and provide space for children to move around. Consider visiting during the day to explore the ruins, and if an age-appropriate concert is scheduled, it could be a unique family experience.
🎶 Music Lovers
+2Check local event schedules for performances by Jordanian and international artists. The intimate setting ensures a close connection with the music and the performers, making it a memorable experience for any music lover exploring Amman.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the structure, learn about its construction and the historical events that shaped it, including earthquake damage. Visiting the Odeon, alongside the nearby Roman Theater and Amman Citadel, provides a comprehensive understanding of the Roman influence on the region.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Odeon's Acoustic Marvel
Travelers and musicians alike have praised the theater's sound quality. The materials used in its construction and its compact design contribute to a natural amplification, minimizing the need for modern sound systems for certain types of performances. This historical feature is a significant draw for both performers and audiences seeking an authentic and immersive experience.
While the Odeon is a historical site, its continued use for live events means visitors have the unique opportunity to experience its acoustic properties firsthand. Attending a concert here offers a chance to connect with the past through the power of sound, making it a memorable part of any visit to Amman.
Odeon vs. The Great Roman Theater
The Odeon, on the other hand, is a smaller, more intimate venue with seating for approximately 500 spectators. Its primary function was for musical performances and smaller gatherings. Archaeologists believe it may have been covered with a temporary roof to protect performers and audiences from the elements, suggesting a focus on refined entertainment rather than large-scale public events.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the scale difference and imagine the distinct atmospheres of each venue. The Odeon offers a sense of close-knit performance, while the Great Roman Theater evokes the grandeur of ancient public life.
Experiencing the Odeon Today
While you can admire the Odeon from the public plaza at any time, the true experience lies in attending an event. This allows you to step inside, feel the history, and appreciate its famed acoustics. Checking local event listings is key to planning a visit that includes experiencing the theater in its intended function.
Beyond performances, the Odeon is part of a significant historical complex in downtown Amman, often visited alongside the Amman Citadel and the Great Roman Theater. This makes it an integral part of understanding the city's rich Roman heritage.
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