| Al-Salt السلط | ||
 | ||
| State | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Northern Jordan | |
| Altitude | 820 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 48 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 88.900 (2011) | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
al-Salt is a city of Northern Jordan.
To know
Geographical notes
The city of al-Salt, located on the connecting route between Amman is Jerusalem, has been inhabited for centuries. It extends over an area of three hills at about 790-1100 m above sea level, above the Jordan Valley, in a fertile area in northern Jordan.
Background
Al-Salt or As-Salt was the regional capital under the Ottomans. When Amman was chosen as the capital of Transjordan,
The area was already inhabited in the Iron Age, in Roman times there was a settlement with tombs still present, the name is attributed to Saltus (forest) or Sultana (grape). In the Byzantine era, Saltus (or hieraticon of Saltus) was a bishopric and one of the most powerful cities on the eastern bank of the Jordan Valley.
The Mongols destroyed the hilltop fortress in 1260, under Sultan Baibar, the fortress was rebuilt shortly after. The city developed into a regional capital in the Ottoman period, benefiting from the favorable position, the commercial and administrative center was built in the 19th century. in which many prestigious buildings were erected.
After World War I, the British High Commissioner of Palestine proclaimed that an emirate should be established in Transjordan under the leadership of the Hashemites. Abdullah I had chosen the city as the future headquarters of his emirate. The fact that he revised his decision and subsequently moved the capital to Amman led to a long rivalry between the inhabitants of the two cities. al-Salt therefore remained a crowded city full of old buildings and did not modernize as Amman did.
How to orient yourself
Al-Salt: full screen map.
How to get
By plane
Amman International Airport.
By car
The city is connected to Amma via route 30.
By bus
Minibuses come and go from Amman.
How to get around
By car
Parking is difficult in narrow streets and you may have to park dangerously like the locals do. There are car parks near the bus station on the south side of the old town which may be the best option.
On foot
Salt's historic core is small and easy to get around. The area between the main square (location of the museum) and Maydan St, the main street, is the main place to walk, plus there are stairs from the main square that goes up the hill past the English hospital.
What see
- 1 Abu Jabar house (Opposite of the main square.).
free. This house has been restored as a museum on the history of a-Salt. It also has a tea house with a balcony overlooking the city.
free. This house has been restored as a museum on the history of a-Salt. It also has a tea house with a balcony overlooking the city.
- 2 As-Salt Archaeological Museum. a local museum on the history of the city.
- Fortress. Fortress of the thirteenth century, is located on the citadel.
Events and parties
What to do
Shopping
Hamman Street is Salt's best-preserved bazaar street, from the main square to Maydan St. The goods are modern (except for some grocery stores) but the buildings are old and beautiful.
- 1 Bazaar, Hammam street.
How to have fun
Where to eat
Moderate prices
- 1 Al Salaam, Maydan St.. 3.5 JD meal. Easy to spot as it may have the only English sign along this street, but it's an excellent local chicken shop where the owner speaks English. Chicken, grilled vegetables, pickles, bread, hommus and a drink.
