Discover Aqaba: Ayla, heritage and Wadi Rum

Aqaba can be explored through a range of historical themes: from the walled Islamic city of Ayla to the house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and Aqaba Castle. These landmarks represent different eras and range from an urban layout to residential architecture and political history. Wadi Rum is also located in Aqaba Governorate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors the opportunity to take a 4WD tour.

Ayla and the history of the early Islamic city

The walled Islamic city of Ayla had an approximately rectangular layout measuring 170 × 140 metres and covered about 24,650 square metres. Its history dates back to the early Islamic period. The eras associated with it include the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, as well as the Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid periods. Ayla therefore represents a different scale from Aqaba’s individual historic buildings: here, the focus is on an urban layout with its own plan and a history spanning several eras.

The House of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and Aqaba Castle

The House of Sharif Hussein bin Ali was built in 1917 as the first residential house constructed by Aqaba’s residents. Its traditional Hejazi architecture sets it apart from Ayla’s early Islamic urban layout. The house is also one of Jordan’s important heritage sites and has historical and political significance.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali used the house as his residence. It later served as a government building before being converted into the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. The fully restored house serves as a national museum. This sequence of uses gives the building its own historical perspective: it is interesting not only for its architecture, but also for the various functions it has served over time.

The house is next to Aqaba Castle. The castle’s origins date back to the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Qanswah el-Ghawri (1501–1517). The house, built in 1917, and the castle, whose origins reach back to the early 16th century, represent different periods at neighbouring sites. If you are planning to visit the house, check the latest visitor access arrangements in advance.

Wadi Rum as another point of interest in Aqaba Governorate

Wadi Rum adds a different travel theme to the historical perspective: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a 4WD tour there and arrange a time through their camp or the visitor centre. Alongside Ayla and the historic buildings, this offers an activity that is distinctly different from the city’s history.

When looking for a hotel in Aqaba, you might first consider which focus you want your trip to have: Ayla’s early Islamic urban history, the architecture and changing uses of the House of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, or the historical associations of Aqaba Castle. If Wadi Rum is also part of your plans, include the 4WD tour as a separate planning item and arrange a time through the camp or visitor centre. This keeps Aqaba’s cultural themes and the activity in Wadi Rum distinct as concrete travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Zarqa, Ajloun, Balqa Governorate, Irbid Governorate, Madaba Governorate, Kerak, Amman, Mafraq Governorate

View the main travel overview: Jordan.