Balqa Governorate: As-Salt and its architecture

Balqa Governorate can be viewed from two perspectives: As-Salt as its capital and the governorate’s varied landscape. The city stretches across the slopes and valleys of three closely spaced hills. As-Salt’s historic center brings together architecture and cultural traditions.

Landscape and urban setting

In Balqa Governorate, the Jordan Valley reaches 224 meters below sea level, while the highest mountain reaches 1,130 meters. Three closely spaced hills define As-Salt’s urban setting; the Jordan Valley and the highest mountain are part of Balqa Governorate.

Architecture and culture in As-Salt

As-Salt’s historic center includes around 650 significant historic buildings. European Art Nouveau and neocolonial influences blend with local traditions. In the wider destination of Jordan, the basalt architecture of Umm Al-Jimāl reflects local Hauran-style building traditions for residential and religious structures. The settlement developed from around the 5th century AD on the site of an older Roman settlement and existed until the end of the 8th century AD.

Cultural traditions also shape the city’s character. Madafas, also called Dawaween, are part of As-Salt’s tradition of hospitality. The social welfare system known as Takaful Ijtimai’ is associated with As-Salt.

The As-Salt Archaeological Museum displays artifacts found at various archaeological sites in Balqa Governorate. It is housed in a traditional home in As-Salt. The artifacts were found at various archaeological sites in Balqa Governorate; the museum itself is located in As-Salt.

Hammam Street, a pedestrian street, is lined with traditional Ottoman stone buildings around 150 years old. While Hammam Street is lined with traditional Ottoman stone buildings around 150 years old, the historic center includes around 650 significant historic buildings.

History and getting around

As-Salt has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age. Another historic landmark is Salt Secondary School, founded in 1923 and considered Jordan’s first and oldest school.

For the Religious Harmony Trail, you can pick up a map at the Abu Jaber Museum and follow the route, or hire a local guide. These are two ways to find your way: you can follow the map or hire a guide. This gives you a practical choice when planning the route, without assuming a walking time or level of difficulty.

Search for hotels in Balqa Governorate

When searching for a hotel in Balqa Governorate, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: historic architecture and culture in As-Salt, or the governorate’s wider range of landscapes. This can help you narrow down your destination. Then compare specific hotel options using the details provided for each one.

Discover more destinations: Salt Qasabah District, Ma'an, Kerak, Ajloun, Zarqa, Amman, Madaba Governorate, Irbid Governorate

For the broader travel overview: Jordan.