Prominent Archaeological Sites in the City of Salt
Located in Jordan, the city of Salt boasts a multitude of archaeological sites that are worthy of a visit, including:
Prophet Joshua’s Tomb
The tomb of Prophet Joshua (peace be upon him) is situated on Joshua Hill, near a mosque to the west of Salt. He was one of the disciples of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him).
Prophet Job’s Shrine
The shrine of Prophet Job (peace be upon him) is located in the area of Khirbet Ayub, southwest of the city. This site marks the last resting place of Prophet Job, renowned for his patience and faith in the face of life’s hardships. Allah honored him for his steadfastness and belief.
Al-Hammam Street
Al-Hammam Street is regarded as one of Salt’s historical traditional markets, named after an old bathhouse that served both men and women. Stretching approximately 300 meters, this street was established in the late 19th century. It is characterized by ancient yellow stone buildings that line the street, and features numerous shops offering handicrafts and handmade products. At the end of the street lies the Church of Al-Khader, which dates back to 1682.
Great Salt Mosque
The Great Salt Mosque was constructed during the final years of the Abbasid rule, making it the oldest mosque in Salt. It served as a center for many scholars of religious studies from around the world.
Salt Castle
Located atop Prince’s Hill in the area of Al-Khandak, Salt Castle was built during the reign of King Isa bin Ayub, the nephew of the famous leader Salah al-Din, in the year 1220. The castle is distinguished by its rectangular shape, measuring approximately 6 meters in length.
Salt Secondary School for Boys
Founded in 1923, Salt Secondary School is the first and oldest school in Jordan. It has produced many notable political figures and Jordanian leaders.
English Hospital
The English Hospital commenced operations as a health clinic in 1883 and was transitioned into a full-fledged hospital between 1904 and 1905. Medical equipment and nursing staff were transferred from the primary hospital in Acre, which had been operational since 1900, to the new hospital building. Today, it serves as a training center for teachers from both inside and outside Jordan, focusing on the education and training of the hearing and speech impaired.
Monument to the Unknown Turkish Soldier
The Monument to the Unknown Turkish Soldier is located near Salt Castle, built to honor the soldiers and officers of the Turkish Empire who lost their lives during World War I in 1918.
Noteworthy Museums in the City of Salt
The city of Salt is home to several museums, including:
Salt Archaeological Museum
Established in 1986, the Salt Archaeological Museum features two exhibition halls. The main hall showcases a variety of pottery artifacts from the Tellilat al-Ghassul area, dating back to the Copper Age, between 4500 and 3300 BC. It also houses artifacts from the Middle and Late Bronze Ages (2200-1200 BC), alongside artifacts from the Iron Age (1200-539 BC) and periods of Byzantine rule (324-636 AD) as well as the Ayyubid and Mamluk eras (1174-1516 AD).
Salt Historical Museum
Commonly referred to as “Beit Abu Jaber,” the Salt Historical Museum was constructed between 1896 and 1905 and is one of the most beautiful heritage buildings in Salt. Originally a residence, it was converted into a museum in 2010. The museum features a red-tiled roof, colorful glass windows, stone thresholds surrounded by columns, and painted ceilings. It aims to preserve the city’s popular heritage and comprises two sections that showcase the lives of rural inhabitants and villagers, as well as various Jordanian traditions. The museum also depicts the city’s history from the late 19th century to the 1930s.