Quseir 'Amra

This place is a hidden gem in the desert. It is located in the middle of the highway between south Amman and Al-Azraq. Upon arrival, tickets are bought at the counter. Then, you walk a few 100 meters until you arrive the mini-castle. Inside, there are some lovely mosaics and drawings. The place is relatively small. There is a water well right outside. Expect to spend no more than 30 minutes here. They have ample parking outside, and have a small store for souvenirs and snacks.

Qusayr-i Amra Qusayr-i Amra (Qusayr Amra) is a desert fortress and bath complex in Jordan dating from the Umayyad period (8th century). It is thought to have been built between 711-715, during the reign of the Umayyad caliphs Walid I or Walid II. Qusayr-i Amra, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is especially famous for its frescoes. These frescoes provide rare examples of figurative depictions in Islamic art and include hunting scenes, dancers, musicians, mythological figures and star maps. The complex was used as a place of rest and entertainment for the Umayyad aristocracy. Consisting of a small fortress, bath and reception hall, the structure stands out with its location in the desert and is an early example of Islamic architecture.

Desert castle of the Umayyad dynasty. Not easy to reach if you do not drive your own car. Pick up the car at the airport and 50 minutes from the airport. Road is good but strong desert sand wind sometimes not easy to drive. UNESCO heritage site and can see frecsos. Worth to visit but not easy to reach.

A small desert castle built for the ummayad princes to keep their lovers or special guests in here. Has art of the things they used to do in here. Includes a bathhouse and a well.

Nice small hunting pavilion. The more beautiful are the paintings. But I don’t know for how many years since nobody seems to take care.

Tickets were for free. Lovely small place. Not much written about the place on site. Would be recommended to study about the hot water bath there before visiting.

A very interesting place. The visitor centre was especially helpful as it explained all about the frescoes in the wall of the bath house. The bath house was the only building I went to, but the site is very large, with other places to see. Highly recommended. This site is included on the Jordan Pass.

Qusair Amra, located in the eastern desert of Jordan, is one of the best-preserved examples of early Islamic architecture and art. Built during the 8th century under the Umayyad Caliphate, it is part of a larger complex that likely served as a retreat or hunting lodge for the Umayyad elite. The site is renowned for its striking frescoes, which cover the interior walls and ceilings, depicting scenes of daily life, animals, and even mythological figures—a rarity in Islamic art. The small structure includes a reception hall, bathhouse, and a well-preserved dome that served as an audience hall. The bathhouse is particularly notable for its intricate frescoes, including a representation of the zodiac and hunting scenes, reflecting the blend of Byzantine, Persian, and local artistic influences. Qusair Amra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its historical significance and the insight it provides into the lifestyle and culture of the early Islamic period. Its remote desert location adds to its mystique, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and art.