‎Ancient Islamic City of Ayla‎ image

‎Ancient Islamic City of Ayla‎

Tourist attraction Historic site

Remains of an enclosed, Islamic city founded in 650, with some walls as high as 3 meters. People often mention city, information, site, Islamic, ancient, history,


Address

K. Hussein St. 26, Aqaba, Jordan

Rating on Google Maps

3.90 (292 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Monday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Tuesday: 1 to 8 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 8 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: city (11) information (9) site (9) Islamic (9) ancient (8) history (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Tom F. 1 year ago on Google
    This place was ok but to be honest there isn’t much to see here. It’s on the side of a main road and it looks like it’s just been left for people to walk around. There are information plaques around to give you information but it’s far from impressive when you compare to other sights we’ve seen whilst in Jordan. It’s not a must to be honest.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erik 1 year ago on Google
    Lonely and a empty, Aila is the site of the ancient Aqaba, once a powerful port aimed both by the crusaders and the regional Muslims dynasties. The archaeological site is a bit left to its fate, but explanatory panels are well made. Just be ware of stray dogs that roam the area after sunset.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Petr S. 4 years ago on Google
    Small excavations of the historic Islamic city of Ayla, supposedly founded by Prophet Muhammad in 636 as the first Islamic city outside the Arabian Peninsula. Free entry. Lots of information on the information panels.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mjd A. 5 years ago on Google
    The ancient Islamic city of Ayla was built in the reign of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan almost 650 AD. It is noteworthy that it is the first Islamic city built outside the Arabian Peninsula. And served neighboring Palestine as a port as it had a door to the Hijaz from the south. It was an important station for Egyptian pilgrims on their way to Mecca. Today, in the heart of Aqaba's beach area, you can see what remains of the city's walls, gates, large mosque and other buildings. The site is very special and includes information boards with detailed information about its history and importance.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mark B. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice relaxing archeological site with just a few building ruins. Not a whole lot to see but the location is fantastic and a great place just to wander and enjoy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sam S. 1 year ago on Google
    Serene and tranquil. An amazing place that is not utilised to its full potential. Some much more heritage to be discovered and shared with the world.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 david z. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome free historic site to visit if in Aqaba, Jordan! Bring comfortable walking shoes. Learn from the historic signs how the ancient city of Aqaba came to exist - starting as a protected trading post with fortified walls, 2 main streets and 4 gates (Northern Gate coming from Egypt, Eastern Gate from Damascus, Hejaz for the Southern Gate and Western Gate led to the sea). This ancient city, called Aqaba by the Mamlukes, referring to the mountains west of the city (the arabic word refering to road with steep slopes), was also called Elot in the bible, Berenice by the ancient Greeks and Aela/Aliana during the Roman and Islamic eras.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stuart A. 1 year ago on Google
    Right opposite the Movenpick Hotel, this archaeological work, unearthing the ancient Islamic city of Ayla. Lots of interesting facts to read up on.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Emmanouil G. 1 year ago on Google
    You can see here the old city of Aqaba. Nothing much to see unfortunately and no one there to tell you some information. The place looks abandoned. There is no entrance fee to enter it. If you have some time to waste, you can visit the place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jesús D. 1 year ago on Google
    An important site for history bluffs with an interest in early Islamic history, culture and art. The site is small and showcases a few of the landmarks of the early Islamic town of Ayla, founded by the mid 7th century. These landmarks are the Early Abassid Mosque, the Central Pavilion and the Egyptian Gate-street. Most other areas are basically reburied for protection. A segment of the seaward wall is inside the Movenpick beach property. There is a marked path with new and helpful information boards that explain and interpret the history and remaining architecture of this ancient Islamic city. A visit of 20 minutes will suffice for most visitors.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James C. 3 months ago on Google New
    An interesting dig site, with some old pillars, remnants of the ancient Ayla city. Information boards are dotted around and impart the history of the site. Entrance is free and it's worth a quick stop of you are in the area.

  • 3/5 C. C. 8 months ago on Google
    Small area of ruins with some information plaques.

  • 5/5 Afsheen S. 10 months ago on Google
    Wow wow wow, beautiful architecture and peaceful view. Very amazing place to visit

  • 1/5 A S. 1 year ago on Google
    Almost nothing surrounded by a fence with no entry

  • 3/5 Caitlin T. 1 year ago on Google
    Good to see the ruins, not really too much there and no beach access.

  • 2/5 H. A. 2 years ago on Google
    Nothing to see there. I found some old remains inside a closed place. I couldn't get in to see more. Not recommended

  • 3/5 Joachim K. 1 year ago on Google
    What can I say…it was closed during ramadan

  • 5/5 The W. 1 year ago on Google
    Not much to see, but stll part of history

  • 4/5 Igor F. 4 years ago on Google
    nice for a visit but not really impressive.

  • 3/5 Maryam S. 2 years ago on Google
    One time see place only if you lova historical places or if you don't have any othe rthing to do in Aqba


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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