Welcome to Jordan's first Storytown
Once upon a time, at the turn of the 19th, As-Salt was a flourishing trading town and it thrived in the early 20th century. Yet its history goes further back, as revealed by relics that include Roman tombs and an Ayyubid fortress. To this day, this fascinating place has retained its charm as a well-preserved historic town with beautiful narrow streets and dazzling old houses that echo mystical tales of splendor.
Every element of As-Salt has been woven into its story; from bustling streets and quaint staircases, to aromatic flavors and yellow stone exteriors that characterize the city. As-Salt is a distinctive destination because of the magical tale it tells, and for its unique ambiance that creates an enchanted town like no other.
The name ‘As-Salt’ comes from the Latin word Saltus, which means forest. Situated in the highlands of Al-Balqa region, the town is built in the crook of three hills close to the Jordan Valley. Since ancient times, including the Classical, Byzantine, Islamic and Ottoman periods, various communities settled in As-Salt. It was the capital of Transjordan for three months between October 1922 and January 1923.
A city of many firsts, As-Salt was once one of the most important settlements in the area. Rich in history and agriculture, As-Salt was a fundamental trading link between the east and west banks of the Jordan River. The Romans, Byzantines and Mamlukes all contributed to the growth of the town, but it was during the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century that As-Salt enjoyed its most prosperous period. As the town flourished, many merchants arrived with their newly acquired wealth and built the fine houses that can still be admired today.
With its narrow lanes and exquisite late Ottoman architecture, As-Salt invites you to visit its markets and splendid traditional houses, tour the city on foot, and interact with its warm and welcoming people.
