Al Husseini Mosque 🇯🇴

When you visit downtown Amman, you will find the Grand Husseini Mosque (also known as the Al Husseini Mosque), one of the oldest mosques in the city and a central landmark. The site carries deep history, having originally held a Byzantine basilica, followed by a 7th-century Umayyad-era Omari mosque—once the largest in Jordan—before Emir Abdullah I ordered it demolished and rebuilt in 1924 to honor his father, Sharif Hussein bin Ali. As one of the first major buildings constructed after the 1921 establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan, it stands as a key symbol of the nation's history.

Located near the Nymphaeum, Roman Theater, and vibrant local markets, the mosque features a small front plaza, a courtyard with an ablution fountain added in the 1940s, and a cleaned facade with decorative enhancements. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations, including major work following an earthquake in 1927 and a fire in 2019. Beyond its religious role as a Friday mosque, it serves as a long-standing gathering point for national political demonstrations in Amman.

Stop by to appreciate its profound architectural timeline and civic significance.

What to see at Al Husseini Mosque

• One of the oldest mosques and key downtown landmarks in Amman
• Historic site of a 7th-century Umayyad mosque and ancient Byzantine basilica
• First rebuilt in 1924 during the early Hashemite era
• Features a small entrance plaza, decorated facade, and courtyard fountain
• Famous historical gathering spot for civic and political demonstrations

Visiting tips

Take time to explore the bustling surrounding markets and nearby ancient ruins, as the mosque sits right in the heart of downtown Amman.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Al Husseini Mosque is easy to reach on Amman’s public transport, and pairs naturally with King Abdullah I Mosque and Ayn Ghazal. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Amman travel guide.