As-Salt

Web

Al-Salt (السلط‎) is an ancient agricultural town and administrative centre in west-central Jordan. It is on the old main highway leading from Amman to Jerusalem. Situated in the Balqa highland, about 790–1,100 metres above sea level, the town is built in the crook of three hills, close to the Jordan Valley. 

It is not known when the city was first inhabited, but it is believed that it was built by the Macedonian army during the reign of Alexander the Great.

Salt was once the most important settlement in the area between the Jordan Valley and the eastern desert. Because of its history as an important trading link between the eastern desert and the west, it was a significant place for the region’s many rulers.

The Greater Salt Municipality is divided into nine districts: Salt City, Zai, Umm Jouzeh, Wadi Al-Hoor, Al-Yazeediyeh, Yarqa, Ira, Allan and Rumaimeen.

As-Salt is enclosed by breathtaking views and is a wonderful contrast to some of the westernized sites of Amman. Comfortably perched atop of mountains, As-Salt maintains an authentic society based on affection, brotherhood, and love. The mountainside city also has significant historical relevance, most notably, as the regional capital of the Ottoman Empire. Salt is famed in Jordan for its fertile soil and the quality of its fruit and vegetable harvests, particularly olivestomatoesgrapes & peaches. Indeed, it is speculated that the town’s name provided the root for sultana, a certain type of raisin.

Do you want to be up to date with
MedCities projects?

Subscribe to the monthly newsletter to receive the latest news.