Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Roman Nymphaeum in Amman: “Nymphaeum Archeological Park”

Abstract

This paper presents a case study for an ideal management practice with applied methods to the revival of urban heritage as an approach for sustainable heritage preservation. It demonstrates a practical example of restoration and rehabilitation for the Roman Nymphaeum in Amman, which is considered as the biggest monument of its kind in the region. The Nymphaeum was suffering from different deterioration factors and conditions that affected its state of conservation and was considered a visual pollution in the downtown region of Amman. However, through a joint project with the Hamdi Mango Center for Scientific Research at the University of Jordan, Department of Antiquities and Greater Amman Municipality, and a generous support from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in supporting the preservation efforts of the monument, it was possible to waive and preserve large areas of the site, which needed urgent solutions of restoration and conservation and to regenerate its role within the current archeological context.

The project involved two phases, in order to ensure a coherent and well-organized structure and implementation of the project.

The first phase aimed to set up conservation and restoration plan, in order to safeguard the monument and overcome all the deterioration forms and factors affecting the stability and durability of the architectural and ornamental elements of the monument.

On the other hand, the second phase focused on implementing the site management and rehabilitation plan to prepare the site for receiving the tourists and to create a new attraction in the downtown of Amman. Concurrently, there was a focus on a new model in the downtown area for the revival of urban heritage called “The Nymphaeum Archeological Park.” This new concept and brand will also commemorate the concept of open air museum.

Upon these bases, the project established a new comprehensive methodology for cultural heritage preservation in Jordan based on incorporating all aspects of documentation, management, capacity building, conservation, rehabilitation, and presentation of the monument to the public. This approach will close the cycle of the project to ensure proper sustainability of the project results and enhance the durability and stability of archeological sites in Jordan.