Al Weibdeh, often called Jabal Al Weibdeh, sits in the heart of old Amman, with Downtown to the east, Al Shmesani to the west, Jabal Al Hussain to the north and Jabal Amman to the south. Accounts of the name differ: one links it to a plant that once grew on the hill, others to hyenas or people sheltering there from the winter cold.
Much of the housing dates from the early twentieth century. Most homes are older standalone houses, some with large gardens and trees, others grouped around shared courtyards, alongside low-rise buildings of a few floors. Many owners have lived here for decades, so houses for sale or rent come up rarely, and investors usually renovate old buildings rather than replace them. Apartments let to expats are often fully refurbished inside, and the area is a common choice for foreign residents.
Since the early 1990s the hill has grown into a cultural quarter, home to Darat Al Funun, Dar Al Anda gallery, the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, the Jordanian Writers Association, the Jordan Artists Association and the French Cultural Centre. Paris Circle, once the site of a water tank, and the Kalha Stairs down to Downtown are local landmarks, as are Terra Santa College and Luzmila Hospital, both dating from 1948.
Supermarkets, groceries, barbers and art cafés cover daily needs. If you work beyond Al Shmesani, expect heavy traffic getting in and out.
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