Name: Petra
Address: Jordan
Telephone: (03) 215 6044
Rating: 4.8

Iconic 2000-year-old city, including 45m-high Al Khazneh, carved into the red mountain rock.

The Treasury

alex zhao

Provided by Google

Brandon Soileau

Vijay devara

عبد الحكيم النسور

Elizebeth Mohan

In 2019, Petra reached a record high of 1.1 million visitors, making it Jordan's most popular tourist destination.

Peak Tourist Numbers

Petra is often called the 'Rose City' due to the stunning reddish-pink hue of the sandstone from which its iconic structures are carved.

A Colorful Nickname

Recognized for its exceptional cultural and historical significance, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its global importance.

World Heritage Status

Evidence of early settlements in the Petra region dates back to 7000 BC, showcasing a long and rich history.

Ancient Origins

A Strategic Master Plan guides the development of the Petra region, aiming for sustainable growth over the next 20 years.

Sustainable Development Plan

Petra

Petra, an ancient city carved into the sheer rock face of Jordan's Ma'an Governorate, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Nabataeans. Its most iconic structure, Al Khazneh (The Treasury), is a breathtaking sight, its intricate facade carved into the sandstone cliffs. Other notable monuments include the Monastery, the Siq, and the Royal Tombs, each showcasing the Nabataeans' architectural prowess. Petra's unique water management system, with its intricate channels and cisterns, allowed the city to flourish in an arid environment. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the globe who marvel at its architectural wonders and immerse themselves in its rich history.

Introduction

Carved into the sheer rock face of Jordan's Petra, the Rock-Cut Treasury stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Nabataeans. This iconic façade, known locally as Al-Khazneh, is the most elaborate and well-preserved structure in the ancient city. Its towering Corinthian columns, intricate carvings, and enigmatic urn atop its pediment have captivated visitors for centuries.

The Treasury's purpose remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a royal tomb to a temple. Its grandeur suggests a significant function, possibly as a mausoleum for King Aretas IV. The interior, however, is surprisingly modest, consisting of a single chamber with a few niches.

Despite its name, the Treasury never held any treasure. The urn at its summit was likely a symbolic representation of the Nabataeans' wealth and power. Over the centuries, the Treasury has been subjected to countless attempts at plunder, leaving bullet holes visible on its façade.

The Treasury is the culmination of Petra's sophisticated water management system. Cisterns and channels carved into the surrounding rock collected and stored rainwater, providing a vital resource in the arid desert environment. This engineering marvel allowed Petra to flourish as a major trading hub along the Silk Road.

Today, the Treasury remains a symbol of Petra's architectural prowess and a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataeans. Its enduring beauty and enigmatic history continue to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world.

Rock-Cut Treasury

Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, is an iconic monument carved into the sheer sandstone cliffs of Petra, Jordan. Its elaborate facade, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, has made it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. While its purpose remains a mystery, it is believed to have been a tomb or a treasury for the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab civilization that inhabited Petra from the 1st century BC to the 6th century AD.

The Treasury's facade is divided into two stories, with a lower level featuring six Corinthian columns supporting a pediment. The upper level is adorned with a series of niches and statues, including a central figure thought to represent the Nabataean god Dushara. The Treasury's interior is relatively plain, consisting of a single chamber with a vaulted ceiling.

Al-Khazneh is just one of the many wonders of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to numerous other tombs, temples, and monuments. The site was rediscovered by Western explorers in the 19th century and has since become a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the Treasury and other Petra landmarks on foot, by horse, or by camel.

Al-Khazneh

Petra, an ancient city carved into the sheer rock face of Jordan's southern desert, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Nabataeans, an Arab civilization that flourished over two millennia ago. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra's exceptional universal value lies in its fusion of Eastern and Western architectural traditions, evident in its elaborate facades and intricate rock-cut tombs.

The most iconic structure in Petra is Al-Khazneh, known as "The Treasury," its towering facade adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythical creatures and deities. Other notable monuments include the Monastery, a colossal structure accessible via a steep, winding path, and the Siq, a narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to the city, its towering sandstone walls creating a sense of awe and anticipation.

Beyond its architectural marvels, Petra's significance lies in its water management system, a testament to the Nabataeans' engineering prowess. Dams, cisterns, and channels ingeniously harnessed rainwater, enabling habitation in an otherwise arid environment. The site also boasts numerous religious structures, including high places and temples, offering insights into the spiritual beliefs of its ancient inhabitants.

Petra's exceptional preservation and the ongoing efforts to protect and manage this cultural treasure ensure its enduring legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can immerse themselves in the grandeur of this ancient city, marveling at its architectural wonders and gaining a deeper understanding of the Nabataeans' remarkable civilization.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Siq, the narrow gorge that leads to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, is a breathtaking natural wonder that sets the stage for the architectural marvels that lie ahead. Carved by centuries of water erosion, the Siq's towering sandstone walls rise up to 200 meters, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring entrance to the lost city.

As you venture deeper into the Siq, the walls close in, casting an ethereal glow on the path below. The play of light and shadow creates an ever-changing spectacle, revealing intricate carvings and inscriptions left by the Nabataeans, the ancient Arab civilization that inhabited Petra.

The Siq is not merely a passageway but a destination in its own right. Its sheer scale and natural beauty captivate visitors, offering a taste of the wonders that await within the city itself. As you emerge from the Siq, the Treasury, Petra's most iconic facade, comes into view, a testament to the architectural prowess of the Nabataeans and a symbol of the city's enduring legacy.

Petra, the fabled "Rose City," stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the Nabataeans. Their mastery over stone carving transformed the sheer sandstone cliffs into an urban marvel. The Treasury, an iconic façade carved into the rock face, exemplifies their meticulous craftsmanship. Its intricate details and colossal dimensions evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

Beyond the Treasury, Petra's architectural legacy unfolds in the Monastery, a colossal structure perched atop a steep ascent. Its vast interior, adorned with intricate carvings and a towering urn, showcases the Nabataeans' architectural ambition. The Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the city, is a testament to their engineering prowess. Its towering walls, carved with niches and channels, guided processions and diverted rainwater.

The Nabataeans' water management system was equally impressive. They constructed dams, cisterns, and aqueducts to harness the scarce desert water. The intricate network of channels and reservoirs ensured a reliable water supply, sustaining a thriving city in an arid environment.

Petra's architecture is not merely a collection of structures; it is a testament to the Nabataeans' cultural identity. The fusion of Hellenistic and Eastern influences in their designs reflects their position as a crossroads of civilizations. The rock-cut tombs, with their elaborate facades and interior chambers, provide insights into their funerary practices and beliefs.

Exploring Petra through the lens of Nabatean architecture is a journey into a lost civilization's ingenuity and artistic brilliance. It offers a glimpse into the minds of master builders who transformed a desolate landscape into a city of architectural wonders.

Nabatean Architecture

Nestled in the heart of Petra, Little Petra is an enchanting microcosm of the ancient city, offering a glimpse into its rich history and architectural marvels. Once a thriving caravan stop on the incense trade route, Little Petra served as a gateway to the magnificent city of Petra. Its sandstone cliffs are adorned with intricate carvings, including the iconic Siq, a narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury, a breathtaking facade carved into the rock face.

Unlike the bustling Petra, Little Petra exudes a serene ambiance, inviting visitors to explore its hidden nooks and crannies. Its smaller size allows for a more intimate experience, where one can marvel at the intricate details of the Treasury, admire the colorful frescoes in the Painted House, and wander through the narrow streets lined with shops and dwellings.

Little Petra offers a unique perspective on Petra's Nabataean heritage. The ruins of a Roman bathhouse, a temple, and a Byzantine church stand as testaments to the diverse influences that shaped this ancient city. Its proximity to Petra makes it an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the "Rose City," while providing a tranquil retreat from the crowds.

Little Petra

Petra Archaeological Park, nestled within the heart of Petra in Petra District, Ma'an Governorate, Jordan, unfolds a captivating narrative of ancient ingenuity and architectural brilliance. As you traverse the narrow Siq, a natural fissure in the sandstone, you are greeted by the iconic Treasury, its intricate facade a testament to the Nabataeans' masterful artistry. Beyond this awe-inspiring entrance, the park unveils a treasure trove of rock-cut tombs, temples, and dwellings, each adorned with exquisite carvings and vibrant hues.

The Monastery, perched atop a sheer cliff, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its monumental facade, adorned with Corinthian columns and intricate reliefs, is a testament to the Nabataeans' architectural prowess. The Urn Tomb, with its enigmatic urn-shaped finial, and the Palace Tomb, with its elaborate facade, provide further glimpses into the artistry and symbolism of this ancient civilization.

Petra Archaeological Park also showcases the Nabataeans' remarkable water management system. A network of channels, cisterns, and dams ingeniously harnessed rainwater, allowing for the flourishing of this desert city. The remains of gardens and terraces hint at the agricultural practices that sustained the Nabataeans.

Exploring Petra Archaeological Park is a journey through time, where the echoes of ancient civilizations linger in every stone. Its unique blend of natural beauty and architectural wonders captivates the imagination, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who visit.

Petra Archaeological Park

The Monastery, also known as Al Deir, is an awe-inspiring monument carved into the sandstone cliffs of Petra, Jordan. Its grand facade, towering over 50 meters, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Nabataeans. The intricate carvings adorning its walls depict scenes from Nabataean mythology, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and traditions of this ancient civilization.

Unlike the Treasury, the Monastery is not a tomb but is believed to have served as a temple or religious center. Its two large courtyards, surrounded by intricately decorated walls and columns, provide a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The Monastery's remote location, accessible only after a challenging climb through a narrow gorge, adds to its mystique and allure.

As you approach the Monastery, the sheer scale of the structure is breathtaking. Its massive doorway leads into a spacious interior, where the acoustics create an ethereal echo. The walls are adorned with niches that once held statues of Nabataean deities, adding to the sacred ambiance of the space.

The Monastery is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Nabataeans. Its unique design, combining Roman and Greek architectural elements, showcases their cultural influences and their ability to adapt and innovate. The Monastery stands as a symbol of Petra's rich history and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore its secrets and marvel at its enduring beauty.

Petra

Did You Know?

Peak Tourist Numbers

A Colorful Nickname

World Heritage Status

Ancient Origins

Highlights from Reviews

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