Petra

Overview

Petra is Jordan's most famous archaeological site, known as the Rose City, where Nabataean temples hewn from the mountainside astonish visitors.

History

Petra was founded by the Nabataeans and flourished between roughly the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD as a key trading hub on the ancient spice routes. The city was carved entirely into sandstone cliffs, and the monumental Treasury, 43 metres high, is a masterpiece of Nabataean architecture. It was absorbed into the Roman province of Syria in AD 106 and gradually declined and was forgotten. The Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. It became a World Heritage Site in 1985 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Highlights

• •The rose-red Treasury revealed at the end of the gorge
• •The winding 1.2-kilometre Siq canyon
• •The imposing Roman-style theatre
• •The desert panorama from the Monastery after the climb
• •A candlelit night walk through the ancient city

Practical tips

• •Wear comfortable walking shoes
• •The candlelit evening event is highly recommended

Practical information

Best time

March to May

Tickets

One-day pass about JOD 50, roughly USD 70; two-day passes offer better value

Opening hours

6:00 to 18:00; candlelit night tours on selected evenings

Local food

Bedouin grilled meat, flatbread and mint tea

Getting around

The site is vast, so enter early and allow a full day; a local guide can be hired

Visa

A visa on arrival is available. The Jordan Pass waives the visa fee and includes entrance to Petra.

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