In the very heart of Jordan, in the Wadi Musa Valley, deep in the sandy mountains is the most amazing ancient city of Petra. For many centuries, this unusual city carved into the rock has amazed the imagination of people who come here with its majestic appearance and the pink-red color of all its buildings.
Despite the large number of interesting archaeological finds, it is Petra that is the most recognizable landmark of Jordan and its original symbol.
Petra was originally a temporary refuge for the nomadic Nabatean tribes. From several fortified rocky caves, it gradually grew into a large fortress city.
Petra is the most famous landmark of Jordan, located 133 km from Aqaba and 262 km south of Amman. You can get to the city in one way - through the narrow Siq gorge, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who warmly welcome guests on their land, are engaged in the manufacture and sale of souvenirs, offer tourists to take a ride on horses and camels.
It can take two to three days to see the more than 800 sights of Petra. The temple-palace of Al-Khazneh, carved into the rock, is world famous; its height is 42 m, and its width is 25 m. Many secrets and mysteries are associated with this amazing ancient structure.
The exact date of the construction of the amazing palace is not known - presumably it is the 1st or 2nd century BC, i.e. the period when Petra was ruled by the Roman Empire. The true purpose of El-Khazneh is not completely clear either. The intricate intertwining of various architectural styles suggests that there could have been a temple of Isis or the tomb of ancient kings. Until now, scientists cannot say exactly how the palace was built.
The beautifully preserved Nabatean city of Petra is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and annually attracts many tourists from all over the world with its beauty and mystery.
Temple-Palace Al-Khazneh, Petra, Jordan
Petra is an ancient city, the pearl of Jordan. Located one kilometer from the city of Eilat.
The city of Petra was the capital of the ancient Nabataean state that arose in the 7th century BC. A significant part of the architectural objects of Petra is carved directly into the rocks of red sandstone.
In ancient times, the city was located at the crossroads of important trade routes, which ensured its prosperity. But after the opening of sea trade routes, the city fell into decay. Gradually, the sands sheltered the amazing architecture of Petra. Forgotten for centuries, it was discovered only in the 19th century.
Now the majestic buildings of the ancient capital attract about half a million tourists annually.
Coordinates: 30.32887900,35.44257900
Byzantine church
Petra is an impressive Nabatean ancient city in western Jordan. All its magnificent massive facades, carved out of red sandstone, and the surrounding rugged landscape dotted with historical monuments - real paradise for travelers. Petra was and is a large religious city. There are many tombs, temples, shrines and altars here.
One of these gems is the Byzantine Church. It was built on Roman ruins around AD 450. The church was a three-aisled basilica with total area about 400 square meters. All the aisles of the temple are paved with amazingly preserved mosaics depicting local and mythical animals. The cruciform font was surrounded by four columns, possibly supporting the dome. Around AD 600, the church suffered a major fire and was abandoned until finally destroyed by earthquakes.
Its excavations began in 1992, 152 papyrus scrolls were discovered by archaeologists. Byzantine church is unique historical monument ancient civilization and is of great interest to tourists.
Coordinates: 30.33128700,35.44429100
What sights of Petra did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate this or that place.
Siq Canyon
The Siq Canyon is located in Jordan, its length is one and a half kilometers, and it ends with the ruins of Al Khazneh. Previously, this gorge served as the main entrance to the ancient city and was used by royal caravans.
At the very beginning of the canyon, you can see the remains of a stone arch. Here there was a massive gate of the Roman legion, which made it possible to tightly block the passage and keep the defense with minimal forces.
Coordinates: 30.32888900,35.44027800
Karak has been known since ancient times. The castle is a huge labyrinth with gloomy vaults and endless passages. It is so high that you can see the Dead Sea from its windows.
Karak is located on the so-called "Royal Road" (or "Road of the Kings"), a caravan route between Syria and Egypt. It is not for nothing that bloody wars have been fought over this territory for many centuries.
The castle was built by the crusaders in 1136. The Karak fortress became at that time the main center of the Crusaders in the area. Later it became a fortified post of the Mamluks and Ayyubids.
The main thing in Karak is the numerous tunnels, underground passages, labyrinths, rooms. It is very easy to get lost in them and, moreover, it is interesting. In some places, it is just pitch darkness, so a flashlight will not be superfluous.
Coordinates: 31.16485500,35.76190800
Urn tomb
The Urn Tomb is one of the many unique structures in Petra. This is one of the five so-called Royal Tombs, which served as the burial place for kings and dignitaries. It got its name from the urn that is crowned with the central pediment.
The tomb was built on high mountain and dominates among the adjacent facades. To climb here, you must overcome several flights of stairs. Presumably, this is the tomb of King Malchus II, who died in 70 AD. The imposing façade has stood the test of time. The tomb stands on an open platform, with several pairs of columns along the northern terrace. The inner chamber is quite impressive, its area is about 400 square meters.
In 477, the tomb was converted into a church, as evidenced by the inscription of the consecration on the back wall of the hall. This imposing structure is very popular with tourists. To services of visitors there is a cafe with a wide selection of soft drinks and a cozy hotel located a few kilometers away.
Coordinates: 30.32762000,35.44943400
Tomb of Aneisho
The tomb of Aneisho is one of the many landmarks of Petra. It was created around AD 50. The monument is located on a hill, so it immediately attracts attention.
This magnificent building is named after the brother of the Nabatean queen Shagilat. It has a beautiful double eaves façade. Its structure intertwines Greek, Egyptian and Nabatean architectural styles. The tomb was a two-tiered room with a total area of about 400 square meters. A room with a massive table and two benches was equipped here, in which sacred holidays were held in honor of the dead.
This place is of great interest to visitors. There is a small cafe next to the tomb with a wide selection of soft drinks. Cozy hotel located a few kilometers away, you can stop here for a sightseeing tour.
Coordinates: 30.32865700,35.44725200
The most popular attractions in Petra with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Petra on our website.
Individual and group
More sights of Petra
The trip from Amman, Israel and Egypt to Petra will be significantly more tiring and expensive. Border stops are inevitable, and moving from Egypt requires crossing the Israeli border, and Israeli border guards are renowned for their corrosiveness and slowness. In addition, a border tax has recently been taken from those crossing the Israeli border.
In summer on the way, the temperature reaches 50 degrees, which is not too conducive to curiosity. The ideal time for a thoughtful visit to Petra is late autumn, winter, spring. It is not hot at this time, you should even stock up on a jumper.
The place is so interesting that it is worth devoting more than one day to it, although, of course, you can keep within one day excursion... The fact is that in order to even just get from the entrance to the city to the main interesting places, it is required to walk several kilometers along the narrow (in some places about a meter) Sik canyon. The lazy and wealthy tourists hire donkeys or a stroller. There are inevitable pauses for photographing and amazed scratching of the back of the head.
You can stop for rest in the town of Wadi Musa near the rocky city, or in several hotels directly on the territory of Petra.
City `s history
Petra, despite its unusual appearance, is historically the city - the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, which existed for seven centuries. The city had houses carved into the rock, temples, tombs. During these centuries, no one has managed to take the city by storm. It's all about a competent location and a fantastic communication system.
The city of Petra, in Nabatean "Nakmu", is located at an altitude of more than six hundred meters above the surrounding area. Climbing the cliffs surrounding the city is very difficult. Water remains the main resource of the Middle Eastern countries to this day. The unnamed city builders provided for a system for collecting and concentrating all possible precipitation. In the Petra region, the average monthly precipitation in the wettest month - January - is 45 mm, in June there is no precipitation at all. All the water that flowed in the spring months from the surrounding mountains, through channels carved into the rocks, flowed into pools and reservoirs that provide residents for the whole year.
The city stood at the crossroads of two trade routes - the Mediterranean Sea - the Persian Gulf and Damascus - the Red Sea. The spice trade brought fantastic profits to the Nabateans. Only the opening of new trade routes to the east by the Romans led to the decline of Petra.
Walk in Petra
All visitors get off the buses in front of the entrance to the canyon. Souvenirs are sold here (residents of Bedouin settlements in several factories in the district process ornamental stone under the state program), there are several coffee shops, you can hire a carriage to travel along the canyon.
After passing a canyon with vertical (thirty meters high) walls, you go to main square El Ghazne. Usually the guides deliberately “speak their teeth,” in order to guess the effective moment of the exit to the facade of the Treasury. The canyon makes a turn before entering the square, so all beginners are looking in the wrong direction. The effect is tremendous.
The building, famed for the Indiana Jones series, is said to have housed the treasures of the pharaohs and, later, of the Mediterranean pirates. No one is allowed inside. The dimensions of the Treasury are striking - 40 meters high and 24 meters wide.
At every step, Bedouin kids offer to buy souvenirs, even simple stones. Depending on the time of day, the surrounding rocks change color - from pale pink at dawn to orange at sunset. The territory of the city is gigantic, so you can walk here for several days. Some come with their tents and mountain equipment to spend a few days in the surrounding mountains. Only the cost of staying on the territory of Petra changes.
The places here are harsh, therefore, when planning a trip for several days, you need to provide yourself with a supply of water, food (we absolutely do not recommend taking alcohol), strong shoes, warm clothes for the night, learn a few Arabic greetings - no one guarantees that you will be understood in Russian (although in the same Aqaba all young people speak Russian fluently).
If you ask any local guide - how could people build such grandiose buildings without cranes, without forty-meter scaffolding (after all, there is nowhere to take so much forest), they will answer you - they were lowered from above on ropes. Perhaps. But a believer will immediately remember the words from the sixth chapter of the biblical Book of Genesis: "At that time there were giants on earth." Maybe they really lived here?
Petra (Arabic: البتراء reads "Al-Batra") is an ancient city located in the south-west of Jordan, the former capital of Idumea, and later of the Nabataean kingdom. It is located at an altitude of more than 900 m above sea level in the narrow Siq canyon. Jordan's capital, Amman, is 236 km away.
The ancient city of Petra belongs to the new wonders of the world, and is also included in the list World heritage UNESCO. Millions of tourists come here to see with their own eyes rock town... The spectacle is truly impressive, since it is impossible to believe that it was created several millennia ago.
Petra - the history of the city
The history of the city of Petra in Jordan began in the 18th century. BC, when the Edomites were the owners here (XVIII - II centuries BC), they laid the foundation for many buildings. Then there were the Nabateans (II century BC - 106 AD), then the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs. And in the XII Art. AD the city belonged to the crusaders.
Who and why built Petra
The name of the city of Petra is translated from Greek as "rock", and it is not surprising - after all, the entire ancient city consists entirely of stone. And it is also called the "pink" city, because at sunrise and sunset, the rocks really shine with a scarlet and pink hue.
The rocky city of Petra arose due to the fact that the Nabataeans - Arabs-nomads - were able to control the flow of water, which was important for the area. When torrential floods happened here, people used cisterns and aqueducts - this allowed not only to survive the drought, but also gave income from the sale of water to travelers.
At that time, the great city of Petra had an advantageous location at the crossroads of strategically important trade routes. One of them connected Persian Gulf and Gaza, and the other is the Red Sea and Damascus. Caravans laden with spices endured the drought of the Arabian Desert for weeks. And then the secluded Sik canyon was waiting for them, which led to Petra.
For several hundred years, the spice trade has brought huge income to the city. But after the discovery of sea routes to the East by the Romans, land caravans gradually lost their meaning in their existence and Petra became lost city wrapped in sands.
It is not known if we would have known about the existence dead city if in 1812 the Swiss traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt had not discovered and described it.
Attractions of the city of Petra
Temples, tombs, baths, colonnades - stone city boasts over 800 monuments of antiquity, which are evidence that hardworking and talented people lived here.
To see this wonder of the world, you need to overcome several kilometers through the Siq gorge. And you will need to do this on foot. Already here you will be impressed sheer cliffs that form the walls of the dark corridor. Coming out of here, the first thing that a tourist sees is the Al-Khazne palace.
Al-Khazne Palace - one of the main attractions of Petra, is the tomb of one of the kings of the Nabataean kingdom. The building is carved into a huge rock, has a graceful pediment and towering columns. To this day, it remains a mystery how the builders in those days managed to create such a structure - without scaffolding (there are no trees in this area) and special equipment. There is a version that the palace of Al-Khazneh was the temple of the goddess Isis.
Bypassing the rock in which the palace is carved, one opens a view of many buildings carved in stone - these are former residential buildings, and stairs, and arches, and even a Roman amphitheater, which once could accommodate about 4,000 spectators.
There are two in the city archaeological museum, many monuments of biblical chronicles - Mount Aaron, on which the high priest, according to legend, died; valley of Wadi Musa; source of Ain-Musa (Moses). Also here you can see Kazr al-Bint - the main temple of the Nabataean kingdom.
Another attraction that strikes with its beauty is the monastery of Ad-Deir, which is located on the top of a cliff. The building is about 45 meters high and 50 meters wide. The monastery has only one room and a staircase that leads to a niche. There were once columns in the square in front of Ed-Deir, and various religious ceremonies were held here. Opposite the monastery, a cafe was organized for tourists so that they could hide in the shade and enjoy the beauty of antiquity with a cool drink.
Excursions to the city of Petra
You can go to Petra on your own or take an excursion. One day may not be enough to thoroughly explore all the sights, so we recommend staying at a hotel in the neighboring town of Wadi Musa. It is there that everything is concentrated tourist infrastructure... are few - there are about 40 hotel facilities in the city, prices start at $ 16, the average cost per day is $ 70.
What to bring from the trip:
- souvenirs with colored sand;
- figurines with landmarks;
- jewelry-bijouterie.
How to get there
Amman to Petra is a 3 hour drive following the Desert Highway. You can also go along the "Royal Road", but then it will take 5 hours.
By bus
Every day a bus runs from the Abdali bus station in Aman to Petra, it departs in the morning - at 06:30, travel time - 3.5 hours. The bus goes back to Aman at 17:00. One way fare is 10 Jordanian dinars (approximately $ 14).
By minibus
There is also a Wihdat bus station in Aman, from where minibuses leave several times a day. The fare is 5 Jordanian dinars (approximately $ 7). Travel time is 3 hours.
From other countries
If you are vacationing in Egypt or Israel, then you also have the opportunity to visit Petra. Almost all travel agencies in the resorts organize tours to Jordan.
Entrance fees:
- for 1 day - 50 Jordanian dinars ($ 70);
- for 2 days - 55 Jordanian dinars (77 $);
- for those who arrive in Jordan for just a day, the entrance to Petra will cost 90 Jordanian dinars ($ 127);
- guide - 50 Jordanian dinars ($ 70);
- night tour (from 20:30 to 22:00) - 17 Jordanian dinars ($ 24).
106 km from Petra there is another interesting attraction of Jordan - the reserve, or Moon Valley.
The Arab Middle Eastern state of Jordan is small in area and does not have its own natural resources, therefore, largely depends on the help of other countries, in particular, the United States. The country lies on the coast Dead sea, which shares with Israel and Palestine, and partly on the coast of the Gulf of Akkaba. Not far from the capital of Jordan, Amman, is the ancient rocky city of Petra, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world. Petra, carved into the pink rock, is a priceless treasure that has glorified the Kingdom of Jordan throughout the planet. UNESCO has included Petra in the list of masterpieces of the world human heritage.
The city where Moses drew water from the rock
Pink Petra delights with its rare color - the color of the rock, from the stone flesh of which buildings and tombs are skillfully carved. To preserve the unique attraction, the entire infrastructure is not located in Petra, but at the entrance, in the village of Wadi Musa, which spoils the anticipation of meeting its beautiful shops, markets and hotels.
Petra was created by the ancient Arab tribe of the Nabateans, who inhabited Jordan two thousand years ago. From impregnable cliffs, the warlike aborigines controlled the trade caravans that marched along the ancient Arabian "road of incense" for a small fee, and protected them from raids. From India and Arabia to the west, slow processions flowed continuously with expensive fabrics and rare spices, hides of wild animals, gold and precious ivory. With the money raised, the Nabateans tirelessly improved their Petra. In those centuries, it was a highly developed technological city with dams and canals, an absolute masterpiece of architecture.
The Temple of Petra in Jordan is even mentioned in the Bible - it was here that Moses drew water from the rock and with his staff made his way through the Siq gorge, where tourists are now walking to see the city.
The road to Petra
TO ancient settlement there is a rocky road cut next to the Sik gorge, which is more than a kilometer long. The path is laid along a strange, anomalous-looking plateau, consisting of sandstone of different shades. On both sides there are 80-meter cliffs. The shrine is located at an altitude of 660 m above the Arava Valley, and you can get closer to it only after passing through the gorge, which is an adventure in itself, full of anticipation of a meeting. The view of magnificent Petra at the end of the dark passage leaves the travelers speechless. Pinkish rocks and a majestic necropolis are ingenious creations created by nature and an ancient tribe.
Arabs make money with might and main at their shrine, every step is paid. Entrance to the Siq gorge is also paid, and if you haven't enjoyed Petra in a day, you will have to pay again the next day. Enterprising locals they offer live transport to pass through the corridor - horses, mules, donkeys and even camels. Until recently, the fee for the opportunity to see the seventh wonder of the world, Petra, was 20 euros. But it is much more interesting to go all the way a kilometer long on foot, lagging behind the group - the traveler finds himself in a fantastic world. Overhanging blocks of sandstone, a path that is extremely narrow, then unexpectedly wide, like an avenue. And only high above your head you can hardly see the blue sky between the almost closed stones. In the distant centuries, Petra was inaccessible, because the Nabateans hid their city well. Below you can see how Petra is located on the map.
Treasures of the ancient city
Unfortunately, not all of Petra has survived, many sights and masterpieces have not reached us, especially detached buildings. But the Treasury and the High Altar, carved into the thickness of the rock, still look great today.
Treasury
Each traveler, approaching Petra along a winding corridor cut through the rock, experiences a culture shock from the unexpectedly opened city, pink, glowing from the inside. It is impossible to forget this. The ancient capital is forever bound by a rock, from the shackles of which it seems to be trying to free itself. And the first thing that the gaze of a tourist, numb with amazement, is directed at is the "Treasury" monument. Its façade, renowned throughout the world for the Indiana Jones movie, rose into the shimmering blue of the Jordanian sky.
The portico of the Treasury is crowned with a 4-meter urn, according to legend, the jewels of the pharaohs are hidden in it. The urn is dotted with traces of bullets, these are barbarians in previous centuries trying to get what is hidden in it from human eyes. Modern scholars have roughly estimated the age of the building and determined that it was carved during the reign of Arethas IV, who died in 40 AD. Architectural style The treasures can be designated as a kind of fusion, since Corinthian, Egyptian and Alexandrian motifs coexist in it. Historians are inclined to believe that foreign workers, possibly slaves, were involved in the construction, and not just the Nabateans. In contrast to the pretentious facade with its serpents, dancing Amazons and sphinxes inside, the building is completely empty and ascetic.
Tombs of Petra
But the Treasury is just one of the amazing wonders of ancient Petra. When approaching the city, travelers will see many magnificent tombs, or rather 107, which are carved right into the rocks and intricately decorated with exquisite carvings. The tombs are designed in such a way as to protect the dead in their afterlife. Some benches have been preserved inside; apparently, people ate in them and even slept in them.
Amphitheater and High Altar
The Roman Amphitheater is another majestic landmark of Petra. It housed 3,000 Nabataeans and its arena is well preserved. Ancient city Petra in Jordan is full of shrines. One of them is located 200 meters from the Treasury. This is the high Altar, sacred place the Nabateans. Here, on a high rock, an altar was built, and grooves were cut on the sides for the drainage of the blood of animals sacrificed to the gods. The picture below shows a long staircase along which the priests led the doomed animals to the altar.
Practical information
Petra is open to visitors all daylight hours, although it is officially listed - from 7 to 18 hours. The most comfortable months for the tour are from March to May and September to November, as it is very hot and dusty in summer and cold in winter. If possible, it is better to choose to meet with a wonderful weekday, on weekends and holidays there is pandemonium, 3000 people a day is considered the norm. Mostly tourists come on a one-day excursion in an organized group. To fully enjoy Petra, you can stay for a couple of days in Wadi Musa, in one of the small hotels.
How to get to Petra
Pink Petra is located 260 km from the capital of Jordan - Amman. Two highways lead to it - Korolevsky (6 hours drive) and Desert (3.5 hours drive). You can take organized excursion by Jetta bus, it departs Amman at 6 am and arrives back at 15.30. The price of the excursion includes lunch in Petra, the rest of the costs are at the expense of the tourist.
How to prepare for your trip
Jordan is a very hot country, where desert winds almost always blow, blowing sand, therefore, the correct selection of clothes and especially shoes is extremely important:
- for protection from the aggressive sun, it would be wise to wear a thin T-shirt with sleeves and elongated pants;
- you will have to walk a lot on hot stones and various unevenness of the mountain, so put on high socks on your feet that will protect your ankle from impacts on sharp stones, and lightweight, breathable sneakers on a special thickened sole;
- Be sure to take a small backpack with you, in which you put a bottle of water and sunburn cream with a high degree of UV protection;
- Buy light but nutritious food - nuts, energy bars, fruits - to recharge your trek.
- change money, a trifle, will also come in handy.
You can go to a meeting, Petra is waiting for you, a city map will help you navigate the terrain.
Video about the rocky city of Petra
In this short article, the beautiful Petra appeared before you, short description its main shrines and a little history. We will be glad if you, dear reader, share your impressions of visiting the capital. ancient people Nabateans in Jordan, because real reviews tourists are priceless. They say that Petra is the city of the dead. But it has been living for many centuries, sheltered from age-old dust by the reliable protection of a pink rock.
