The Ancient City of Petra (Jordan)

Petra, also known as Raqmu by its inhabitants, is situated 240 km south of Amman, the capital of Jordan, and 120 km north of the Red Sea town of Aqaba (near the town of Wadi Musa). It is also known as the ‘Rose City’ due to its colour. It is believed that the area around Petra has been inhabited since around 8500 BC. Consequently, the Ancient City of Petra is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, and 80% of the region remains to be explored.

Petra, which served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 2nd century BC, fell into Roman hands in AD 106. The city continued to develop until a severe earthquake struck around the 4th century AD; combined with changes in trade routes, this led to its being largely abandoned by the mid-7th century. Rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the ancient city of Petra is truly captivating with its fascinating history.

As the people of Petra were accustomed to living in the desert, they were particularly skilled in agriculture, stone carving and rainwater harvesting. The Petran people mastered water technology, producing innovative architectural marvels. In addition to temples and a theatre, they constructed intricate tombs carved into the mountain slopes. After the Roman and Byzantine periods, colonnaded streets and churches were added to these. Spanning an area of approximately 100 square kilometres, the ancient city of Petra magnificently showcases the remains of a human settlement dating back some 10,000 years. Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on 7 June 2007, this magnificent historic city is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is enthusiastically visited by tourists from all over the world.

Some Places to Visit in the Ancient City of Petra:

The Jinn Block Tombs: These hold cultural significance in Nabataean history. However, the exact role they played remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. The term ‘Jinn’ is an Arabic word referring to evil spirits. However, there is no connection between the name and Nabataean sculptures.

The Obelisk Tomb and the Bab el-Siq Triclinium: These are two distinct structures carved into the sandstone cliffs and situated one above the other.

Aslah Triclinium: It faces the entrance to the Siq and lies on the original road leading to Petra. The Nabataeans typically used tricliniums, often situated near tombs, as sacred sites where ritual feasts were celebrated. Inside the Aslah Triclinium is an inscription, which is the oldest inscription found in Petra to date. For this reason, this triclinium is of great importance.

Al Mudhlim Tunnel and Gate, Siq Dam: When the Nabataeans first settled in Petra, they realised they needed to protect themselves from the sudden floods in the region. They also required a year-round water supply for their own use. Consequently, they built a dam at the entrance to the Siq and carved a tunnel 88 metres long and 12.8 metres high into the rock to divert floodwaters away from the Siq. This tunnel was used to channel water from Wadi Mudhlim to reservoirs, cisterns and dams both within and outside Petra.

Siq: A natural sandstone gorge that winds gently for just over 1.2 km towards the city of Petra and opens onto the magnificent Treasury.

El Hazna (The Treasury): Built by the Nabataeans. Standing 39.5 metres high, the monument was meticulously carved from a single block of rock. Its intricate design is particularly striking. Historical evidence suggests that Al-Khazna likely served as a mausoleum for King Aretas IV, who reigned from 9 BC to AD 40.

Outer Siq Area: The journey from Al-Khazna to the centre of Petra begins with the Outer Siq. This area features a series of monumental Nabataean tombs carved into the southern cliff face, including tombs numbered 67, 68, 69 and 70.

Theatre: The monumental theatre was carved into the mountainside at the foot of the High Place of Sacrifice during the reign of King Aretas IV (4 BC–27 AD). It features approximately forty-five rows of seating, accessible via seven staircases radiating outwards from the centre, and can accommodate 4,000 spectators.

Nymphaeum: A semi-circular public fountain. It is situated near the confluence of Wadi Musa and Wadi al-Mataha. It is named after the nymphs of classical mythology.

Columned Street: According to archaeological excavations carried out in the late 1950s and early 1960s, this street was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD on the site of an ancient Nabataean street. The Columned Street suffered severe damage in the earthquake of AD 363, and the colonnaded structures and commercial buildings were destroyed. The nine columns currently standing have been re-erected from ancient column drums scattered across the street.

Temenos Gate: Located at the western end of the Colonnaded Street. It was most likely built during the reign of Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD as a ceremonial entrance to the sacred precinct of the Qasr al-Bint Temple. Its plan and design are typical of the Roman style. It is thought to have replaced an earlier Nabataean gate.

The ‘Great Temple’ Complex: This is Petra’s largest structure, covering an area of 7,560 square metres. It is accessed via a monumental approach or propylon. There are two successive open-air sections at different heights. Whilst the lower section appears to consist of a large courtyard, excavations have revealed that the upper section, accessed via a pair of monumental staircases, features a small open-air theatre. The presence of this theatre and the adjacent colonnaded courtyard suggests that the building served as a civic complex.

Qasr al-Bint Temple Complex: Known as the palace of the Pharaoh’s daughter. It is Petra’s oldest temple complex. The temple, which is almost square in shape and reaches a height of 23 metres, displays Hellenistic architecture.

The el Najr Quarry at Umm Sayhun: Located to the west after passing through the Umm Sayhun Gate. It lies approximately 200 metres west of the main road and is one of the Nabataean quarries commonly known as the Najr Quarry. The quarry’s summit covers an area of approximately one thousand square metres, and blocks yet to be extracted, along with trenches, can still be seen here.

City Walls: Petra is protected by mountains to the east and west, with el Habis to the west and el Khubtha to the east. Throughout the Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine periods, Petra’s northern and southern boundaries were reinforced with defensive walls.

Round Tower (Conway Tower): Built as a defensive structure within Petra’s northern city walls, the Round Tower takes its name from the archaeologist who began excavations there in 1929. It is situated in a highly strategic location. It has an average diameter of over 24 metres and is constructed from uncarved blocks of hard limestone.

Ridge Church: It is situated on Jumay’an Hill, overlooking the centre of Petra. It was built using Nabataean and Roman materials in the late 4th or early 5th century. It is considered the first church established in Petra.

Blue Chapel: It is believed that the Blue Chapel was built after the Petra Church. It takes its name from four blue Egyptian granite columns, likely moved there from a nearby Nabataean monument.

Petra Church: It is a three-aisled basilica. It was likely built in the second half of the 5th century AD. The church’s mosaic floor, which has survived to the present day, is filled with striking designs. Various themes are depicted there, such as the personification of the four seasons, the ocean, the world, and wisdom.

Tomb 649: Also known as the Armoured Tomb, this structure is situated in the Mughur al-Nasara necropolis and dates from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. Unique for its intricately carved armour frieze, this tomb is accessed via a long but heavily weathered staircase.

The Palace Monument: One of the most significant monuments in Petra, it is carved into the western slope of the Jabal al-Hubta rock mass, overlooking the city centre. It takes its name from the belief that its façade resembles that of a Roman-era palace. It is a magnificent five-storey façade approximately 46 metres high. The Palace Tomb is thought to have been constructed in the late 1st century AD or early 2nd century AD.

Corinth Tomb: Its 28-metre-high façade consists of three storeys and is severely weathered.

Silk Tomb: Also known as the Striped Tomb. It takes its name because it resembles a shimmering piece of silk draped over the rock. It is one of the Royal Tombs renowned for its striking façade.

Urn Tomb: A Nabataean tomb. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Courtyard’ or ‘Al Mahkama’ by the Bedouin community, who believe the underground vaults served as a prison and the building itself as a court of law. A Greek Byzantine inscription records that the hall, originally a royal tomb, was converted into a church by Bishop Jason in AD 447.

Some Activities You Can Enjoy in the Ancient City of Petra:

Petra Balloon flight: Soar above the Petra Mountains and enjoy the magnificent views! The breathtaking scenery of the Rose City awaits you! The balloon is securely anchored and operated by experienced pilots. You can rest assured you are safe!

Turkish bath experience: Relax there amidst ancient rituals! It will certainly be an unforgettable experience for you!

Silver-making experience: Join a silver-making workshop at a local residence in the Valley of Moses! Enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee, then learn about the silver-making process, the tools used and safety precautions! Your personal silver piece will be designed, shaped, measured and soldered. In the end, you’ll have a stunning piece of silver jewellery that you designed yourself!

Experience the local culture up close in the village of Rajif, south of the Petra region: On this programme, you’ll visit a local home, spend quality time with the residents, explore their farm, and—weather permitting—help harvest fresh fruit or vegetables. You’ll experience Bedouin culture first-hand. You can enjoy a home-cooked dinner amidst stunning scenery!

Petra Night Show: This event offers a breathtaking way to see a section of the magnificent ancient city by candlelight. The unique experience begins with a walk through the entire Siq to reach the Treasury. The Treasury is illuminated by over 1,500 candles.

Nabataean Water System Guided Tour: Discover the advanced water system the Nabataeans created to transport water from nearby sources to their capital! Savour local sweets and tea whilst admiring the stunning views of Wadi Musa’s terraced olive groves!

Cooking and dining at the Petra Cooking Workshop: Step into the world of the Nabataeans by staying at the traditional guesthouse of the gracious hostess, Mrs Fatma. You’ll absolutely love the handicrafts and authentic clothing!

Traditional Bedouin Dinner and Stargazing: In the heart of Baidha, a community neighbouring Petra Archaeological Park, there is a camp run by the local tribe. This camp offers traditional Bedouin-style dwellings and locally prepared meals. After dinner, set off on an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking star-filled sky from the surrounding sand dunes, accompanied by a stargazer!

Discover Petra from the Sky: Embark on an unforgettable journey with special helicopter tours organised by the Golden Eagle Aviation Academy! Witness the unique beauty of the world-famous ancient city of Petra from a different perspective!

Have fun with the Henna Fantasy: You can start your experience by watching a documentary about Jordanian culture and history! You’ll absolutely love the hot cup of Arabic coffee served by the Henna team! At the end of the show, presented in carefully crafted costumes and traditional attire, seize the opportunity to join the Henna team for a dance and learn some Jordanian dance steps!

Künefe Making: Step into the enchanting world of künefe making at Elan Restaurant under the expert guidance of skilled artisans!

Places to Visit Near the Ancient City of Petra:

Bayda’s Neolithic Village: It is thought to have been inhabited from 7200 BC to 6500 BC. It is one of the earliest settled villages in human history. The settlement was destroyed by fire at that time and rebuilt. Afterwards, it was inhabited for only a short period.

Siq Al Barid: Located north of Petra. It is also known as ‘Little Petra’ due to its similarities with the main site. It is thought to have been an important suburb of Petra. The site features rock-cut tombs, temples, water channels and cisterns, as well as remains of frescoes painted on plaster. The remains of a fresco depicting vineyards support the view that Bayda was a centre for wine production.

Şkarat Mesayed: It is situated approximately 16 kilometres north of Petra. Since 1999, it has been excavated by the University of Copenhagen in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities and the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority. Remains of a small settlement dating back to the first half of the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period—that is, approximately 9,200 to 8,500 years ago—have been uncovered. This period marked a significant transition in human society.

Ba’ja village: Ba’ja’s Neolithic village is a remarkable archaeological site dating back 9,000 years. This site is one of the earliest known settlements in the world. It was first investigated by archaeologists in 1984 and has been extensively excavated ever since. An interesting architectural feature observed there is the circular shape of the rooms and houses. It has also been confirmed that the area served as a major production centre for a wide variety of goods traded along the Rift Valley some nine thousand years ago. One of the most astonishing discoveries made at the Ba’ja archaeological site in 2018 was the richly furnished grave of a young girl, containing an exquisite ancient necklace made from 2,500 beads.

Aaron’s Tomb: It is believed that Aaron, the brother of the Prophet Moses, was buried in the Petra region after his death.

Shobak Castle: A Crusader castle. It was built in 1115 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem.

Dana Nature Reserve: Jordan’s largest nature reserve, the Dana Reserve covers an area of 320 square kilometres. It features natural mountains and valleys that are home to wildlife. On the edge of a hill overlooking the Dana Valley, there is a charming guesthouse, a campsite and various trails.

Rum Valley: Enjoy both the sunset and the sunrise! Spend a night in a traditional Bedouin tent and take a night-time tour that allows you to learn about the unique culture and hospitality of the wonderful people living in this desert!

Petra Museum: At the Petra Museum, you can journey through time from the Stone Age to the present day, discover the mysteries of the ancient city and learn about the people who lived there. The museum offers an excellent selection of artefacts from Petra and the surrounding area, as well as interactive digital displays, 3D CG-animated audiovisual materials, and life-size reconstruction models based on the latest archaeological research. You’re sure to be amazed!

Spanning an area of 264 acres (264,000 square metres) within Wadi Musa, the Petra Archaeological Park (PAP) is recognised as a tourist and archaeological site. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The first official excavations at Petra took place between 1928 and 1936. Despite extensive work carried out by various international and local teams, it is estimated that only approximately of Petra’s vast area has been archaeologically investigated to date.