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Travel to the ancient city of Petra and experience a wonder like no other. Tucked away in the southern desert of Jordan, this lost city is a sight to behold. Once a thriving trade center founded by the Nabataean civilization during the 4th century BC, it was abandoned around the early Islamic era. The city eventually became unknown to the rest of the world between the 14th and early 19th centuries. The lost city was re-discovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812. Now people from all over the world travel to this mystical rose city to admire the extraordinary rock-cut architecture carved into sandstone mountains.
Petra is a 3 hour drive from Amman and is near the town of Wadi Musa. You can either visit on your own or through an organized tour. You may want to stay for two or three days so you have enough time to explore the city. There are hotels near the city entrance and also in the town center of Wadi Musa.
Once in Petra, you can either walk or have a horse, donkey or camel take you around. Keep in mind, there will be a lot of walking. You will go through the Siq – the narrow gorge which serves as the main entrance to the city. The Siq is about 1.2km long, starting at the dam and ending at the Treasury (Al Khazneh). Make sure you take in every moment and admire the natural rock and carved areas as you walk through the Siq.
Al Khazneh was originally built as a mausoleum but was eventually referred to as the “Treasury” because of the belief that it contained hidden treasures. This amazing construction was carved out of the sandstone rock and displays elaborate architecture and sculptures. The Treasury is a famous icon of Petra and definitely a must-see when you visit. The ancient structure is beyond magnificent and exudes a certain mystery causing its visitors to admire in awe.
You can also see the Royal Tombs, climb the stairway to the High Place of Sacrifice and enjoy a spectacular view, hike to the Monastery, and enjoy tea and perhaps dinner with the Bedouins. Seems like an experience of a lifetime to me! No wonder Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the new seven wonders of the world. This beautiful lost city is definitely on my bucket list.
Book your hotel in Petra or Wadi Musa, Jordan here!
WOW!!!!! I never heard of it!!!! I definitely want to explore this place!!!! Great article!!! Thanks for sharing!
This looks like an amazing place to travel to! I’m going to have to google some more pictures ^_^
I have always wanted to visit the middle east. This is a great share of the beauty that exists in an area of the world that gets so much bad press.
Wow, I never heard of this place before. That treasury building is a work of art, it is so beautiful! I want to visit here someday.
Me too! It is definitely on my bucket list.
I want to explore this place too! I’ll have to organize a trip 🙂
Yes it does look amazing! It should be quite the experience. I am planning to add more info and possibly more photos eventually :).
Me too and I agree that it is such a beautiful area with unfortunately so much bad press. I have a few places in the middle east that I would love to visit. Petra is at the top of the list.
Gorgeous photos and definitely a place I would love to explore. So much history.
So much history indeed! I think that’s why I’m so drawn to it (plus it is absolutely beautiful)