Petra

The sandstone structures comprise more than 800 monuments, temples, and tombs spread across 264 square kilometers (102 square miles) of desert terrain. Facades were carved directly into pink and orange rock faces, displaying intricate ornamental patterns, Corinthian columns, and geometric designs. The site extends through a network of canyons, plateaus, and mountain slopes, with many structures positioned at varying elevations. Major monuments reach heights of up to 40 meters (131 feet).

The Nabataeans established the settlement in the 5th century BC and transformed it into the capital of their kingdom, which extended from the Sinai Peninsula to Damascus. The city controlled major trade routes for frankincense, spices, and silk between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world. After Roman annexation in 106 AD, it served as a provincial capital but gradually lost importance. Earthquakes in 363 and 551 AD damaged many structures significantly and accelerated the decline of the once flourishing metropolis.

This rock-cut city remained unknown to the Western world for centuries until Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812, leading to one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 19th century. The monumental legacy of the Nabataeans demonstrates their artistic capabilities and their role as intermediaries between Arabian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Today the site serves as a symbol of national identity for Jordan and ranks among the most visited archaeological destinations in the Middle East.

The archaeological park opens from 6:00 to 17:00 in winter and 6:00 to 19:00 in summer, with guided tours available through the 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) Siq entrance. Visitors should bring comfortable footwear and sun protection, as daytime temperatures can exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). The main path from the entrance to the Treasury requires approximately 45 minutes on foot, while the complete tour to the Monastery takes three to four hours. Donkey rides and horse carriages are available for a fee. Restaurants and refreshment stands operate throughout the grounds.

The advanced water management system engineered by the Nabataeans included over 200 cisterns, channels, and dams that collected and distributed rainwater throughout the arid environment. Engineers used terracotta pipes with conical joints that regulated water pressure and minimized sediment buildup. This hydraulic network enabled a population estimated at 20,000 people to inhabit an area that today receives only 150 millimeters (6 inches) of rainfall annually. Some of the original water systems still function during heavy rains.

Location: Ma'an Governorate

Inception: 800 BCE

Elevation above the sea: 1,350 m

Made from material: sandstone

Address: Jordan

Opening Hours: 06:00-17:00 "winter time" || 06:00-19:00 "summer time"

Phone: +96232156060

Website: http://visitpetra.jo

GPS coordinates: 30.32889,35.44028

Latest update: November 27, 2025 18:48