Petra

Tucked away in the rugged southern mountains of Jordan lies the breathtaking ancient city of Petra — often called the “Rose City” for the pink-hued sandstone cliffs that make up its architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Once the thriving capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, Petra is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Jordan’s most iconic travel destinations.

A Brief History

• The area around Petra has been inhabited since the early Neolithic era (around 8,500 – 5,500 BCE).
• Petra became the centre of the Nabataean Kingdom around the 4th century BC, flourishing thanks to the incense, spice, and caravan trade.
• In 106 AD, the Roman Empire annexed the Nabataean realm, turning Petra into part of the Roman Province of Arabia.
• Over the centuries, shifts in trade routes, earthquakes, and abandonment led to Petra becoming largely hidden from the Western world until its rediscovery in the early 19th century.

Why Petra is Special

What makes Petra extraordinary isn’t only its rich history, but a blend of geography, architecture, and engineering:

• Carved nearly entirely out of sandstone cliffs, its buildings — tombs, temples, theatres — are hewn from rock, giving them an other-worldly and timeless look.
• The layout demonstrates advanced hydraulic engineering: the Nabataeans designed cisterns, channels and water-systems to capture desert rainfall and make the mountain terrain habitable.

What to See & Do

Here are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss:

• Al‑Khazneh (The Treasury): Probably the most iconic façade of Petra — carved into the cliff and dramatically revealed as you exit the Siq.
• Ad Deir (The Monastery): A more rugged hike up and away from the main path brings you to this massive rock-cut monument with astounding views.
• The Siq: The dramatic canyon entrance to Petra — walking through it sets the tone for the entire experience.
• Royal tombs & Colonnaded Street: Explore the range of dwellings, public spaces, theatres, and tombs to get a sense of what life may have been like in the Nabataean city.

When to Go & Practical Tips

• The best times to visit Petra are during the shoulder seasons: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) — these offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Allow at least one full day, ideally two, to experience the major sites without rushing.
• Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and be prepared for uneven terrain and plenty of walking.

Responsible Travel

Visiting Petra also means being mindful of the location’s fragility and cultural context. Some guidelines:

• Stay on the marked paths, avoid climbing naïvely on ancient carvings.
• Respect local Bedouin communities and the heritage site as both a living cultural site and an archaeological treasure.
• Consider supporting local businesses — guides, produce, crafts — so that tourism benefits the region sustainably.

Why Petra Still Captivates

Petra has a timeless quality. When you walk through the Siq or stand before the Treasury, you’re crossing into an ancient world.