The ancient city of Petra in Jordan fascinates travelers with its thousands of years of history. Petra is a place that feels like a journey through time, located about 3 hours from the capital Amman.
Amman
Nestled in the rugged desert canyons of southern Jordan, Petra is more than a destination. It’s an encounter with the past that feels almost sacred. Known as the “City of Roses” because of the pink hue of its stones, Petra was once a bustling trading center of the Nabataean civilization. Today, it is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
The Nabataean Kingdom reaches its greatest extent (1st century BC)
This ancient city, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with history, mystery, and awe-inspiring landscapes. If you’re curious about past eras, a visit to Petra is a great choice.
Walking Through the Siq and Meeting Al-Khazneh
Siq Canyon
The experience of Petra begins with a walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs. As you gently follow the winding path, anticipation builds—until suddenly, the magnificent Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) reveals itself.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
This intricately carved façade is Petra’s most photographed monument, and for good reason. The craftsmanship and scale are breathtaking, making it easy to imagine ancient travelers arriving here in wonder, just as modern visitors do today.
Exploring Ancient Trails and Echoes of the Nabataeans
Petra is not just about one or two monuments; it is a vast city filled with tombs, temples, stairways, and sacred spaces carved into stone. You may want to climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), another impressive structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert. If you’re ready for a rewarding hike, you’ll need to climb 800 steps to reach Ad Deir, a massive structure even larger than the Treasury.
Street of Facades
Along the Street of Facades, you’ll see rows of carved Royal Tombs thought to have housed nobles and important citizens. After the Royal Tombs, you can explore the Roman Theatre and smaller residences that tell the story of a complex and vibrant civilisation. Taking the time to walk among these ruins will help you connect with those who once called this city home.
Royal Tombs
Petra by Night: A Magical Way to See History Glow
If your schedule allows, you might want to visit Petra after sunset for the Petra by Night experience. Lit by thousands of candles, the Siq and Treasury take on a dreamlike quality. Soft music and storytelling under the stars can turn your visit into a once-in-a-lifetime memory. This enchanting perspective allows you to feel the spiritual essence of Petra—serene, powerful, and timeless.
How to Get to Petra
Aqaba
Reaching Petra is easier than many expect, especially with growing travel infrastructure in Jordan. Most visitors arrive via Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, followed by a scenic 3–4 hour drive to Wadi Musa, the town closest to Petra. You can travel by rental car, public JETT buses, or arrange a private transfer. If you’re coming from Aqaba, the journey is shorter—around 2 hours by road—making it ideal for those entering via the Red Sea.
Indiana Jones – The Last Crusade (1989)
We remember Petra from The Last Crusade, one of the famous productions in the Indiana Jones movie series. This is a place with architectural beauty that cannot fit into the movies. And not only that. For example, the water systems developed by the Nabataeans thousands of years ago are amazing.
This lost city, abandoned over time, was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in the 19th century. Today, this lost city is one of the most important stops for travelers interested in culture and history. If you want to explore Petra, you will not regret it.
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