Petra and Jordan

Petra: The Rose-Red City of Wonders

Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Founded around 312 BC as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, Petra is not only the symbol of Jordan but also its most visited tourist attraction. Nestled in a rocky valley, Petra is accessed through the narrow As-Siq gorge and lies on the slopes of Mount Hor.

The Nabataeans called this city Rakmu (Rqm), meaning “multicolored.” Petra was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. The city was brought to global attention by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who, after years of studying the local dialect under the guise of a Moorish merchant, persuaded a Bedouin to lead him to the ancient hidden city in 1812.

UNESCO describes Petra as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.” Smithsonian magazine has also named it one of the “28 places to see before you die.” The Treasury (El-Khazneh) is Petra’s most famous structure, standing 40 meters tall and 27 meters wide.

In the valley, countless tombs are carved into the pale pink sandstone. The city also features numerous temples with richly decorated facades. Petra was strategically located on the silk and spice trade routes, connecting China, India, and Southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Rome. This trade heritage explains the abundance of temples built by traders to pray to their gods.

The entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge over 1 km long, flanked by towering cliffs 80 meters high. The formations and colors of the surrounding rocks create an unforgettable spectacle.

Petra was also a filming location for the famous Indiana Jones movie. Today, Petra stands as the ruins of a rock-cut city of the Nabataeans, situated in the desert of southwestern Jordan, in the narrow As-Siq gorge.

During its peak from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Its numerous tombs, pools, urns, temples, and a theater seating 3,000 spectators from the 1st century AD offer visitors a vivid sense of ancient history.

The greatest attractions of Petra include the “Treasury of the Pharaoh,” the Great Tombs of the Kings, and the tomb of Sextius Florentinus. Petra’s history spans 4,000 years, with over 800 significant sites and structures.

In 1985, Petra was rightfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, cementing its status as a jewel of human heritage.

Book your tour now and experience the ancient wonders of Jordan And the fascinating history of Petra!