Deep in the deserts of Jordan, in the middle of pink rocks and a narrow valley, lies an ancie city that was hidden from the eyes of the world for ceuries. The city of Petra, where history and nature are iermingled and has secrets to be discovered and legends to be heard in its heart.
The magnifice buildings carved with iricate carvings in the heart of the rocks are a testimony to the ielligence and creativity of the Nabataeans and their skill in architectural engineering. It is ieresting to know that legends also tell about the splitting of this place by the staff of Prophet Moses (pbuh).
The city of Petra is considered one of the sights of Jordan and the new seven wonders of the world. To start your trip to this ancie city, don’t miss reading this article in Alibaba Tourism Magazine.
Where is the city of Petra?
The city of Petra is located in the southwest of Jordan, Maan province, next to the city of Wadi Musa.
What is the most importa feature of the city of Petra in Jordan?
The most importa feature of the city of Petra is its unique architecture, which is completely carved in the heart of the rocks and is considered one of the seven wonders of the new world.
How is the route to Petra from Tehran?
To reach Petra from Tehran, you must first fly to one of the big cities in Jordan, such as Amman. After that, you can take a private taxi or bus to Wadi Musa and then to Petra.
Iroduction to the city of Petra
The city of Petra is one of the national treasures of Jordan and the most well-known tourist attraction of this coury. Known for the distinctive color of its rocks, the city is carved io the heart of sandstone cliffs and is famous for its unique architecture and complex water supply systems.
Photo from: Worldhistor website
One of the most promine parts of Petra is the Khazneh, which offers visitors a stunning view and was featured in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Holy War.” Here, every stone and rock has a new story to tell. For those looking for adveure, history and culture, the city of Petra is an ideal destination that combines all of these.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
Where is the city of Petra?
The historical city of Petra is located in the southwest of Jordan in Maan province. Wadi Musa is a small town located near the ancie city of Petra.
Location of Petra city on Google Map
Access route to Petra city
To get from Tehran to Jordan, you can buy a plane ticket. After that, coinue your journey in Jordan to the ancie city of Petra. Of course, it is also possible to travel by land to Jordan.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
The city of Petra is about 230 kilometers away from the capital of Jordan, the city of Amman. If the starting poi of your trip in Jordan is from this city, you can drive south through the Sahara Highway and reach Wadi Musa, the gateway city of Petra, within 3 hours.
Another way to reach Petra city is the Shahan road, which has a beautiful and spectacular route. Of course, this route takes about 5 hours. To travel this route, you can use a bus, a private car or a private taxi.
Photo from: Britannica website
History of the city of Petra
The ancie and legendary city of Petra is more than 2000 years old. Of course, historically, the remains of human habitation in this area go back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. However, the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people, chose this city as their capital around the fourth ceury BC and turned it io an importa commercial ceer.
Photo from: Britannica website
At that time, the Nabateans gained a lot of wealth due to corolling the trade routes of spices, incense, and precious fabrics from Arabia, India, and Egypt, and used this wealth to build the magnifice city of Petra. By digging canals and reservoirs, the Nabataeans directed water from dista natural sources to the city. This water supply system allowed the city of Petra to become one of the greenest and most prosperous places in the middle of a dry and barren desert.
The city of Petra coinued to flourish during the Roman period, but a severe earthquake in 363 AD destroyed many of its buildings. This earthquake, along with the change of trade routes, caused the gradual decline of the city, and uil the 7th ceury, Petra was almost completely abandoned.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
The city remained hidden from public view for ceuries, uil in 1812, the Swiss explorer Johannes Burkardt rediscovered Petra for the Western world. Since then, this ancie city has been recognized as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
In 1985, the lost city of Petra was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2007, it was announced as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Photo from: Britannica website
The reason for naming the city of Petra
When the Roman emperor, Hadrian, visited this place in 131 AD, he named it Hadrian’s Petra after himself. The city of Petra derives its name from the Greek word “Petra” meaning “stone”, which is a reflection of the unique rock-cut structure of this ancie city.
Photo from: Britannica website
Petra is also known as the “Pink City” or the “Rose City”, a name inspired by the amazing color of the stones from which the city’s monumes are carved.
Architecture of the city of Petra
The ancie city of Petra is located in an enclosed basin, between the mouains of Jabal al-Mashab and Arabah Valley, and with its architecture ierwoven in the Hellenistic and Nabatean styles, it preses a unique view. The city of Petra has tombs and temples carved directly io the heart of the mouain. The buildings of this magnifice city are made of natural sandstone and other local materials.
Photo from: History site
The main erance to the city of Petra starts from the narrow passage of Siq, which is a natural gap between the sandstone rocks. This passage provided both access to the city and served as a natural waterway. This issue allowed the precise corol of water flows in the city. The engineering systems of the Nabataeans corolled sudden floods and stored water for long-term droughts using dams, reservoirs, and water channels.
Photo from: Britannica website
The combination of Hellenistic architectural facades with rock-cut Nabatean temples represes a unique artistic achieveme and an outstanding architectural ensemble from the first ceuries BC to AD.
The city of Petra is especially famous for its Hellenistic architectural influences. Promine buildings such as Khazneh and the monastery are clear examples of these influences. These buildings, combining Nabatean and Greek styles, provide a picture of the diverse civilizations that have influenced Petra and show the extensive commercial coacts of the Nabateans with differe cultures.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
Differe parts and architectural wonders of Petra city
The historical city of Petra displays a series of unique architectures in the heart of the sand cliffs. This city includes public and private buildings, tombs and religious temples that keep the history and culture of the Nabataeans alive.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
One of the most famous structures in Petra is the treasury, which is only one of the thousands of architectural wonders of this city. Visitors can touch the history by walking in parts such as Little Petra and large monasteries and learn about its temples, tombs, theater and rock reliefs.
In addition, Petra’s museums offer a wealth of information about this lost civilization and the city’s commercial prosperity in ancie times. In the rest of this section, we will iroduce each of these places.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
– Treasury of Petra
The Treasury of Petra or Al Khazneh is one of the magnifice works of the city of Petra, which is located at the end of the Siq, a narrow and winding stone path. This huge structure with a height of nearly 40 meters, with Corihian capitals, carved statues and iricate stone decorations, is a symbol of the unique engineering and art of the Nabataeans.
Photo from: Abfabtravels website
The crown of this building is covered with a burial jar which, according to local legends, coains the hidden treasure of Pharaoh. The main use of the treasury is not yet fully known. But some archaeologists believe that this building was built in the first ceury BC and may have been used as a temple or a place to store documes.
In rece excavations, a cemetery has been discovered under this building, which adds to its historical importance. The ierior of the treasury also includes three rooms; A large room in the ceer and two side rooms.
Photo from: Britannica website
– Sigh Strait or Bab al-Sigh
The Siq Strait or “Bab al-Siq” means the gate of the Siq, the path that leads to the main erance of the city of Petra. At the beginning of this path, there are three huge “Jenny” blocks, which are square buildings carved in stone. After that, the obelisk tomb can be seen, which was built by the Nabateans in the first ceury AD.
Photo from: Universes website
Above the mausoleum are four pyramids and a niche with a sculpture in relief represeing the five people buried there. Under it, the “Triclinium” banquet hall is located. There is also an inscription in Nabatean and Greek that refers to a burial monume.
The inscription written by “Abdmanchos” indicates that the tomb was built for him and his family and probably dates back to the reign of Malikus II (40s to 70s AD).
– Royal Tombs of Petra (Royal Tombs)
The Royal Tombs of Petra are a magnifice collection of large tombs carved out of the western slope of the rock mass “Jabal al-Khabtha” and located above the ceer of the Petra Archaeological Park. Although there is no accurate information about the owners of these tombs, research shows that these tombs belonged to the royal family of Petra. These tombs are stunningly combined with Orieal and Hellenistic architecture.
Photo from: Universes website
Among these tombs, we can meion Guldan Tomb, which has a large pillared courtyard and a beautiful view of the lost city of Petra. Next to it, there is the Silk Tomb, which stands out from other tombs due to its beautiful sandstone colors and is one of the favorite destinations for photographers. The Corihian tomb with its decorated Corihian capitals and floral motifs is one of the other promine tombs of this complex.
– Monastery (Al deir)
The monastery is one of the largest and most promine buildings in the city of Petra, which is 47 meters wide and 48.3 meters high, and is located on the slope of the mouain. This building, which dates back to the first ceury BC, was built during the reign of King Rabelais II. Its structure is similar to a vault, but instead of carved statues, it has reliefs with niches to accommodate statues.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
The ierior of the monastery is simple but attractive and is surrounded by two side benches and an altar at the end. This place was used for religious meetings in ancie times. During the Christian era, it was also used as a Christian prayer room, which is why the name of the monastery or “Al Deir” was given to it.
The location of the monastery, at the top of a long and winding path, creates a sense of triumph and wonder for the visitors who reach it. This rock path is a unique experience in itself that invites visitors to explore the history and architecture of this building.
Photo from: Britannica website
Qasr El-bi
Qasr al-Be is one of the importa Nabataean temples in Petra city, which is located inside a large paved area with a height of 23 meters. The construction of this temple dates back to the reign of Aritas IV and was also used in the Roman era. Qasr Al-Be is famous for its magnifice architectural structure and ierior and exterior plaster decorations, which include magnifice columns, promine panels and pla decorations.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
The northern facade of the temple is designed in the tetrasyl style in Ais and is accessible through a large staircase paved with marble. Inside the temple, the priests proceeded to a prayer hall built according to the Syrian tradition, with the idols placed on a high platform in the ceer. The side rooms of the temple were also used as places for sacred symposiums and were furnished with marble seats.
The temple was built in the first half of the first ceury BC, but it was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. Among these damages were deliberate destruction in the third ceury and serious damage due to the earthquake in 363 AD.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
– Amphitheater and Roman ruins of Petra
The amphitheater of Petra is located on the mouainside and near the high place of Ghorbani. This amphitheater was built during the reign of Aretas IV and had a capacity of 4,000 people. Its seats were placed in three rows and it was connected to the theater by corridors and seven staircases. During the Roman period, the back wall of the stage was rebuilt and this place became one of the gathering and eertainme ceers of the city.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
In addition to the amphitheater, the Roman ruins of the historical city of Petra also indicate the presence and significa influence of the Roman Empire in this city. The colonnaded street, one of the most importa Roman structures in the city, was built during this period. Decorated with massive columns, this street was the heart of Petra’s commercial and social activities.
The Roman Empire ruled the city of Petra for 300 years and brought about significa changes in its architecture and urban life, but as trade moved north, the importance of the city declined.
– Tomb of Aaron
Harun’s tomb is located on Mou Harun (Mou Harun). It is believed that Aaron, the brother of Prophet Moses (pbuh), died in this place and was buried here. A mosque with a white dome built in the 4th ceury AD is a memorial to this holy figure and has made this place a place of pilgrimage.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Mou Haroon, with a height of 1,350 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in this region and provides a beautiful view of the surrounding areas. This place has long been a place of pilgrimage for local people, and it is still visited by tourists who have enough time and physical strength for a long walk.
The best time to visit Petra
The best time to visit Petra is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In these seasons, the weather is cooler and more pleasa and ideal for sightseeing in this ancie city.
If you are running away from extreme heat, the summer season with temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius may not appeal to you, but on the other hand, it is quieter and travel costs are usually lower. Wiers are rainy and sometimes snowy and the nights are very cold.
Photo from: Matadornetwork site
We recommend early morning or around sunset to visit Petra. At this time, the sunlight reveals the red rocks of Petra beautifully and creates a memorable experience for you.
Amenities of Petra city
In the ancie city of Petra, the amenities needed by tourists are available. There are several parking lots near the main erance of Petra. Restauras and coffee shops are also available to relieve fatigue and enjoy local and iernational cuisine.
Photo from: Britannica website
In this complex, there are several souvenir shops that offer handicrafts and local products. Restrooms are also located in differe places to meet the basic needs of visitors. For accommodation, the city close to this place, Wadi Musa, offers visitors several options from budget to luxury hotels.
Recreational facilities in the city of Petra
The city of Petra is not only a historical destination, but a place where visitors can enjoy natural scenery and various recreational activities in addition to exploring its stunning architecture. This city provides a unique experience for every taste.
Photo from: Abfabtravels website
– Nature tourism and sightseeing
The city of Petra, with its unique natural scenery, is an ideal destination for nature lovers. One of the most attractive areas for nature tourism, El Bid and Heisheh provide amazing views and a suitable space for rest and picnic.
Photo from: Worldhistory site
The main route of the city of Petra, which reaches from Siq to Al-Khazneh, is one of the most visited routes that passes through the royal tombs and the columned street and ends at Al-Banet Palace. For the more adveurous, one can explore the Al-Khabteh route, which includes Namaha Street and the royal tombs. This route offers wonderful views from the top of Al-Khabteh Reservoir.
– Photography
The lost city of Petra turns every mome io an opportunity to capture beautiful momes due to its stunning scenery and magnifice architecture. The morning and evening light shows a combination of various colors in the ancie rocks of Petra. Of course, considering that photography in this space may be challenging despite the deep shadows that are created in some places, it is better to be familiar with the manual settings of your camera.
Photo from: Matadornetwork site
– Cooking in Petra
Various culinary experiences are provided in the city of Petra for those ierested in experiencing the culture and local flavors of Jordan. One of the best culinary experiences in this area is Petra Kitchen, which by holding night classes, allows visitors to prepare autheic Jordanian dishes in an iimate and friendly atmosphere.
Photo from: Cookly site
On the other hand, Camp Amarin provides an opportunity to touch the old traditions of the Bedouin by offering autheic Bedouin experiences, such as baking teak bread and preparing Arabic coffee.
– Camel riding and horse riding
Camel riding and horse riding are fascinating ways to explore this ancie city that offer you a differe and memorable perspective. Riding a camel from Siq to the Royal Theater is a unique experience that brings to life the life of the old Bedouins.
Photo from: Britannica website
Also, the erance ticket to Petra includes a short horse ride from the visitor ceer to the Siq. Horses can be reed for longer tours.
– Visiting cave houses
Visiting the cave houses in the city of Petra is a unique experience that takes you to the heart of the ancie life of the Nabataeans. These houses carved in the heart of the rocks were used as a place of living, storage and even a place of worship more than 2000 years ago. Some of these houses also have Hellenistic wall paiings. Lined with magnifice houses and tombs, Namaha Street is a great place to start exploring.
Photo from: Theclturemap site
Buying souvenirs from Petra
In the local shops of the historic city of Petra, you can find handmade jewelry with semi-precious stones, colorful ceramics, traditional Bedouin clothing, sand bottles of desert landscapes, flower care products and Dead Sea salt, and works of art made from olive wood.
Photo from: Britannica website
Along with handicrafts and works of art, local foods are also an attractive part of Petra souvenirs. Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan, made from lamb meat and dry yogurt sauce, is one of the most popular flavors in this region. Maglouba, Zareb, primitive tea and coffee, and baklava are other local foods of this region.
Stay in Petra
The city of Petra provides many accommodation options for visitors. If you are looking for a special experience, the Amarin Bedouin Camp is a unique choice that will put you in the heart of the history and culture of the Bedouins. Mon Petra Hotel is located a few steps from the city of Petra. Also, Plaza Hotel, Infinity Hotel, Heart Hotel and Sela Hotel are other suitable options for accommodation.
Photo from: Google Maps site
Alibaba recommendations for visiting Petra
- Be sure to allocate enough time to visit the ancie city of Petra. At least two days are needed to visit this area.
- For your own safety and to protect this place, please take care when visiting. Do not walk on the buildings and only use the designated paths to explore and do not stray from the main path without a guide.
- Bring suitable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and drinking water with you.
- Respect the customs, culture and religion of the local people and try to learn about them in advance.
- Buy your ticket only at the visitor ceer and use the authorized means of transport within the city of Petra itself. Also, avoid buying aiques including stones and coins.
