Exploring Petra: A Journey through the Ancient City's Most Iconic Monuments

 Jordan is a destination that never fails to impress both locals and international travelers. The ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see attraction for any visitor. But beyond Petra, the country offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and immersing yourself in nature. Are you looking to experience the natural and cultural beauty of Jordan? A tailored Petra tour is the perfect way to fully explore the massive site, nestled within towering, rose-colored cliffs. Take in the breathtaking ruins of the iconic Petra monument, once the capital of the Nabataean civilization. Be amazed by the incredible architecture that tells the story of this ancient city's past.

A modern wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is a site of unparalleled grandeur. You have to see it for yourself to grasp its magnificence! To fully experience and appreciate Petra's architecture, history and culture, it is recommended to plan for a minimum of one to two days.

The Siq, a narrow gorge of sandstone cliffs towering up to 200 meters high, serves as the gateway to Petra. The Siq offers a fittingly dramatic entrance to the ruins. As you journey down this mysterious passageway, you'll be filled with anticipation for what lies ahead.

Upon exiting the Siq, you are greeted by the magnificent and renowned Treasury. The 40-meter-high facade, carved into the rock face, is the first glimpse visitor’s catch of the monument through the Siq's narrow cleft. It is believed to have been used as a tomb, like many of the grand facades found in Petra. The two-level facade showcases a variety of architectural styles, including Egyptian and Hellenistic, highlighting the Nabataeans' vast knowledge. It's no wonder this is one of Jordan's most popular and photogenic locations - it is truly breathtaking!

Venturing beyond the Treasury on foot will lead you to the Monastery. It is a trek, but it is well worth the journey. Another option is to take the back entrance, which is a 9-mile hike, but it offers a breathtaking view of Petra and the surrounding area. This route is less crowded and the panoramic views are stunning.

The main thoroughfare through the Petra ruins is referred to as the Street of the Facades, and it stretches from the Treasury to the theater. The path is flanked by towering stone cliffs, which feature both grand and smaller tombs carved into them. Many of these tombs are easily accessible and climbing up will give you the opportunity to see inside the graves. It is definitely worth the exploration.

In addition to the primary tomb, the Street of Facades is also home to a series of rock-cut stairs leading up the face of Jebel Madhbah to the High Place of Sacrifice on the peak. Remnants of sacrifice sites can be found on various mountain summits throughout Petra, but Jebel Madhbah offers the most convenient and well-trodden side trail. The summit also affords panoramic views of the Petra region.

After visiting the Jebel Madhbah High Place of Sacrifice, the next notable structure is the theater. It is believed to have been built by the Nabataeans in AD 25. The theater was likely used by the Nabataeans for religious rituals and customs, rather than Roman-style entertainment.

Opposite the theater, across the valley floor, you can see the ridge cutting through the side of Jebel Al-Khubtha's mountain slope, lined with the ornate facades of the Royal Tombs. A staircase leads to the Urn Tomb from the main path, where you can explore the remaining Royal Tombs.

You can easily spend several hours wandering around Petra, admiring the stunning architecture and rich history. Along the way, there are several places to grab a bite to eat or a drink. After miles of hiking, you can opt for a camel, horse, or donkey ride back, if you are feeling particularly fatigued. Keep in mind that you'll want to save some energy for the "Petra by Night" tour, so plan accordingly.

Petra is truly one of the world's great marvels, its grand stone tombs and temples have stood the test of time. Go Jordan Travel and Tourism offers customizable Petra tour packages tailored to your interests, duration of stay, and budget. Contact them to explore the different options and plan the ultimate outdoor adventure.