What's the itinerary?+
• The journey commences at the Petar Visitors Center, where a guide will receive you and take you to the ticket counter. You can purchase your entry ticket or exchange it for your Jordan pass before entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra.
• The Siq of Petra serves as the main entrance to the ancient city, extending over 1.2 kilometers between towering sandstone cliffs that rise as high as 80 meters. Walking its winding path reveals stunning rock formations, Nabataean carvings, and remnants of ancient water channels, leading to a spectacular view of Petra’s most famous landmark, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh).
• The Treasury of Petra, or Al-Khazneh in Arabic, is the most recognized and photographed monument in the site. Its façade, nearly 40 meters tall, is intricately carved into the rose-red sandstone and features rich Hellenistic architectural elements including columns and statues. Once thought to contain hidden treasure, its actual purpose remains a topic of scholarly debate, with many believing it to be a royal tomb. The first view of this monument as you exit the Siq is remarkably memorable, symbolizing Nabataean creativity and artistry.
• The Street of Facades, located just past the Treasury, is notable for its impressive row of Nabataean tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs. This sequence features various architectural styles influenced by Assyrian, Egyptian, and Hellenistic designs. The details and sizes of the facades reflect the social status of those interred within. Walking along this passage allows a sense of grandeur from a civilization that once flourished, amidst striking cliffs and enduring carvings.
• The Nabataean Theatre, carved into the red sandstone cliffs around the 1st century AD, is distinct because it was hewn directly into the mountain, unlike Roman theatres built from separate blocks. With a seating capacity of approximately 4,000, it showcases Nabataean engineering prowess and openness to Greco-Roman cultural influences. The theatre served as a venue for public events and gatherings, offering a setting where history, architecture, and the surrounding landscape intertwine.
• The Royal Tombs of Petra, perched on the eastern cliffs, include significant monuments such as the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb, each reflecting distinct architectural styles influenced by Roman and Hellenistic aesthetics. Though the identities of those buried are unclear, their elaboration and stature imply they were intended for Nabataean nobility. The colorful sandstone, especially in the Silk Tomb, forms a vivid mosaic of shades. Reaching the Royal Tombs offers visitors an up-close view of their intricate details along with stunning views of Petra’s archaeological terrain.
• The Colonnaded Street, a vital corridor of Petra’s commercial and civic life, features elegant columns lining its sides and dates back to the 1st century AD, showcasing Roman influence during the later Nabataean period. Originally, this paved street connected essential public structures, markets, and temples like the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint. Walking its length allows a glimpse into the activities of ancient traders, priests, and citizens who congregated for various social functions. Although many original structures are in ruins, the Colonnaded Street stands as a significant reminder of Petra’s lively urban character and its blend of Nabataean and Greco-Roman culture.
