Uncover the Secrets of Petra: Jordan’s Ancient Rose City

The lost city of Petra, founded by the Nabataeans around 312 BC as the center of their vast trading empire, is the crown jewel of Jordan's historical landscape.

Carved directly into vibrant red sandstone cliffs, this ancient metropolis served as a vital crossroads between the East and West. It connected civilizations such as the Greeks, Nabataeans, and Romans, and later hosted the Umayyads and Ottomans.

Did You Know? Petra is often called the "Rose City" due to the unique color of the stone. It remained unknown to the Western world until 1812 when it was reintroduced by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

Read the main Jordan Guide, and the capital, Amman, here.

Although the Nabataeans were originally nomadic, they utilized their immense trading wealth to construct this architectural marvel. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Find your Petra Tour here.

You can read more about Petra's history here.

Planning Your Journey

The trip from Amman to Petra takes approximately 3 to 4 hours via the Desert Highway. We recommend stopping frequently to rest and explore the changing landscapes.

Our journey began with a stop at Abu Jbara for breakfast. This restaurant arguably serves the best falafel in Jordan. What distinguishes Abu Jbara is the customization; you can build your own falafel experience with various toppings and breads.

Foodie Tip: If you enjoy spicy food, ask them to add "Shatta," a traditional spicy pepper sauce that adds a fantastic kick to the sandwich.

We also stopped at a roadside shop to buy supplies. Our guide warned us that the sun in Petra is unrelenting. We purchased hats and plenty of sunscreen. Surprisingly, the prices on the road were quite reasonable compared to the inflated costs inside the tourist areas.

Travel Tip: Purchase the Jordan Pass online before you arrive. It includes your tourist visa fee and entry to Petra, saving you significant money and time at the gate.

Wadi Musa and The Spring of Moses

Just outside the ancient city lies the town of Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses). This town has expanded dramatically to support tourism, offering numerous hotels and restaurants.

On the outskirts, we visited Ain Musa (Moses' Spring). Legend holds that the prophet Moses struck a rock here to produce water for his followers as he traveled to the Promised Land. The spring has flowed continuously since ancient times and is housed under a three-domed structure.

Further down the road, you get your first commanding view of the Petra mountains. The strange rock formations often look man-made, but they are entirely natural geological wonders.

Accommodation Tip: To fully experience Petra, stay overnight in Wadi Musa or at a nearby Bedouin camp. In fall and winter, the sun sets early. staying nearby allows you to start at 6:00 AM to beat the crowds and the heat.

The Siq (The Gorge)

Once you pass the entrance plaza, the journey truly begins. Walking into the Siq is an awe-inspiring experience. You are surrounded by massive rose-colored cliffs that reach heights of 260 feet, narrowing to a mere 9 feet in some places.

As you walk, look for the ancient terracotta pipes and channels carved into the canyon walls. These are remnants of the Nabataeans' advanced hydraulic engineering system, which redirected rainwater to the city and prevented flash floods.

Safety Note: Watch out for horse-drawn carriages. They move quickly through the narrow canyon. Stick to the sides of the path to stay safe.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The most dramatic moment of the visit occurs at the end of the Siq. The dark canyon suddenly opens up to reveal Al-Khazneh, or The Treasury, bathed in sunlight.

Carved in the 1st century AD, this structure served as a mausoleum and crypt. Its name comes from a Bedouin belief that an Egyptian pharaoh hid gold in the urn at the very top of the facade. If you look closely, you can see bullet marks on the urn where people tried to shoot it open to release the "treasure."

Fun Fact: The Treasury became world-famous after serving as the location for the Holy Grail in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The Royal Tombs and City Center

Many visitors stop at the Treasury and turn back, but the city extends for miles. Continue past the Treasury to see the Street of Facades and the massive Roman-style theater, which was carved directly into the rock and could seat thousands.

Do not miss the Royal Tombs, which sit high on the cliff face and glow with ribbons of red, pink, and white stone. Further along, you will find Qasr Al-Bint, one of the few free-standing structures in Petra that withstood ancient earthquakes.

The Monastery (Ad Deir)

If you have the stamina, the hike to the Monastery is mandatory. It involves climbing approximately 800 steps cut into the mountain.

The Monastery is larger than the Treasury and far less crowded. It was built as a Nabataean temple but likely reused as a church during the Byzantine era, hence the name.

User Comment: "The climb is tough, especially in the heat. Take plenty of breaks. There is a cafe at the top where you can buy a cold lemon-mint juice—it is the most refreshing drink you will ever have!" — James L., via TripAdvisor

You can hire a donkey for the ascent, but be sure to agree on a price beforehand and hold on tight—the path is steep and narrow.

Petra by Night

After a long day of hiking, we had to hustle back through the Siq before total darkness fell. However, on specific nights (usually Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday), visitors can purchase a separate ticket for Petra by Night.

During this event, the path through the Siq and the area in front of the Treasury are lined with over 1,500 candles. It creates a magical, silent atmosphere accompanied by traditional Bedouin music.

See a map of Petra here.