Introduction
Petra, Jordan, is a breathtaking historical and archaeological marvel that has captivated travelers and historians alike. Known as the “Rose City” due to the color of the stone from which it is carved, Petra offers a unique blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey to Petra, including its history, top attractions, accommodations, and practical travel tips.
History of Petra
Petra’s history dates back to around 300 BCE when it was established as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. The Nabataeans were skilled traders and engineers who built an intricate network of water channels, dams, and cisterns, enabling them to thrive in the arid region. Petra flourished as a major trading hub, connecting the East and West through the Silk Road. The city remained unknown to the Western world until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812.
Where to Go in Petra
1. The Siq: This narrow, winding gorge serves as the main entrance to Petra. The 1.2-kilometer walk through the Siq is an awe-inspiring experience, with towering cliffs and intricate carvings along the way.
2. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): One of Petra’s most iconic structures, the Treasury is a magnificent tomb carved into the sandstone cliff. It’s best visited early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs.
3. The Street of Facades: This impressive row of tombs and houses showcases the architectural ingenuity of the Nabataeans.
4. The Monastery (Ad-Deir): A challenging hike leads to this monumental structure, which rivals the Treasury in grandeur. The views from the top are spectacular and well worth the effort.
5. The Royal Tombs: A series of majestic tombs with intricate facades, offering insight into the burial practices and artistry of the Nabataeans.
6. The Great Temple: Explore the ruins of this massive complex, which includes a colonnaded street, temples, and public buildings.
7. High Place of Sacrifice: A steep climb rewards visitors with panoramic views of Petra and the surrounding mountains.
One of the world’s seven wonders, Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Jordan. Are you wondering why the city is referred to as “The Lost City” or even “Rose City” or just generally curious to know more about this special place? Continue reading this article to discover the reason behind these titles and to learn more interesting facts about Petra!
Here’s a list of 22 facts you might not know about this beautiful historical city in southern Jordan.
1. Petra is popularly called The Lost City
Though the exact founding date is unknown, Petra began to prosper around the 1st century B.C. and continued to do so till roughly 363 A.D. An earthquake in the fourth century majorly destroyed Petra, which remained abandoned for over five centuries. It was rediscovered much later in the early 19th century (1812) by a Swiss explorer, Johannes Burckhardt. Since then, it has been widely known as The Lost City.
2. Petra is also known as the Rose City
The name has been given to Petra primarily because of the colour of the stone from which it was carved. Many structures of the city, which are made of sandstone, take on a beautiful red-pink hue at sunset and sunrise, thus earning the title of the ‘Rose City’.
3. Petra is one of the oldest cities in the world
Petra is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world. Archaeologists think that the city was established in 321 B.C. when it became the capital of the Nabataean Empire.
4. Petra means rocks
The name ‘Petra’ is derived from ‘petros’ which means ‘rocks’ in Greek. The name was probably given to the city due to its carved sandstone and rock structures.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site
It comes as no surprise that Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It became a World Heritage Site in 1985 and has been referred to as ‘one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage’ by UNESCO.
6. Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Petra was added to the list of ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ in 2007 alongside The Great Wall of China, The Statue of Christ Redeemer, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal and Chichen Itza.
7. The famous treasury of Petra is actually a mausoleum
The treasury, also known as Al-Khazneh, is the site’s most beautiful and photographed structure in Petra. The area is built with intricate carvings set into a deep rock. However, it was actually built as a mausoleum and crypt by the Nabateans, who adorned it with symbols from the afterlife. It is also supposed to be the resting place of the Nabatean King Aretas IV. Later, the locals called Bedouins believed it contained riches and renamed it ‘treasury’.
8. Petra is home to over 1000 tombs
The Nabateans believed in the afterlife and taking extra care of their dead. They built over 1000 tombs in Petra. This makes the site ‘one of the largest royal tomb complexes in the world’.
9. Petra’s four Royal Tombs
Petra has possibly some of the most stunning burial places in the world. The four tombs that make up its Royal Tombs include The Urn Tomb, The Silk Tomb, The Corinthian Tomb and The Palace Tomb. The structures suffered damage due to floods in the past but continue to be magnificent works of art from the first century.
10. A different name was given to Petra by original inhabitants
Evidence suggests that the Nabateans had a completely different name for the city, and it was much later that the name ‘Petra’ came into use. According to the carved inscriptions on the walls and the words of the ancient historian Josephus, the city was referred to as Raqemo after its royal founder.
11. Petra is featured in Indiana Jones and other movies
The Lost City of Petra made its Hollywood debut in one of the most famous movies of all time, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, featuring Harrison Ford and Alison Doody. Since then, it has been a prime location for many movies and shows, including The Mummy Returns.
12. Unique entrance to the city
The entrance to Petra is through a 1.2 km narrow passageway called the Siq, meaning gorge. Years of rain and wind have led to the formation of this entry point flanked by high cliffs on each side.
13. Petra’s biblical connection
Petra is said to have a biblical connection by being located in a valley referred to as Wadi Musa or Moses Valley. Legend says that Moses struck the rock that forms Petra, leading to water coming out of the ground. It is said that the water continued to flow after this and formed the water supply system in Petra. This water supply made Petra an oasis back in the day as opposed to the current state of dry rocks.
14. Complex irrigation system and famous gardens
In addition to the biblical link of the valley, excavations have shown that Petra was surrounded by lush green gardens and had a complex irrigation system. The water from the system maintained grand fountains and swimming pools.
15. The structure aligns with solar patterns
The Nabateans apparently valued the sun and its light and considered it sacred. The structures constructed at Petra were made to align with different solar patterns so that they would receive direct sunlight. This gives historians and archaeologists great insight into Nabateans’ customs and values.
16. 85% of Petra remains undiscovered
Archaeologists have been able to discover only 15% of Petra so far. The rest remains largely underground and unexcavated.
17. Mysterious exterior platform
Archaeologists discovered an unknown structure outside the main city area in 2016. Assumed to date back to around 150 B.C., the structure has a massive staircase and seems to have no known relationship with the city centre.
18. Some Nebateans still live in Petra
Though most people who used to live in the area have relocated, some Nabateans continue to stay in Petra. One particular Bedouin tribe, B’doul, still lives and works in the city.
19. Petra has a massive theatre that can accommodate 4000 people
Petra has a massive theatre constructed on the side of the mountain at the foot of another famous structure, the High Place of Sacrifice. The theatre was built during the rule of King Aretas IV and could accommodate roughly 4000 spectators.
20. Inhabitants of Petra
Different people inhabited Petra during different time periods. During the 18th-2nd century B.C., it was inhabited by the Edomites; from the 2nd century B.C. to 106 B.C., the Nabateans lived there; and from 106-395 B.C., it was occupied by the Romans.
21. A little historical background of the city
Petra was a famous historical trade route connecting Greece to South Asia. It was a thriving commercial hub from which Chinese silks, Indian spices and Arabic incense passed to Africa, Western Europe and the Middle East.
22. No motor vehicles were allowed in Petra
For a long time, no cars or motor vehicles were allowed in the city, and only animal-driven carriages such as horse-drawn carriages or camel rides were permitted. But recently, in 2021, cars became an accepted mode of transport within Petra in the face of animal welfare. Tourists can now buy tickets to use a car from the Visitor Centre.
This list, by no means, is a fully exhaustive compilation of all aspects of this wondrous Jordanian city. But hopefully, it provides enough material to spark your interest in Petra and maybe one day visit this Wonder of the World!
Places to Stay in Petra
Petra offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences:
1. Luxury Hotels:
- Mövenpick Resort Petra
- Petra Marriott Hotel
2. Mid-Range Hotels:
- Petra Moon Hotel
- Petra Guest House Hotel
3. Budget Options:
- Rocky Mountain Hotel
- Peace Way Hotel
Why Petra is Known For
Petra is renowned for its archaeological significance and stunning rock-cut architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The city’s unique blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity attracts millions of tourists annually, making it one of the most visited sites in the Middle East.
What is Petra best known for?
rock-cut architecture
Famous for its rock-cut architecture, the city is an important archeologic site and Jordan’s biggest tourist attraction. Petra is referred to as the “Rose City” because of the colour of the stones used in its buildings and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Tourism in Petra
Tourism is a vital part of Petra’s economy. Visitors can explore the site on foot, by camel, or on horseback. Guided tours are available, offering in-depth historical and cultural insights. Petra by Night is a popular evening event where the Treasury is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere.
Practical Information
Waterfall: While Petra itself does not have a natural waterfall, nearby Wadi Musa offers some beautiful spring-fed pools and streams.
Map: Visitors can obtain detailed maps of Petra at the visitor center or download them online to navigate the site efficiently.
Food: Jordanian cuisine is rich and flavorful. In Petra, you can enjoy local dishes like Mansaf (lamb with rice and yogurt sauce), Maqluba (a layered rice and vegetable dish), and delicious sweets like Baklava. Restaurants and cafes in Wadi Musa cater to various tastes and budgets.
Weather: Petra experiences a desert climate. Summers (June to September) are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) are mild, with daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) but colder nights. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
Estimated Expenses
Travel expenses to Petra can vary widely based on your preferences. Here’s a rough estimate for a mid-range traveler:
- Flights: Round-trip flights to Amman, Jordan, can range from $600 to $1,200.
- Transportation: A taxi from Amman to Petra costs around $100-$150. Buses are a cheaper option at approximately $15-$20 per person.
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels cost between $70 and $150 per night.
- Entrance Fee: The Petra entry ticket is $70 for a one-day visit, $77 for two days, and $85 for three days.
- Food: Budget around $30-$50 per day for meals.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses for souvenirs, guided tours, and other activities might add up to $100-$200.
Why is Petra Jordan called Petra?
The Greek name Petra (“Rock”) probably replaced the biblical name Sela. Remains from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods have been discovered at Petra, and Edomites are known to have occupied the area about 1200 bce. Centuries later the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe, occupied it and made it the capital of their kingdom.
Conclusion
Petra, Jordan, is a destination that offers a unique blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and cultural richness. From the awe-inspiring Treasury to the breathtaking Monastery, each corner of Petra tells a story of ancient civilization and human ingenuity. With the right planning and preparation, your trip to Petra will undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure.