Petra

Petra

The Rose-Red City

Carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, Petra is Jordan's greatest treasure and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A narrow canyon, the Siq, leads to the breathtaking Treasury, beyond which lies a vast ancient city of tombs, temples and colonnaded streets.

Highlights

The Siq, a winding canyon more than a kilometre long

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra's iconic carved facade

The Street of Facades and the Roman-style theatre

The Royal Tombs and the Colonnaded Street

The Monastery (Ad Deir), reached by more than 800 rock-cut steps

Travel information

Petra lies about three hours by road south of Amman, next to the town of Wadi Musa. Allow at least one full day to see the main highlights; keen hikers could spend two or three. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Wear sturdy walking shoes and start early to avoid the heat and crowds.