Petra

About Petra

Hidden within the red rock mountains of southern Jordan, accessible only through a narrow gorge that winds for **1.2 kilometres between sheer sandstone walls**, Petra is **one of the great theatrical entrances in the world**. The Siq — the slot canyon that serves as the city's natural gateway — is barely wide enough in places for two people to pass; **the walls rise 80 metres on either side, blocking out the sky**. Then, suddenly, at the gorge's end, the canyon widens slightly and there it is: the **Treasury, Al-Khazneh in Arabic, a two-storey classical facade carved directly into the rose-red cliff face, 30 metres wide and 43 metres tall**, its columns and pediments as sharp and detailed as if completed last century. The shock of the revelation, after the long dimly lit corridor of the Siq, is one of the most powerful moments in travel anywhere on Earth. Petra was the capital of the **Nabataean Kingdom — a sophisticated Arab civilisation that grew wealthy controlling the trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices from Arabia and India to the Mediterranean world**. The Nabataeans were **extraordinary hydraulic engineers, carving cisterns, channels, and pipes from the rock to capture and distribute every drop of rainfall** in a desert landscape; their water management systems allowed them to sustain a city of perhaps 20,000 people in an environment that could naturally support almost none. The city flourished from approximately the 4th century BC, was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 106 AD, and continued to be inhabited through the Byzantine period before being largely abandoned after a series of earthquakes in the 7th and 8th centuries. **European awareness of Petra dates only to 1812, when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt — disguised as a Muslim pilgrim — persuaded a local guide to take him to the site**. Petra is best visited in **spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November)**, when temperatures are pleasant. Allow a full day minimum — **two days reveal significantly more of the site**, which extends far beyond the Treasury to include a Roman colonnaded street, a Byzantine church with exceptional mosaics, the **Monastery (even larger than the Treasury and reached via 850 carved steps)**, and the High Place of Sacrifice with sweeping views across the mountains. The site is in the town of Wadi Musa, served by bus from Amman (three hours) and increasingly by direct flights to the nearby Aqaba airport. The adjacent **Wadi Rum desert, two hours south**, makes a superb addition.

Highlights

• ✦ Ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red rock cliffs
• ✦ Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) is the iconic façade
• ✦ One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

How much does a ticket to Petra cost?

A one-day ticket costs around 50 Jordanian dinar (roughly €65) for visitors staying at least one night in Jordan, with two- and three-day tickets priced lower per day to encourage a longer visit. Day-trippers not staying overnight in Jordan pay a higher rate, around 90 JD. Prices are set by Jordan's tourism authority and checked at the gate against your passport and hotel booking.

How do you get from Amman to Petra without a car?

The JETT bus company runs a direct tourist coach from Amman to Wadi Musa (Petra) taking about 3 to 3.5 hours, typically once daily, and it's the standard car-free option. Shared taxis (service) and organised day tours also cover the route. There is no passenger train serving Petra.

How long do you need to properly see Petra?

Most visitors spend a full day, roughly 6 to 8 hours, to walk the Siq canyon entrance, reach the Treasury, and continue to the Monastery, which involves a further uphill climb of 800-plus steps. Two days lets you cover Petra more thoroughly, including the High Place of Sacrifice and Royal Tombs at a relaxed pace. Start early, both to beat the heat and the crowds arriving mid-morning.

Is the walk to the Petra Monastery difficult?

Yes, reasonably — reaching Ad Deir (the Monastery) requires climbing roughly 800 rock-cut steps beyond the Treasury, which takes most visitors 45 minutes to an hour uphill. It's steep in places but not technical, and donkey rides are available for a fee for those who prefer not to walk. Good footwear and water are essential, especially in warmer months.

Is Petra by Night worth attending?

It's a distinct, atmospheric experience — over a thousand candles line the Siq canyon leading to the Treasury, where visitors sit for a short musical performance, and it's a completely different visit to daytime Petra rather than a substitute for it. Tickets are bought separately, and it runs only a few evenings a week, so check the schedule before booking your trip. Photography of the Treasury facade is limited during the event to keep the atmosphere calm.

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