Petra

Up Early to ensure we get a full day in at the world wonder, Petra. Petra is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago.

Fun Fact: The Nabataean city of Petra made its Hollywood debut in 1989 in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” starring Harrison Ford.

Entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1km in length, which is flanked on either side by soaring, 80m high cliffs. Just walking through the Siq is an experience in itself. The colours and formations of the rocks are dazzling. As you reach the end of the Siq you will catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh (Treasury).

This is an awe-inspiring experience. A massive facade, 30m wide and 43m high, carved out of the sheer, dusky pink rock-face and dwarfing everything around it. It was carved in the early 1st century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king and represents the engineering genius of these ancient people.

Giving the Treasury a run for its money as the most impressive monument at Petra is the Monastery (a.k.a. al-Deir), which to me about an hour climb the 800 rock cut steps. 


The Monastery is beautifully carved, though much less decorated than the Treasury, and so huge that even the doorway is several stories tall.

After a heavy day of exploring this ancient town I booked in and enjoyed a Turkish Bath at the hotel - ah what a great way to end the day.