One of the seven wonders of the world that UNESCO refers to as ‘one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage’, the ancient city of Petra is the symbol of Jordan and is its most visited tourist attraction. Believed to have been settled as early as 9,000 BC, its grandeur gradually increased once it became the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 4th century BC before reaching the peak of riches in the 1st century AD.
Nicknamed the rose city due to the colour of the stone from which it is carved, the highlight of a trip to Petra is its treasury or Al Khazneh, but its Siq, its mausoleums, its beautiful stone carvings, its tombs, its monastery, its entry gate and its rugged and arid mountain landscape are what make this place a complete mesmerizing package.
Experience this magnificent wonder of Jordan through my travel photos and get transported to the location where iconic movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Arabian Nights, Passion in the Desert, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, The Mummy Returns and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen were shot.
Above photo: Al Khazneh or the Treasury is one of the most elaborate temples in Petra and is believed to have been the mausoleum of the Nabataean King Aretas IV in the 1st century AD. It is the center of attraction in Petra and is the location for the ‘Petra at night’ show. It has been carved out of a sandstone rock face.
Above photo: The rocky and dry mountain landscape of Petra. Petra lies on the slope of Jabal Al-Madbah in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of the Arabah valley that runs from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The monument that you saw in this photo is the Petra monastery, the largest temple in Petra.
Above photo: I call it the Petra highway. It was once the hotspot of trade. Tombs, entry gates, temples flank both its sides. It is also the path that connects the monastery to the treasury.
Above photo: The bird’s eye view of the Petra theatre and the surrounding rugged mountain landscape.
Above photo: The narrow passage or Siq that leads from the ticket counter to Al-Khazneh (the treasury).
Above photo: Camels, donkeys and colourfully decked locals make for an interesting frame while capturing the treasury of Petra.
Above photo: Camels are a great way of commuting in this ancient city of Petra. Young Bedouin boys pose stylishly on their camels in front of the street of facades.
Above photo: The path through the rocks that lead to the monastery and other surreal views.
Above photo: A cup of local tea to reward ourselves after a steep hike to the highest point in Petra. At this place, where there is nothing but a tea shop, you get a 360 degree panoramic view of Petra archaeological park.
Above photo: The mighty monastery that predates the treasury. It is bigger than Al-Khazneh, but it is simple and devoid of any major carvings.
Above photo: A sunset view during a drive from Little Petra to Petra.
Above photo: The canyons of Little Petra are a photographer’s delight. There is also a hidden passage that connects Little Petra to Petra. Due to safety reasons, this ancient route has been closed down.
Above photo: One of the best experiences in the ancient city of Petra is the hike through canyons and rocky outcrops to the monastery. This is how the people of this city used to commute many thousands of years ago.
Above photo: A much deserved rest after a steep climb to the monastery from the treasury. The sun is usually sharp in Petra, but it is pretty cool when you are in the shade of the canyon.
Above photo: The rocky trail to the monastery and view points of Petra are lined with beautiful flowering shrubs that turn into lovely shades of pink along with the rosy canyons during different times of the day.
Above photo: A camel ride through the iconic Petra highway. The Hadrian gate and the Decumanus Maximus are in the background.
Above photo: Camels of various sizes make as great souvenirs to take back home from Petra.
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