Petra - Jordan

Petra, an ancient city in Jordan, is an amazing architectural marvel which gained international recognition not only for its spectacular beauty of a vast city carved into the red rock face dating back to the 6^th century BC but it has been described by UNESCO as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage”. UNESCO listed Petra as a World Heritage Site in 1985. The site has featured prominently in many feature films, such as Steven Spielberg’s movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In 2007 Petra was listed in second place for the New Seven Wonders of the World, complementing the growing fame of this unique site.

Originally, Petra was not carved from rock but settled by the native inhabitants, the Nabataean people, who used the natural caves as houses. When their nomadic lifestyle changed the first white flat buildings appeared in the 2^nd and 3^rd century BC. The location of the city created valuable crossroads of trade between not only India and Egypt but also Arabia ad Syria. During the heyday of the city, there was one main street, with many smaller connecting streets. The public buildings were spectacularly carved into the rock earning the city the name of Red-rose city due to the colour of the rocks and the buildings and tombs carved into the walls. For centuries the city remained hidden until it was discovered in 1812 by a Swiss traveler. The entrance to the city is cleverly hidden in a 1.2km long narrow gorge. On entering the city it showcases some impressive monuments, some of the most remarkable are the Treasury building, the Monastery, the Theatre that can host up to 10 000 spectators and the Palace of the Pharaoh’s Daughter with its sandstone rock carved tombs.

Petra is not only an impressive stop on any itinerary but is appreciated and admired in numerous movies and poems which immortalize this memorable location.

Gallery - Petra

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