Petra is one of Jordan's most important tourist attractions. Located in a valley, at the end of the Al Siq gorge, the rock city flourished from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD. Today it is entered on the UNESCO list and recognized as one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
The city was founded by the Nabataeans and was the capital of their kingdom. It was located at the intersection of trade routes, which gave it wealth and great importance. In addition, thanks to its location in a rocky valley with limited access, it was a place very difficult to access and easy to defend.
A large part of Petra's buildings was carved in the rock. This is one of the features that make this place so special. The most famous of the local objects is Al-Khazna or the Pharaoh's Treasury. It is a two-story structure carved into the rock, which was probably supposed to be a tomb. Its facade with a columned portico resembles a church.
A similar, although more extensive facade has Ad-Dajr, or Monastery, built in the 1st century AD, and in the Byzantine period it was converted into the seat of monks. There are also ruins of many other temples in the area, including the Garden Temple, the Temple of the Winged Lion and the Great Temple.
Apart from the temples and the Nabatean Amphitheater, tombs constitute a large part of the preserved objects. Here you can see the Royal Tombs, the Obelisk Tomb, the Unaysh Tomb and the Renaissance Tomb.
Patra is also a good place for scenic hikes in canyons and ravines. The very access to the main monuments through the Al Siq gorge is very picturesque, but you can also choose the Ed-Deira trail among the rock walls.
