Petra

Petra is definitely the  highlight of any visit to Jordan. It is also called "The Rose-Red City" because of the colors of the sandstone that all its structures are carved from. It is also known as one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World'. Nabataean Arabs carved it out of the mountains more than 2,000 years ago. It was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer J. Burckhardt in 1812. He was astounded to walk down a crevasse in the mountains only to see the massive architecture of the Treasury suddenly before him. The Nabataeans were semi-nomadic from the north Arabian Peninsula. They migrated to south Jordan (the former biblical Kingdom of Edom) in the 5th and 6th century BC Petra was the center of Nabataean culture and a necropolis of people who depended on trade of bitumen, aromatics, salt, copper, and agricultural goods. It is known that tolls were charged at the entrance of ancient Petra because people stopped for provisions in Petra. In 106 AD, the Nabataean kingdom was annexed into the Roman Empire by Emperor Trajan. This continued for several hundred years until its decline began in the 4th century when the trade route changed to the Euphrates. In the 6th century, there was a violent earthquake that destroyed buildings of the Roman Empire that were built, as opposed to the Nabataean creations that were carved out of the mountain, which remain today. During the Crusader period, various fortifications were remodeled but Petra's most prosperous time was during the Roman Empire.

Read about the locations of interest in Petra.

Wadi Mousa - This city is also called Moses' Valley because Moses' Springs, where Moses struck a rock and water gushed out, is located here. Visit the spring and Kherbet Nawafleh, an archeological excavation on the north side of town.
The Treasury - After the great crevasse in the mountain, used as an entrance, suddenly appears the Treasury. It is the most impressive structure in Petra, carved out of rock 140 feet high and 90 feet wide.
The Roman Theater - This theater seats 7,000 people. It dates to the 1st century AD and was refurbished by the Romans. It is surrounded by high temples, elaborate royal tombs, large and small houses, burial chambers, banquet halls, water channels, reservoirs, public buildings, and paved streets.
The Altar - This is located 200 meters above the theater on Altar Mountain. It features two adjacent alters and an open central court, benches, a pool, water channels, and drains. It is known to be a place of sacrifice.
The Nymphium - This is a public fountain dedicated to mythological nymphs who lived near rivers and water.
The Royal Tombs - There are three impressive burial places carved into the face of the mountain.
Colonnaded Street - The street was built in 106 AD and used into the 6th century. See existing street side shops. This street leads to The Triumphal Arch and the formal entrance to the most important temple in Petra.
Habees High Place - This is easy for visitors to reach. It features benches, a water basin, an altar, and a staircase. From the top, look over the Siyyagh Valley.
The Monastery of Petra - This measures 45 x 50 meters and is Petra's largest facade. It is an open-air altar and named monastery because there are crosses scratched in a wall. On a plateau beside it, there are monuments, tombs, water works, a tricilnia decorated with niches, and a relief of two men with a carriage.
Mosque of Nabi Haroon - This is the highest place in Petra at 1,350 meters above sea level. It can be seen from most areas in and around Petra.
Al-Beidah - This archeological site is 8 kilometers from the main entrance of Petra. It dates back 9,000 - 10,000 years. It is one of the oldest sites in the Middle East. On the way, see al-Wueira, the remains of a Crusader fort.
Umm al-Biyara - To reach this site, an invigorating walk is required and it is worth every step. It is thought be Sela from the Bible. It dates back 8,000 years. See an original bath carved into rock. The view of Petra and the area is the best of any.
Siq al-Barid - This is the fissure, or crevasse, located north of Petra at the entrance used today. It is at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes that linked Petra to the Arava Valley, the Dead Sea region, Palestine, Egypt, and Mediterranean countries.

See Petra in One Day from Sharm el Sheikh

Select to Ask Sun Tours Questions

Sun Tours Travel & Tourism
P.O. Box 1305
Aqaba - Jordan
Tel: 962.3.2018700
Fax: 962.3.2018701
suntours@go.com.jo