Petra in Jordan

Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and on December 6, 1985 it was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the gorgeous site of Jordan and was described as "a rose-red city half as old as time" by John William Burgon.

Petra which means rock in Greek is the archaeological site, along with the mountains, the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. It is famous for the rock carved into the stone structure. This hidden site was revealed by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. An ancient name of Petra was Rekem. It was described as "one of the most precious cultural property."

This rock was believed as the sacred mountain for Nabataeans, and they made it as their capital. Today, it is luring millions of visitors from all part of the world. To see Petra the best time is in early morning and late afternoon, when the sun rays falls on the colourful stones the beauty of the Petra is just amazing.

Location

Petra is located in Jordan, about 262 km away from south of Amman, 133 km from north of Aqaba, and 280 kms via the Kings highway. It is outside of the town of Wadi Mousa in south Jordan.

Historical Importance

Around 6th century BC, Nabataean Arabs laid the foundations of a commercial empire that extended into Syria. There were successive attempts by the Seleucid king Antigonus, the Roman emperor Pompey and Herod the Great to bring Petra under the control of their respective empires. But Petra remained in Nabataean hands till 100 AD. Later, the Romans took over the region. It remained inhabited during the Byzantine period when Romans focused their interest on Constantinople. In 12th Century, the Crusaders constructed a fort but soon left Petra.

Nearby Attractions

Al-Maghtas, the Baptism Site
This Baptism site has recently been identified on the south bank of Wadi Kharrar, just east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. It is believed that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness east of the Jordan River after his baptism, and several times spread his message throughout Transjordan during his last journey from Galilee to Jerusalem.

Amman
Amman, built on the site of the Graeco-Roman city of Philadelphia, is the ancient and modern capital of Jordan. Originally, like Rome, it was built on seven hills or Jebels, each of which more or less defines a neighborhood.

Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is surrounded by mountains and valleys walked by ancient prophets and imperial armies throughout the ages. At 400 metres below sea level, the sea is devoid of life due to the extremely high content of salts and minerals. It is these natural elements which give the waters their curative powers, recognized since the days of Herod the Great more than 2,000 years ago. The high atmospheric pressure and oxygen rich air make this the most relaxing and healthy place in the world.

Jerash
Jerash, the Decapolis city of Gerasa, is one of the best preserved and most complete Graeco-Roman cities in existence. It is known as the Pompeii of the East for its extraordinary state of preservation.

Umm Qais
Another Decapolis City, Gadara, Umm Qais was an ancient city of arts. The Ottoman governor’s house has been restored and opened as a museum..

How to reach

By Air: Aqaba Airport (110.0 km / 68.0 miles), Amman Airport (220.0 km / 136.0 miles)