Petra mountains. Sights of Jordan: photos and description. Archaeological Museum, Aqaba

Ancient city Petra- the capital of Idumea (Edom), later the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, perhaps the main attraction of Jordan.

Ancient city of Petra in Jordan

Petra is located at an elevation of about 900 meters above sea level and 660 meters above the Arava valley that surrounds the city. You can get into the valley through gorges located in the south and north, but in the east and west the rocks drop steeply and create impregnable walls up to 60 meters in height.

Today in Petra there are ancient temples, palaces, an ancient theater, tombs and other buildings carved in stone and preserved to varying degrees. These buildings were erected by different owners of the city and at different times, while the city passed from hand to hand from the Edomites to the Nabataeans, from the Romans to the Byzantines and, finally, to the Arabs. For some time, even the crusaders owned it. Therefore, next to the ancient theater there is a building erected by the Edomites or Nabataeans. A walk around Petra will take a lot of time; there are about 800 interesting objects here. At the same time, scientists believe that only 15% of the territory of Petra has been studied, and the rest is fraught with many secrets and mysteries.

History of Petra

Its history began more than 4000 years ago. In the 4th-3rd centuries BC, the route of the “road of incense” lay here, and therefore caravans temporarily lived in this place, waiting out bad weather and dust storms. Later, Nabataean Arab nomads settled here. They built their capital in the rocks. Then, when the state of Edom was formed, a village with the name Sela, which means stone, also appeared here. Later the Greeks transferred the “stone” to “Petra”, which gave modern name this city.

From the 1st century AD, the Nabataeans voluntarily joined the Roman Empire, which gave impetus to the development of the city and the development of the city. The earthquake of 363 severely damaged Petra and the inhabitants left this city, and the nomads again became its inhabitants. In the 12th century, Petra was ruled by the Crusaders.

The forgotten city of Petra was found in 1812 by the traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who learned from the Bedouins about the existence of the city. Later, accompanied by guides, he reached the ruins of Petra in Jordan.

Al Khazneh - famous temple in the rock in Petra. Built in the 1st century AD, it is a building carved into the rock. The exact purpose of the temple in the rock is unknown; it is assumed that the tomb of one of the kings was located here.

Sights of Petra

The main objects and attractions of Petra include:

Canyon Siq
Ancient settlement of Al-Beidha
Al-Khazneh Temple
Petra Amphitheater
Ed-Deir
Temple of the Winged Lions
Dushara Temple or Palace of the Pharaoh's Daughter
Supreme Place of Sacrifice
Byzantine church
Architectural complex Djin Blocks
Silk Tomb
Palace Tomb
Aneisho Tomb
Corinthian tomb

And much more. This is far from full list attractions of Petra.

Movies that were filmed in Petra

Films such as:

"Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" (1977, directed by Sam Wanamaker),
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, directed by Steven Spielberg)
Mortal Kombat 2: Annihilation (1997, directed by John Leonetti)
“Passion in the Desert” (1998, directed by Lavinia Currier),
"Arabian Nights" (2000, directed by Steve Barron),
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009, directed by Michael Bay).
“Living Life” (Brazil, 2009, director Jaime Montjardin).

Excursions to Petra

You can get to Petra either independently or with an organized excursion. You can get to Petra from the capital of Jordan - Amman by regular bus. The closest way to Petra is from Aqaba in Jordan, Eilat in Israel or Taba in Egypt. It is worth remembering that Petra is one of the most expensive attractions in the world to visit. The cost of the excursion can reach $200-300.

Inside Petra you can travel, for an additional fee, by horse-drawn or camel-drawn cart.

For many tourists, a tour of Jordan begins with a visit ancient Petra, one of the most mysterious settlements in the Middle East. However, in addition to Petra, the country has many other interesting places, such as the ruins of ancient Roman cities, citadels, places of worship, deserts, and the Red Sea coast. Passionate and proud Jordanians welcome visitors to their country with open arms. regardless of nationality and religion.

Jordan's attractions are scattered throughout the country, although most of them can still be seen in the capital Amman. The list of the most fascinating tourist sites in the country looks like this:

Church of the Apostles, Madaba

On the southern outskirts of the city of Madaba you can see the ruins of a Byzantine church, which was built here in 578. The most interesting thing about it is the mosaic floor, which depicts a woman surrounded by sea mythical creatures. Its author was the ancient mosaicist Salamanios. If you want to get acquainted with true Byzantine art, a visit to the Church of the Apostles is a must.

King Abdullah Mosque, Amman

The Abdullah Mosque was built in 1982-1989. Covered with a magnificent blue mosaic dome, it is an excellent example of modern Islamic architecture. Contains a temple up to 3,000 believers. You need to know that everyone is allowed to visit the mosque, but women must wear a dress (Abaya) and must cover their hair with a headscarf. Inside the temple there is an Islamic museum, the exhibits of which belonged to King Abdullah the First.

Byzantine Basilica, Amman

Built in the 6th century, the Byzantine basilica was long the seat of a Christian bishop. Unfortunately, most of it was destroyed. Today you can see 2 rows of Corinthian columns that edged the ancient nave, as well as part of the semicircular wall of the apse. Recently, archaeologists have unearthed some ancient mosaics that have not yet been studied and analyzed.

St George's Church, Madaba

Jordan's most famous mosaic can be seen in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The conversation is about a 19th century mosaic map that was discovered in 1864. On it you can see all the main biblical places, from Lebanon to Egypt. The map is not only the main attraction of Madaba, but also the subject of study by numerous scientists.

King Hussein Mosque, Amman

The huge Hussein Mosque, unlike the Abdullah Mosque, is located in the most densely populated part of the Jordanian capital. There is an inscription above the entrance to the mosque that states that it was built in 1920. The sanctuary is a fine example of ancient Middle Eastern design and architecture: its minarets are reminiscent of Ottoman mosques, and some external elements borrow from ancient Egyptian craftsmen.

Temple of Hercules, Amman

The Temple of Hercules was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The original columns of the temple were 33 meters high, and those that can be seen today were restored in 1933. This place is also worth a visit because it offers amazing panoramic views of the center of Amman.

National Archaeological Museum, Amman

Archaeological Museum Jordan is located in the Amman Citadel. There are 5 collections and exhibits that are especially valuable:

A collection of antiquities found in 1952 on the banks of the Jordan River.
Neolithic statues demonstrating the progress of pro-technology.
A copy of the Mesha Stela, which was built in 850.
4 sarcophagi that introduce ancient burial traditions.
30 funerary statues made of plaster.

Archaeological Museum, Aqaba

The museum is located in historical center city of Aqaba, in the palace of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, founder of the Hashemite dynasty. It was officially opened on January 1, 1990. Artifacts from the 7th to 12th centuries are kept here.

Its most interesting exhibits are: ancient inscriptions with quotes from the Koran, gold coins from the Fatimid era, ancient coins of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Roman Amphitheater, Amman

Built during the reign of Antoninus Pius, the Roman amphitheater in Amman could seat up to 6,000 people. Superbly preserved, it is still home to 2 interesting museums:

Museum of Folk Traditions, where you can get acquainted with the clothing, jewelry and traditions of the simplest people of the Roman Empire. The collection of antique medical instruments is also interesting here.
The Folklore Museum, where you can see many mannequins engaged in traditional local crafts, as well as an interesting reconstruction of a fashionable living room in ancient times.

Odeon Theatre, Amman

The Odeon is a smaller copy of the Roman amphitheater. It seats about 500 spectators and was built a little earlier. After a complete reconstruction in 1997, the theater is often used for concerts and lectures. Although today equipped with all sorts of modern technology, the Odeon remains a fine example of Roman architecture.

The Nymphaeum, built in 191, was once a large 2-story complex, with fountains, mosaics, stone sculptures and a huge swimming pool. Its location next to aqueducts and the presence of a large water storage tank suggests that this complex played a key role in the distribution of water in the city. Excavations here began in 1933 and today you can see several original columns, an elegant arch and several niches. Excavations continue to this day.

Aqaba Fortress, Aqaba

Aqaba Castle was built by order of the Mamluk Sultan Al Ghuli in the 14th century. Here you can visit the prison and torture room, which still look terrifying, as well as the stables, which make a less depressing impression. You can go up to the 2nd floor, from where you have a beautiful view of the surrounding area. However, you need to be careful: there is no safety bar that will protect you from falling.

Jebel al-Qala'a Citadel, Amman

Situated on top of Amman's highest hill, the Citadel has been used as a residence and defense structure for thousands of years. It was erected about 7,000 years ago, according to some sources.

Great civilizations occupied this area for vast periods of time, as in the cases of the Romans and their Byzantine successors, who lived here until they were driven out by the Arabs, more than 7 centuries later. The Citadel is an open-air museum where visitors have the opportunity to travel back in time, exploring the remains of great civilizations past.

The cave of the “7 Sleeping Youths” has a very interesting story. It is said that a group of young Christians were immured here around the year 250, hiding from persecution during the reign of Emperor Decius. Having fallen asleep here, they woke up 180 years later, when Christianity already dominated the planet. A basilica was built over the cave, which later became a mosque. Today you can see some parts of this ancient structure here.

Once upon a time, in the desert of Jordan, 30 palaces belonging to the richest were surrounded by greenery. local residents. Qasr Hallabat, Mushash, Tuba, Qasr Amra, Bayr are just a few of them. Today they are landmarks of the country that are not easy to reach, but worth seeing.

Pink sand and black rocks, the kingdom of Bedouins and the singing wind - the Wadi Rum plain, a unique landmark of Jordan. Some rocks here reach 1800 meters in height. They are a tasty morsel for well-trained climbers.

For lovers of extreme hikes, Wadi Rum offers several exciting routes through shining sands, mysterious gorges and spiky hills, which can be walked on foot or on the back of a camel, spending the night near a Bedouin tent. The deserted Wadi Rum is located about 4 hours' drive from the capital.

Diving centers in Aqaba

The Red Sea is one of the most attractive attractions in Jordan. Not far from the coast it is full coral reefs, fauna and flora. There are several diving centers in Aqaba, where you can rent high-quality diving equipment and transport, negotiate with highly professional instructors who will show you the most interesting places for diving. You can practice your favorite sport here both during the day and at night.

The capital city of the ancient Nabataean state, Petra was founded about 4,000 years ago. It can only be reached through the narrow Es Siq gorge, over which huge cliffs hang.

Here you can see tombs and temples, celebration halls and public buildings, baths and an amphitheater, which are carved in stone. The most interesting sights of Petra are: Ad-Deir Monastery, Mount of Sacrifice, Qasr Al-Bint Palace, “Tomb of the Legionnaires”. A trip to Jordan would be incomplete without visiting ancient Petra, a city that is fully listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

This is a unique natural reservoir, the main features of which are the high salt content in the water and its location 400 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea is a natural health resort. Sea water and the dirt is saturated big amount minerals and chemical elements. People come here to prevent and treat diseases of the joints, skin and other diseases. You can undergo treatment at any time of the year.

It is almost impossible to drown in the Dead Sea. Due to the high salt content in the water, a weightless effect is ensured, which undoubtedly attracts people who do not know how to

Jerash, one of the ancient Roman cities built more than 6,000 years ago, is well preserved. It is also known as Eastern Pompeii. The city was buried for many centuries under a layer of sand formed after a major earthquake. Archaeologists discovered it and, after several years of careful excavations, brought it back to life.

Tourists are recommended to take an unforgettable walk through the winding streets of Jerash, visit fragments of the temple of Artemis and Zeus, and see the impressive Roman columns, of which there are several thousand. In addition, tourists will be attracted by the grandiose Hadrian's Arch, located next to the South Gate of the city.

It is a Christian shrine and a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Jews. It was on Mount Nebo, after long wanderings in the desert, that Moses received knowledge of the location of the Promised Land. According to biblical legend, the grave of the great prophet is located in close proximity to the mountain.

Mount Nebo rises 800 m above sea level. From its top it opens beautiful view to the surrounding landscapes. This is natural Observation deck, where you can take many bright memorable photographs.

Ma'in Hot Springs provide relaxation for body and soul. Their waters are saturated with useful minerals and microelements, which contribute not only to good health, but also to relief from many diseases. The temperature of the springs throughout the year fluctuates between +40-60 °C.

This is a large complex of stables and warehouses located on the top of a low hill outside Amman. Translated from Arabic, the name of the complex translates as “once upon a time. Today Kan Zaman is the most popular tourist place in the Jordanian capital.

In the territory nature reserve Wadi Mujib near the shore Dead Sea there is a narrow Mujib canyon. Its length is 1.5 km, making it one of the longest in the Middle East. A shallow stream of the same name flows along the bottom of the canyon, and picturesque waterfalls fall from the walls.

The main feature of the canyon is its incredibly beautiful view. Therefore, when going here, you need to remember your camera, which must be shock-resistant.

Jordan(Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) is an Arab state located in the Middle East. The main part of the country's area is occupied by deserts, hills and mountains, where there is practically no vegetation.

At the same time, the food, textile, oil refining and tobacco industries are developing well in it, phosphates are mined, and cement is made.

Jordan also represents scientific and Cultural Center entire Middle East, it has more than forty large educational institutions, including those with a military profile. And unique ancient monuments and resorts attract people here great amount tourists. This country is considered very friendly towards visiting guests of any nationality and religion.

Geographical position

The location is western part of Asia, in the south it is washed by the Red Sea. Its boundaries are defined as follows:

In the northern part - Syria;
In the northeastern part - Iraq;
In the eastern and southern parts - Saudi Arabia;
In the western part - Israel And Palestinian Authority.

Due to the peculiarities geographical location mainly in Jordan warm and dry weather.

At any time of the year, the water temperature in Krasny and Dead Seas ranges from twenty to twenty-two degrees.

Sights of Jordan on the map

Jordan can be called unique country, which has about twenty thousand ancient monuments, many of which were built in the Neolithic era. At the same time, they are surprisingly combined with modern buildings.

Petra

Petra is very unusual rock city, a mention of which is still in the Bible, and its construction still holds many mysteries. Due to the reddish-pink color of the rocks, it is often called the “pink city”. It is believed that this is where Moses extracted water from the rocks.

The river that flows in Petra is called Wadi Musa (Moses River). According to the research, we can say that the construction of the city began more than two thousand years ago, and initially it was miraculously carved out of the rocks.

Its history is rich in various events and well-preserved ancient buildings made it possible to include Petra in UNESCO World Heritage List. Also at the beginning of the twentieth century, it was recognized as one of new seven wonders of the world.

The beginning of the journey through the rock city is entrance to a narrow gorge, surrounded by very high cliffs.

There is no sunlight entering the gorge, and without additional lighting, movement occurs in complete darkness.

Then the path becomes a little brighter, and you can already see the niches that were carved into the rocks to house the statues.

The exit from the tunnel usually occurs in the bright light of the sun, and a large building with two names catches the eye - Al Khazneh And Pharaoh's Treasury.

It is believed that the construction of Al-Khazneh was the second century AD. It is unknown what it was intended for at that time, but it is assumed that it was temple or mausoleum.

The mystery is and how the ancient masters managed to build such a magnificent building. According to modern experts, this requires the use of scaffolding. But, find construction material in those places it was almost impossible.

It is assumed that the builders moved up the ruins in the rocks, but it is not clear how they managed to work on weight. Also remains a mystery how the calculations for the buildings were carried out.

Beyond Al-Khazneh, the tunnel gradually expands, and it becomes visible old rock city. Here you can see a large number of stone houses, markets, entertainment venues and other buildings.
Here you can also find Ed-Deir temple, located at the very top of the rock, and is also a valuable architectural monument. In front of him is located big square, which was apparently used for various religious ceremonies.
Nearby there is a three-story building Roman Palace (Palace Tomb).
The lower part of the Roman palace was carved into the rocks, and blocks of cut stones were already used to build the upper part.

The lower tier is a large room in which sacred holidays were held and the dead were venerated. Tourists can not only see appearance buildings, but also to go inside.
In addition to the above historical monuments, Petra also has a huge number of interesting buildings , starting from the very first ones, which were roughly executed by ancient craftsmen, and those that were erected by ancient masters. Apparently, this is why the rock city attracts a huge number of tourists every year who want to see great works of art.

Aqaba
Aqaba- this is the only one seaside resort and the port of Jordan, since the country has the only small access to the Red Sea. According to scientific data, the first settlements appeared here six thousand years ago.
Tourists love it very much Red sea, which is distinguished by clean and very salty water, which allows swimming even for those who are just starting to learn it. The diversity of the underwater world is also attractive.
Through the crystal water you can admire various types of fish, corals and other marine life.
- Of the architectural attractions of Aqaba, the main one is considered Mamluk fortress, built in the sixteenth century. Its location is the seashore, and it is surrounded on all sides by beautiful, tall palm trees. Not far from the fortress there is a museum where you can learn about the history of the city.
- Next most important historical monument Aqaba can be called Lot's cave, which is a monastery complex. It also houses a Byzantine church and a small number of tombs.
Amman
Amman is the capital of Jordan and its largest city. Initially, seven hills were chosen for its construction, symbolized by a seven-pointed star on the country’s flag.
Today the city is located already on ten hills, whose slopes are decorated with white houses and villas, which is why Amman is also called « White City» . White stones (limestone) are used for the construction of buildings. Houses are built very quickly and have a wide variety of shapes.
Amman is one of the most important industrial centers countries with an international airport.

The main attraction of the city can be called Jebel Al-Qalaa (Fortress Mountain). It is famous for monuments from various times, the most valuable of which are the colonnade of the Temple of Hercules, the Al-Qasr Palace, the Byzantine church and the ancient amphitheater, designed for more than six thousand people.
1. Jordanian archaeological museum;
2. Jordanian Museum of Folk Traditions;
3. Folklore Museum;
4. Archaeological Museum University of Jordan;
5. Anthropological Museum University of Jordan;
6. Museum of Numismatics;
7. Royal Motor Museum.
Nature lovers can admire it at the nearby Mujib Nature Reserve. It was founded in 1987 in the Wadi Mujib gorge. On its western side there is the Dead Sea, and on the eastern side there are mountain ranges.
Here you can see more than four hundred species of plants, some of which are very rare. Also lives here ten species of animals And about one hundred and fifty species of birds, many of which need protection.
When going to distant countries, find out about the symptoms of acclimatization, because this trouble can overtake you completely unexpectedly.

Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, located between Israel and Jordan, is actually considered salty closed lake , whose age is about fifteen thousand years. This unique place, which is the lowest point on Earth.
Thanks to the specific composition of its water, it has become a unique healing place, which a huge number of people from all over the world want to visit.

Also from its bottom special healing mud, which have a special therapeutic effect, no analogues have been found. For the convenience of vacationers, in addition to resorts, there are hotels and other tourist facilities on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Due to too high concentration of salts in the Dead Sea there is no vegetation, no fish, no other inhabitants, except for archaeobacteria, thanks to which therapeutic mud is formed.
You won't find it on the lake shore either. no trees, no grass, since the soil is covered with a salt crust. But in such salty water you simply cannot drown, but you can relax calmly, simply lying on your back or stomach, and at the same time get healthier.

It is not at all surprising that the ancient city of Petra, which is the main city of which Jordan is rightfully proud, was included in the list of the new seven wonders of the world. A unique feature of Petra is that the city is completely carved into the rocks, such a sight is amazing and breathtaking. By the way, the name of this unique place on the planet is translated as “stone”.

History of Petra

The ancient city of Petra in Jordan dates back more than 2000 years of its existence, and some sources indicate even 4000 years. The history of Petra in Jordan began with the Edomites, who built a small fortress on the basis of these rocks. Then the city became the capital of the Nabatean kingdom and remained so until 106 AD. Afterwards, the unusual rocky fortifications passed into the possession of the Romans, then the Byzantines, Arabs, and in the 12th century became the prey of the Crusaders. From the 16th to the beginning of the 19th century, Petra remained empty, no one knew where it was stone city, shrouded in secrets and legends. It was only in 1812 that the Peter complex in Jordan was found by a traveler from Switzerland, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Since then, for 200 years, tourists from all over the world have not ceased to admire this magnificent heritage of antiquity.

Modern Petra

An interesting fact is that throughout its history, the city of Petra in Jordan was built up by different “owners”, but to this day only the most ancient buildings that arose before the 6th century AD have survived. So modern Petra represents the real appearance of ancient Petra. You can get to the city through the only and extremely exotic route – the kilometer-long Siq gorge, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Along the entire route entering the city there are altars, ancient sculptures and unusual colored sands. The exit from the gorge leads directly to the majestic facade of El Khazneh - a temple-palace, which is called the Treasury, because according to legend, wealth is stored there that has not yet been found by anyone. Amazingly, the facade of the Temple of Petra in Jordan, carved 20 centuries ago, remains untouched by time today.

Sights of Petra

The sandy mountains of Petra in Jordan contain about 800 attractions, while scientists claim that Petra is only 15% studied, and most of its mysteries will never be solved. The Nabataean ruins of Petra in Jordan stretch for several kilometers and cannot be explored in one day. Even tickets here are sold for three days at once, so that tourists can have time to see everything.

Al-Khazneh Temple, mentioned above, never revealed the secret of its purpose to researchers. Some believe that this is the temple of Isis, others say that this is the tomb of one of the rulers of the Nabataean kingdom. But the most important question for historians is how it was even possible to create such a structure, if even today it seems unlikely.
Petra Amphitheater, carved into the rock, can accommodate 6,000 people. Presumably, the construction of the amphitheater was started by the Nabataeans, but it was the Romans who gave it such a scale, who completed the construction of this structure to such a majestic size.
Ed-Deir– other amazing building temple complex Petra in Jordan. This is a monastery that rises 45 meters on top of a cliff and is 50 meters wide. Ed-Deir was probably Christian Church, as evidenced by the crosses carved on the walls.
Temple of the Winged Lions- a complex, the entrance to which is guarded by statues of winged lions. Being for the most part Even though destroyed, it still attracts visitors with its columns and the fact that many meaningful artifacts are discovered in its excavations.
Dushara Temple or Palace of the Pharaoh's Daughter a is a separate building that has survived, unlike many that were destroyed. Today it has been restored and impresses with its 22-meter walls built on a carved platform.

Petra (Arabic: البتراء read “Al-Batra”) is an ancient city located in the southwest of Jordan, former capital Edomites, and later the Nabataean kingdom. Located at an altitude of more than 900 m above sea level in the narrow Siq canyon. The capital of Jordan, Amman, is 236 km away.

The ancient city of Petra is one of the new wonders of the world, and is also included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. Millions of tourists flock here to see the rock city with their own eyes. The spectacle is truly impressive, as it is impossible to believe that this was created several thousand years ago.

Petra - history of the city

The history of the city of Petra in Jordan began in the 18th century. BC, when the Edomites were the owners here (XVIII - II centuries BC), they laid the foundation for many buildings. Next were the Nabataeans (II century BC - 106 AD), then the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs. And in the XII century. AD the city belonged to the crusaders.

Who built Petra and why?

The name of the city of Petra is translated from Greek as “rock”, and it is not surprising - after all, the entire ancient city consists entirely of stone. It is also called the “pink” city, because at sunrise and sunset the rocks actually glow scarlet and pink.

The rock city of Petra arose due to the fact that the Nabataeans - Arab nomads - were able to control the flow of water, which was important for the area. When there were flash floods here, people used cisterns and aqueducts - this not only made it possible to survive the drought, but also provided income from selling water to travelers.

At that time, the great city of Petra had an advantageous location, being at the crossroads of strategically important trade routes. One of them connected Persian Gulf and Gaza, and the other - the Red Sea and Damascus. Caravans loaded with spices endured the drought of the Arabian Desert for weeks. And then the secluded Siq canyon awaited them, which led to Petra.

For several hundred years, the spice trade brought huge income to the city. But after the Romans opened sea routes to the East, land caravans gradually lost the meaning of their existence and Petra became lost city, wrapped in sand.

It is unknown whether we would have known about the existence dead city, if in 1812 the traveler from Switzerland Johann Ludwig Burckhardt would not have discovered and described it.

Sights of the city of Petra

Temples, tombs, baths, colonnades - the stone city boasts more than 800 ancient monuments, which are evidence that hardworking and talented people lived here.

To see this wonder of the world, you need to travel several kilometers through the Siq gorge. And this will need to be done on foot. Already here you will be impressed by the sheer cliffs that form the walls of the dark corridor. Coming out of here, the first thing a tourist sees is Al-Khazneh Palace.

El Khazneh Palace is one of the main attractions of Petra; it is the tomb of one of the kings of the Nabataean kingdom. The building is carved into a huge rock, has an elegant pediment and towering columns. To this day, it remains a mystery how the builders in those days managed to create such a structure - without scaffolding (there are no trees in this area) and special equipment. There is a version that the Al-Khazneh Palace was the temple of the goddess Isis.

Walking around the rock in which the palace is carved, you can see many buildings carved in stone - these are former residential buildings, staircases, arches, and even a Roman amphitheater, which once could accommodate about 4,000 spectators.

The city has two archaeological museums, many monuments of biblical chronicles - Mount Aaron, on which the high priest, according to legend, died; Wadi Musa valley; source of Ain-Musa (Moses). Also here you can see Qazr al-Bint - main temple Nabatean kingdom.

Another attraction that amazes with its beauty is the Ed-Deir monastery, which is located on the top of a cliff. The height of the building is about 45 meters and the width is 50 meters. The monastery has only one room and a staircase that leads to a niche. The square in front of Ed-Deir once had columns and various religious ceremonies were held here. Opposite the monastery, a cafe was organized for tourists so that they could hide in the shade and enjoy the beauty of antiquity with a cool drink.

Excursions to the city of Petra

You can go to Petra on your own or take a tour. One day may not be enough to thoroughly explore all the sights, so we recommend staying at a hotel in the neighboring town of Wadi Musa. This is where all the tourism infrastructure is concentrated. are not numerous - there are about 40 hotel properties in the city, prices start from $16, the average cost per day is $70.

What to bring from your trip:

souvenirs with colored sand;
figurines with landmarks;
jewelry.

How to get there

From Amman to Petra it is a 3 hour drive if you follow the Desert Highway. You can also go to " Royal Road", but then it will take 5 hours.

By bus

A bus runs daily from the Abdali bus station in Aman to Petra, it leaves in the morning at 06:30, the travel time is 3.5 hours. The bus leaves back to Aman at 17:00. The one-way fare is 10 Jordanian dinars (approximately $14).

By minibus

There is also a Wihdat bus station in Aman, from where minibuses depart several times a day. The fare is 5 Jordanian dinars (about $7). Travel time - 3 hours.

From other countries

If you are vacationing in Egypt or Israel, then you also have the opportunity to visit Petra. Almost everything travel agencies resorts organize tours to Jordan.

Entrance fees:

for 1 day - 50 Jordanian dinars ($70);
for 2 days - 55 Jordanian dinars ($77);
for those arriving in Jordan for just a day, entrance to Petra will cost 90 Jordanian dinars ($127);
guide - 50 Jordanian dinars ($70);
night excursion(from 20:30 to 22:00) - 17 Jordanian dinars ($24).

106 km from Petra there is another interesting attraction of Jordan - the nature reserve, or Valley of the Moon.

Petra city on the map of Wadi Musa

Petra (Arabic: البتراء read “Al-Batra”) is an ancient city located in the southwest of Jordan, the former capital of Idumea, and later of the Nabataean kingdom. Located at an altitude of more than 900 m above sea level in the narrow Siq canyon. The capital of Jordan, Amman, is 236 km away.

The ancient city of Petra is one of the new wonders of the world..." />