Ma\'an Governorate, Jordan

The Rose-RedCity of Petra

The ancient Nabataean capital carved directly into pink sandstone cliffs. The Treasury, the Monastery, and a lost city that lay hidden for centuries in Jordan\'s desert canyons.

4th C. BC

Founded

1st C. AD

Peak

30,000

Population

1985

UNESCO

What Makes It Special

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The iconic facade that greets visitors after the 1.2-kilometer walk through the Siq canyon. Standing 40 meters high and 28 meters wide, it was carved directly into the pink sandstone cliff face around the 1st century AD. Despite its name, it was likely a royal mausoleum, not a treasury. The intricate Corinthian columns, pediments, and figures reveal Greek, Egyptian, and Assyrian influences — testament to the Nabataeans' cosmopolitan trade empire.

A City Carved from Stone

Beyond the Treasury lies a vast city — tombs, temples, an amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and a monastery (Ad Deir) even larger than the Treasury. The Nabataeans built a sophisticated water management system with dams, cisterns, and ceramic pipes that allowed them to thrive in the desert. Petra was a major trading hub on the incense route, connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.

Lost for Centuries

After the decline of the Nabataean Empire and a series of earthquakes, Petra was abandoned and largely forgotten by the Western world. It was "rediscovered" by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, who disguised himself as an Arab to gain access. Bedouin tribes had always known of its existence, using the tombs as shelters. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

VIP Experience

Arrive at Petra by Night — the Treasury illuminated by 1,500 candles under the stars, with Bedouin music. Stay at the Mövenpick Resort Petra (at the entrance) or the Feynan Ecolodge (eco-luxury in the Dana Biosphere Reserve). Private guided tours with archaeologists. Combine with Wadi Rum desert camp (Martian landscapes) and the Dead Sea for a complete Jordan luxury itinerary.

Luxury Hotels Nearby

LuxuryAt Entrance

Mövenpick Resort Petra

Direct Petra Access

Luxury2 km

Petra Marriott

Mountain Views

BoutiqueDana Reserve

Feynan Ecolodge

Eco-Luxury

UniqueWadi Rum

Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel

Desert Glamping

"Match me such a marvel, save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time."

— John William Burgon, 1845

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