The ancient city of Petra, Jordan: description, photo, where it is on the map, how to get there. Petra - a mysterious city in the rock

Petra is the main attraction of modern Jordan, it is an ancient city and the former capital of Idumea or Edom, and later, the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. The remains of the city are located at an altitude of almost a kilometer above sea level and 660 meters above the Arava Valley, and located in the narrow Siq canyon. The passage to the valley where the ancient city is located lies through gorges located on the southern and northern sides of the mountain, and on the eastern and western sides, the rocks form natural walls up to 60 meters in height. The first to find the city, after many centuries of loneliness in the desert, was Johann Ludwig Burckhardt from Switzerland in 1812. In 2007, the city of Petra became one of the new “Seven Wonders of the World”. Indeed, this is one of the greatest miracles ever created by man and nature. Not far from the city and above it are the tomb of Aaron and the rock temple of Ad-Dair.

As history tells us, the city was the center of two important trade routes: one of them connected Damascus with the Red Sea, and the other connected the most populated province of Gaza with the Persian Gulf, which ran along the Mediterranean coast. These roads connected India, China and the southern Arab countries with ancient Egypt, Greece, Syria and Rome. Caravans carrying the finest silk, various spices, and precious stones passed here. Columns of loaded camels and the merchants accompanying them, departing from the Persian Gulf, laden with goods brought from overseas countries, moved for weeks through the harsh Arabian desert, and when they, exhausted, reached the narrow Siq canyon, the travelers found water, food and lodging here.

For centuries, trade brought unprecedented wealth to the ancient capital. But this did not last forever, until the Romans opened sea roads, then the land trade in spicy spices and Chinese silk was reduced to a minimum and the city gradually became empty, lost in the desert sands and time. Many structures of the city of Petra were carved in different eras and under several owners of the city, including the Edomites (XVIII-II centuries BC), Nabataeans (II century BC - 106 AD), Romans (106-395 AD), later Arabs and Byzantines. In the 12th century AD. its owners were the Crusaders.

The entrance to the city stretches through a narrow gorge one kilometer long. The gateway to Petra is the long and winding Siq gorge. Petra is located among red sandstones, which are well suited for construction, which allowed the then residents of those places to quickly build living quarters. Using terracotta pipes, the architects of Petra created a complex water supply system and despite the arid climate, the city's residents never needed water. Around two hundred reservoirs were placed throughout the city, collecting and storing rainwater for some time. In addition to connecting the reservoirs, terracotta pipes collected water from all sources within a radius of 25 kilometers. The most famous buildings these days are: Al-Khazna, which means treasury or treasury; jewelry, gold and everything valuable that was in the city were kept there and eventually became the tomb for one of the rulers of the city. Al-Khazna is one of the best preserved structures of the first century. Al-Khazna can be seen directly from the entrance to the rock city. The massive façade, 30 meters wide and 43 meters high, is carved into a solid rock of dark pink color, everything around seems to be made of coral, creating an unforgettable experience. The construction of the Al-Khazna temple was carried out in the former river bed. To build this structure, the architects changed the river bed. A tunnel was cut into the rock to divert the flow of water and a series of dams were built. In addition to this famous building, there are many colorful buildings for different purposes. Place of sacrifice, Roman amphitheater for 3000 spectators. Temples, obelisks, colonnades, holy sacrificial altars and the majestic, famous Ad Deir Monastery, which is reached by 800 steps carved into the rock.

The city of Petra has two museums - the Archaeological Museum of Petra and the Nabataean Museum of Petra. The exhibits that can be seen here are archaeological finds from the outskirts of Petra, they provide an opportunity to better understand the history of the ancient city.

The list of attractions and monuments in Petra is very large; it would take several hours to list everything; in total there are more than eight hundred historical sites. The most popular and visited: Sahrij (“Balls of the Jinn”), Mugar An-Nasara (“Caves of the Christians”), the sacred mountain of Jebel Al-Madbah (“Mountain of Sacrifice”), the Byzantine church behind the ruins of the Nymphaeum, Qasr Al-Bint (“Palace daughters of the pharaoh"), Mount Jebel Harun (Mount of Aaron) and the Temple of Ad-Deir.

Today Petra is the most visited place in Jordan. Local traders sell souvenirs and offer tourists camel rides.

The original city on the rocks is mentioned in ancient legends, in the speeches of sages and even in the Bible. At this place, Moses called water from the rock, so a small local river still bears his name - Wadi Musa, that is, “the river of Moses.” The city of Petra in Jordan is full of mysteries and unique events. It belongs to the new wonders of the world, so today it receives our attention.

From the history

In the city of Petra, Jordan not only created history, but filled it with divine meaning. The modern location of Petra is near the resort of Aqaba, which is located near the Dead Sea. This is where the “path of incense” once lay. The city is located on the site of the ancient state of Edom, which, according to historical information, was an enemy of Israel. The city of Sela, which means “stone,” is the first settlement on the site of the current settlement. Subsequently, "stone" was translated into "Petra". Rock City is a telling name, isn't it?

In the 3rd-4th millennium BC, Arab nomads from the Nabateans decided to settle in the area. They began to lead a sedentary life, making Petra their fortified capital. There was only one gate in the city, which was visible right through. This really saved the Nabateans from raids. Even the army of the Roman Empire could not take the people prisoner. The Nabataeans themselves joined the Romans in the first century AD.

After the nomads settled in the rocks, the best era for their kingdom began. Petra at this time became a city of political significance. She became widely known. Petra turned into an artificial oasis, where the flow of water was strictly controlled. It happened that the capital of the Nabatean kingdom was flooded by downpours, but the local population used a system of aqueducts, dams and cisterns, thanks to which they not only provided themselves with fresh water, but also supplied it for sale.

The rock city of Petra in Jordan predetermined a certain way of life for the people who inhabited it. It is difficult to build houses, raise livestock and engage in farming on steep cliffs. Thanks to the tricks of the architects, the city of Petra became a wonderful monument of Roman architecture in harsh conditions. In the 4th century, the buildings were badly damaged and the population had to leave their homes. Since then, only nomadic tribes have stayed there.

Following the fall of the Nabatean kingdom, the Roman Empire ceased to exist. In the 16th century it was impossible to find a single inhabitant in this lifeless desert. There were legends about the city of Petra in Jordan.

The capital of the Nabateans was discovered by the Swiss scientist I.L. Burckhardt in 1812. He had to dress up as a merchant in order to find out from the local hermits the place where the city of Petra was located. Jordan, whose history is full of tragic battles, is inhabited by secretive people. It was only by chance that Burckhardt managed to find out how to get to Wadi Musa and see the ruins of Petra.

Architecture

The structures of the city of Petra, carved into the rock, belong to three periods of world history:

1. Idumean (XVIII-II centuries BC);

2. Nabatean (II century BC - 106 BC);

3. Roman (106-395 AD).

In the Middle Ages, the Teutons and crusading knights lived in the city, but everything that they left behind was destroyed by time. Only the rocks withstood the pressure of wind, sun and earthquakes.

The territory of the city of Petra has not been 100% studied; 85% of the buildings remain a mystery. Many more amazing discoveries await us, especially considering that the studied area includes more than 800 architectural monuments.

What does the city of Petra look like?

From the very beginning of the journey, the tourist is plagued by difficulties. The narrow gorge called the Siq, through which you can get to the city, is enclosed in high cliffs. The sun's rays do not touch the bottom, so you will have to navigate the road in the dark. Sometimes the width of the passage narrows to 4-5 meters. It gradually gets lighter, and stone statues on the sides of the passage, carved inscriptions and niches become visible. This passage was formed by nature itself - the gorge was formed as a result of ancient shifts of tectonic plates.

When you finish your journey through the gorge, the sun will blind your eyes with its unusually bright light. The first thing anyone who enters here sees is the building of El Khazneh, or the Treasury of the Pharaohs. This is a local sanctuary that is both a temple and a mausoleum. The date of construction is the 2nd century AD. Why the Nabateans needed this building, history is silent. Only a few scientists believe that the Treasury of the Pharaohs is an ancient pagan temple of the goddess Isis. But you and I can admire the work of ancient stonecutters who managed to create a beautiful temple out of rock.

The process of turning stone into a building remains a major mystery for scientists. From the point of view of modern construction, it is not possible to create a tall building without the use of special scaffolding. But in rocky areas there are no trees to build auxiliary platforms. Presumably, the stonecutters had to climb to the very top of the rock without a safety net, using only their hands, and chisel away at the wall from there. How it was possible to create such a symmetrical and graceful building without the use of bricks and boards is also unknown for certain.

Al Khazneh blocks the view of the old city on the cliffs. Going around the temple, we see a large number of stone houses for various purposes, markets, and administrative buildings. The Roman influence is clearly felt in the columns framing the avenue-street. Larger buildings have their own purpose. For example, Ed-Deir is a monastery that crowns one of the peaks of the rocks. The structure is huge - 50x50 m. Once upon a time there was a Christian church here.

Another larger and grander building is the Roman palace. The three-story building is also called the Palace Tomb. Next to it there are other ritual buildings. An amazing feeling is experienced by a tourist who tries to imagine the huge time gap between him and the beginning of the construction of structures. The buildings have been preserved almost in their original form, because the stone of the rocks is extremely strong.

In the city of Petra in Jordan, whose history is based not only on a religious cult, there are not only sanctuaries. Here you can see ordinary outbuildings, burial grounds and other premises. Cliff dwellings are interspersed with temples. The picturesque Qasr al-bint is a temple dedicated to the Great Mother Goddess.

Tourists are offered to buy a detailed map and explore the surrounding area on their own. In addition to the buildings we have designated, you can see a theater, a church, the Temple of the Winged Lions, a real Roman dining room and much more. The territory of the facility is several kilometers.

The ancient theater of Petra seats 6,000 visitors. It is also entirely made of rock and is located in the center of the city. From the spectator rows you can see the burial grounds and main tombs. The time of construction dates back to the first century AD, that is, at the same time when l-Deir arose in Petra.

Not far from El Deir is Jebel Harun. This is the beautiful tomb of Aaron, crowned with a snow-white mosque. Aaron is the brother of Moses, and the structure was erected in his honor during the reign of the Mamluk Sultan.

The cathedral, discovered in the 90s by American archaeologists, is a building extensively decorated with mosaics. Here, in ancient times, documents were kept, written on sheets of papyrus and of great value to the city in the 6th century. All documents were kept in a private archive along with family documents. The decoration of the cathedral is amazing. The nave and altar are made of small marble tiles of different colors. All arches are covered with mosaic patterns.

What's special

Petra has more than a hundred rock structures. On the facades, one might say, the entire history of the construction of the city is carved. Here, in the neighborhood, there are rough, uncouth premises and exquisite ancient temples.

Do not forget that the Nabateans were just nomads, and these tribes are not distinguished by the desire to leave behind a memory for many centuries. The amazing architecture of this people is exclusively a figment of the imagination of the eternal traveler, driven by fear into the rocks, to a place where enemies cannot reach and ruin the tribe.

The city of Petra in Jordan, which for a long time belonged to the closed Nabatean tribe, is distinguished by its originality. Its appearance is original and unlike any other city in the whole world. The extraordinary city, carved into the rock, constantly attracts tourists who are interested in the city of Petra, Jordan, history and architecture.

Fun fact: Petra is sometimes called the “city of roses.” This was due to the rock having a specific red hue.

In 1985, Petra came under the protection of UNESCO as an important element of the cultural heritage of mankind, and in 2007, Petra was awarded the title of a new wonder of the world.

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A unique rock city, the main attraction. This “pink” city is so popular that hundreds of thousands of tourists visit it every year. They say about him: “He is as old as time itself.” Petra is included in the version of our website.

The fact of the antiquity of this unusual city is indicated by the mention of it in the Bible. The first settlement in the city dates back to the existence of the state of Idumea, which was approximately 2-4 thousand years ago. Later, the Nabatean kingdom was formed on this territory, of which Petra was the capital.

The uniqueness of Petra lies in the fact that it is located at an altitude of more than 900 m above sea level in a narrow canyon. This inaccessible location was chosen by the Nabatean Arab nomads for protection purposes. And even the famous Roman commanders could not get there through the narrow gorge. The original name of the city was Sela, which meant “stone” in the local dialect. Later the Greeks renamed it in their own way, maintaining the meaning.

From the 1st century AD Petra nevertheless became part of the Roman Empire. Local craftsmen erected buildings of incredible beauty right in the red sandstone rock. In order to escape from drought and properly use rainfall, they built dams, cisterns and aqueducts.

Due to what happened in the 4th century AD. After the earthquake, the city was left desolate, with only a few nomads remaining. And starting from the 6th century, Petra was completely abandoned until 1812, when it was discovered by the Swiss traveler I. L. Burckhardt. He had long wanted to find a city lost in the rocks in the Middle East. Pretending to be a merchant, he was able to find out from the Bedouins where the Nabataean ruins were located.

In fact, all the buildings of Petra belong to 3 periods: Idumean, Nabataean and Roman. What was built after the 6th century has practically not reached us. According to some sources, in the 12th century, knights of the Teutonic Order took refuge in Petra. It is interesting that this mysterious city has not been fully explored. In modern times, Petra has more than once become the location for the filming of famous films.

Sites available to tourists include the Siq Gorge, the Pharaoh's Treasury, 80-meter cliffs with ancient inscriptions and carved limestone niches for statues. One of the city's most popular attractions is Al Khazneh (Treasury of the Pharaohs). This is a huge temple-mausoleum, presumably built in the 2nd century AD.

Another outstanding building is the Ed-Deir Monastery. Crosses are carved in places on its wide walls, indicating that it once housed a Christian church. No less interesting are two Roman buildings - the Palace and Urn tombs. The city has hundreds of rock chambers, the facades of which can convey the history of this ancient area.

Petra can be reached by sightseeing buses or taxis in 3 hours from and 1 hour 50 minutes from Aqaba. The chance to visit the rock city also comes to those who are on vacation in Egypt or Israel. From Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh, day excursions to the attraction are regularly organized.

Photo attraction: Ancient city of Petra

Amphitheater

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 and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 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 the Persian Gulf and Gaza, and the other connected 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 a lost city, wrapped in sand.

It is unknown whether we would have known about the existence of the dead city if in 1812 a traveler from Switzerland, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, had not 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 Kazr al-Bint - the main temple of the Nabataean 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 along the “Royal Road”, but then it will take 5 hours.

By bus

A bus runs daily from Abdali bus station in Aman to Petra; it leaves in the morning at 06:30, 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 all resort travel agencies 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 tour (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..." />

On the hottest days, such as Fridays or holidays, Petra receives up to 3,000 visitors. On a normal day - 1500 people. If there are less than 1000 tourists, the day is considered quiet. So try not to come on a Friday or a weekend if you don't like crowds. However, it must be said that the city is so large that you will always find a less crowded place.

How long to spend here

The village of Wadi Musa, which serves Petra, has no more than 1,200 beds, so many come on a day trip from Aqaba or Amman. For a thorough inspection, it makes sense to spend at least two nights in the city, or even better, three, in order to devote two days entirely to exploring the city.

How to get there

Petra is located 260 km from Amman, the trip there takes 3.5 hours along the Desert Highway and 6 hours along the Royal Highway. Daytime excursions by JETT bus depart at 6.00 (in winter at 6.30) and return at 15.30 (in winter at 15.00). The ticket price includes lunch in Petra; entrance ticket is paid separately.

Admission ticket

Please note that admission prices have skyrocketed to astronomical heights: in February 2007, a one-day ticket cost 21 dinars, a two-day ticket cost 26 dinars, and a three-day ticket cost 31 dinars. Children under 15 years old are admitted free of charge. In the late 1980s, the entrance ticket cost only 1 dinar. Entry by horse will cost you an additional 7 dinars, and by car - 20 dinars.

Preparing for your visit

First of all, you need to be in good physical shape to be able to explore everything the city has to offer: there will be a lot of walking, climbing up uneven paths and uncomfortable surfaces. Also, shoes are very important. It should be comfortable and able to withstand prolonged contact with an untreated surface.

The next equally important thing is sun protection. Wear loose, loose clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. You will also need water. Bring a small bottle with you to avoid dehydration. From food - something small and non-melting, like nuts or cereal.

Service

Today there is no shortage of refreshment stalls in the city; there are several good restaurants concentrated in the Qasr Al Bint area, an hour's walk from the entrance. However, the prices are quite high, so you may prefer to bring something that is not too heavy. There are few toilets here, and they are all located in restaurants.

Photography

Don't forget to take your camera with you, because Petra is one of the most photogenic places in the world. When shooting, it is important to take into account the angle of incidence of the sun's rays. The sun illuminates the facade of the Treasury from 9.00 to 10.00 in winter and from 8.30 to 9.30 in summer. As for the second monumental facade, Ad Deir, the sun does not hit it until 14.00.

Petra: from the Siku entrance

Bab al-Siq (Gateway to Siq)

Once through the entrance gate, you will be walking through a wide, open valley for the first 15-20 minutes. The first sights you will see here are the tombstones of the genies. (genies are characters of Arabic folklore, similar to our ghosts or spirits). This is a group of three free-standing stone cubes to the right of the road. These are believed to be tombstones. The largest block is deeply carved with a "crow's footprint" design, a common Nabatean design and a signature of Petra.

Continuing along the main path, you will come to an obelisk carved into the rock on your left. It dates back to the 1st century. n. BC, the period of the last Nabatean kings, and shows traces of a wide variety of influences - Egyptian in the obelisks resembling pyramids, and classical in the columns, pediments and niches for statues. In fact, these are two tombs one on top of the other: the upper one with four obelisks and the lower one in the shape of a triclinium with benches carved into the rock on three sides.

Sik

After the trail makes its final bend to the right along the valley, you will approach the Siq directly, ascending a small slope of the dam and then descending to gorge level. This dam was built to mark and secure the entrance to the Siq after a group of tourists drowned in a flood in 1963.

During the time of the Nabateans, the Siq was paved with limestone along its entire length - only fragments of this “pavement” remain today. At its narrowest point, the Siq is only 2 meters wide, which makes the 100-meter cliffs rising on both sides look even more impressive. The colors of the rocks here are mostly red-brown; time, wind and rain have eroded them and given them bizarre shapes. In many places you can see fragments of stone stairs leading to abandoned sanctuaries hidden in the rocks.

Water supply systems

While constructing a dam at the entrance to the Siq, the builders discovered traces of an ancient Nabatean dam and water canals; they managed to some extent to “rely” on these structures when constructing new ones. Apparently, the Nabataeans also wanted to use the Siq as a year-round entrance to the city, which required protecting it from winter floods. They also invented a workable water supply system: water flowed through canals carved into the rocks on either side of the Siq - these canals can still be seen today, particularly on the left, at human height. And on the right there are several ceramic pipes preserved.

Peter: from the treasury to the high altar

Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The walk along the Siq takes almost half an hour, but it usually feels longer due to the many twists and turns of the path and because you will rarely see more than 20m of path in front of you. All the better will you remember the moment when the brightly lit façade of the Treasury at the end of a dark gorge suddenly appears before you.

The Bedouins call the Treasury "Al-Jerra" ("Urn")- a 4-meter urn rises above its portico. Local belief says that this urn contains the treasures of the pharaohs. The urn is the least preserved detail of the façade; it is dotted with traces of rifle shots - barbaric attempts to destroy it and extract treasures.

In fact, like the entire monument, the urn is carved into the rock. The hidden location of the Treasury allowed other architectural elements of the facade to be preserved - decorative friezes and statues.

The original purpose of the building and the date of its construction remained a mystery for a long time. Some scientists attributed it to the 1st century. BC e., others - to the I-II centuries. n. e. However, modern scholars are inclined to believe that it was erected during the reign of Aretas IV, who died in 40 AD. e. It is believed that this was the sanctuary of Tyche (Isis), the goddess depicted in the center of the pediment with a cornucopia in her hands. According to another version, this is the tombstone of the king.

Most scholars are convinced that foreign workers and architects took part in the construction of the Treasury - otherwise it is impossible to explain the combination of such diverse elements in Nabataean design. The columns and capitals are Corinthian, the huge obelisks are Egyptian, and the statue of Tyche (Isis) clearly bears traces of Alexandrian influence (Petra actively traded with Alexandria). On the facade of the building you can see figures of winged sphinxes, a lion, a panther, snakes and dancing Amazons. In contrast, the interior is very simple, not to say ascetic.

200 m from the Treasury you will see a sign, following which you will come to this amazing monument. The steep climb up the steps carved into the rock and through the corridor will take about 35 minutes; an impressive transition into another world - full of silence and removed from Petra's heart. It’s as if you are participating in a ritual procession - and indeed, the priests once walked along the same path, leading the procession to the place of sacrifice. Two 7-meter high obelisks mark the entrance to this sanctuary, located behind the ruined fortress. At the top of the sandstone mountain is an altar; Steps lead to it, and gutters extend from it to drain the blood of sacrificial animals.

Nothing specific is known about the ceremonies held here, but the view from the altar is stunning - you can even see Aaron's tiny tomb on Mount Jebel Haroun (Mount Aaron), revered by Muslims and visited by Christian pilgrims.

Petra: from theater to Ad-Deir

Theater

There is a theater 300 m to the left of the Siq. Despite the fact that the building has been badly damaged by erosion, it is still impressive in its size and surprises with the scale of work that was required to carve 40 rows of seats into the rock. Like the Treasury, it was erected during the time of Aretas IV (1st century AD). It was later rebuilt by the Romans, who captured Petra in 106, but all the work of the masons went down the drain due to the terrible earthquake of 363. The theater could accommodate about 8,000 spectators.

Qasr Al-Bint (Palace of the Virgin)

This temple, dominating the Lower City, is the most important Nabatean temple of Petra. It was built in the 1st century. BC e. The "Virgin" to whom it is dedicated was supposedly the daughter of the pharaoh who lived in the temple but suffered from a lack of water. She announced that she would marry the man who would provide the palace with water supply. Probably, such a craftsman was found, because during excavations, channels and a drainage carved into the stone were discovered at the foot of the palace.

The impressive facade is made of sandstone blocks; its height in some places reaches 25 m. In the center of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum, where a statue of the deity used to stand. Busts of people standing in niches were destroyed in the heat of the fight against paganism. During the time of the Romans, the temple fell into disrepair; in the Byzantine period and the Middle Ages there were living quarters and stables here.

Ad-Deir (Monastery)

The climb to Ad Deir is for many the most memorable part of the walk in Petra. There are magnificent panoramic views all around. For two and a half hours, you make a circular procession from Qasr Al Binta past the Tomb of the Lion Triclinium, a rock-cut sanctuary (Qattar al-Deir) and the early Christian Hermitage.

Suddenly you find yourself on the edge of a huge open sand terrace, and to your right rises the colossal rock facade of Ad Deir, the sight of which makes you feel like a pygmy. Its height is 45 m, width - 50 m. This is the largest monument in Petra. The height of the urn at the top of the facade is 10 m. The name "Monastery" comes from the many crosses carved on the rear wall, suggesting that this structure was used by the first Christians in the 4th century, attracted by its secluded location.

Originally it was most likely a Nabataean temple, but some scholars are inclined to consider it the unfinished tomb of one of the Nabataean kings (the fact that the tomb was not completed is evidenced by the absence of any statues or other decorations in the niches). Like the Treasury, this building dates from the 1st century. n. e. It follows the same style, although the stone used for Ad-Deir is yellower and its lines are bolder and more imposing. Conquerors of the peaks will not be able to deny themselves the pleasure of climbing to the urn along the dilapidated steps to the left of the facade.

Tombs of Petra

In the vicinity of Petra, about 107 tombs with benches inside were discovered, and scientists suggest that some of them were used not only for specific, but also for utilitarian purposes - they ate and even slept there.

Hidden corners of Petra

Despite the fact that Petra is visited by 1,500 tourists every day, its 200 km² territory has many corners where you are guaranteed privacy. Below we will talk about some of them.

Al Madras

If you arrive in Petra late in the evening and have a few hours of daylight left, this excursion to the Al Madrasa Sanctuary is an ideal and unconventional choice.

Buy a two-day entry ticket to be able to enter the city the next morning. The path to Al Madras goes to the left before reaching the Siq - where the main road goes to the right. There is a sign here, and the trail begins just beyond it, skirts a low stone wall, and slants southwest toward a group of rocky cliffs. Walking through the woods and then past the stone pyramids, you will come to a staircase carved into the stone, broken but wide. In 10 minutes you will climb several flights of stairs and come to a grassy sanctuary with stone tombs, cisterns, niches and stairs leading even higher to two pools and an altar, or “high place” as it is called in Petra. There are magnificent views from all sides, especially at sunset.

Jebel Haroun and Sabra

Sabra is a free-standing Nabatean suburb of Petra and even has its own theater. You can get here in two hours from Qasr Al-Bint, located in Petra, on foot or by horse. The scenery along the way is beautiful - you'll pass several wadis and mountain peaks, including Jebel Haroun with its white sanctuary and the tomb of the High Priest Aaron at its 1,396m summit.

It will take two hours to climb there from Qasr Al-Bint, but the road here is not easy, it is better to take a guide. The entire journey, except the last 20 minutes, can be done on horseback.

The tomb itself was restored by the Mamluk Sultan Kal-Aun in the 13th century, and until then monks of the Greek Orthodox Church lived there. It is now closed and is still revered as a sacred shrine by Muslims and Christians. The story of Aaron's death is found in the Bible (Numbers 20:23-29).

This excursion lasts a full day; you will need a guide. It is also necessary to stock up on water and food.

You can also take this excursion with your own transport if you arrive in Petra too late to see the main attractions, but still have a couple of hours of daylight left. Little Petra (also known as Siq el Bared)- a good “introduction” to Petra, it’s like a miniature suburb that most tourists don’t visit. The concrete road is signposted from the very beginning of the climb - from Wadi Musa; its length is 10 km to the north. After 2 km the road begins to go uphill; look to the left at the ruined remains of Al-Wuair, the main crusader castle of Petra. It was built in the 12th century, and the Crusaders called it Le Vaux Moise, which means “Valley of Moses.” (in Arabic - "Wadi Moussa").

The concrete surface ends at the iron gate - this is the entrance to Little Petra; The gate is impressive in its compactness - three narrow passages lead into three gorges. Everywhere you can see traces of the Nabataean water supply system and steps that will lead you to the mysterious altars. At the end of the third gorge, the last staircase will lead you to an open terrace and then to the adjacent valley. This unusual connection of all three valleys through flights of stairs and a network of paths will undoubtedly surprise you. Open: during daylight hours. Free admission.

From Qasr Al-Bint, located in Petra, you can make a daring and challenging leap to Umm al-Biarah, a high rock formation that dominates the entire Petra valley. Few tourists dare to do this, and it is better to take a local guide, as the climb is difficult. Just make an agreement with the service boy - he will be only too happy to help you for a small fee.

The return trip to Qasr Al-Bint will take three hours and half an hour to explore the summit.

Part of the way you will climb a stunning stone staircase, the best in Petra, experiencing all the feelings of a participant in a ritual procession: the staircase is zigzag. Higher up it is blocked by fallen rocks, and you will have to climb the rest of the climb on all fours along steep, narrow paths. On the surprisingly wide peak you will find the ruins of an Edomite settlement - the original inhabitants of Petra - dating back to the 7th century. BC BC, discovered during excavations in 1960 by British archaeologists - food and water were delivered to them by helicopter. From the westernmost point of the summit there are wonderful views of Wadi Araba and Jebel Haroun - the best volcanic landscape you will ever see.

Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve

Spanning 212 km² between the Royal Highway and the Dead Sea, this reserve offers hiking opportunities, including the best adventure route in Jordan, a 36 km two-day trek along the river. Mujib. Applications for participation in all hikes must be sent in advance to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (www.rscn.org.jo). Entry into the reserve without prior agreement is prohibited.

The diversity of flora and fauna in these protected areas is amazing. It is home to the rare Syrian wolf, Blanford's fox, Egyptian mongoose, spotted hyena, caracal and many species of snakes, including the venomous desert cobra and viper. There are fenced areas in the reserve for endangered Nubian ibises - several individuals have already been released. Here you can admire the most pristine wadi landscape in Jordan and have an unforgettable experience. You can, with prior permission from the administration, set up a tent camp and live for several days.

A short walk around Petra

This walk through the main attractions of Petra is designed for the whole day, if you walk slowly, stopping often to rest. If the physical activity is too strenuous for you, take a horse-drawn carriage or rent a horse. In this way you can get to the Treasury, and then ride a donkey to Ad-Deir. You will find plenty of young people offering horse-drawn transport services.

The length of the walk is 6 km. The best time to start it is 8.30 am. The return from the last point - Ad Deir - with numerous stops will take 2-3 hours, so you will return to the entrance no later than 6 pm.

Walk down from the hotel to the visitor center, behind which is the ticket office; here you need to buy a day ticket, which is presented at the entrance to Petra.

Djinn Blocks and Obelisk Tomb

After an easy 10 minute walk down the hill you will come to three giant rock blocks (left)- these strange hollow multi-story structures served as tombstones. A little further on the left you will see an obelisk carved into the rock - the first example of structures that are found in abundance in the city.

Siq

It is worth walking slowly through this narrow gorge - there is a lot to see. Spend half an hour exploring the aqueduct ruins and colorful rocks.

The exit from the gorge is located opposite the Treasury.

Treasury

This is the most famous of Petra's attractions. The facade of the Treasury makes a stunning impression. If you want to take the best photos, you should come here between 9 and 10 am. Follow the main winding wide path leading to the Theater (left).

Theater

The building is carved into the rock, the colors are stunning and the acoustics are still excellent, as numerous groups of tourists will demonstrate.

Continue along the main path - it ends at the entrance to the Lower City; here you will find several restaurants.

Lower Town

Here you can explore a number of interesting buildings; look out for Qasr Al-Bint. Having examined everything you consider necessary, relax and have lunch at some restaurant.

From the bridge over the wadi, near the Basin restaurant, a narrow rocky path leads to the right and winds up to Ad Deir; the afternoon sun illuminates its façade favorably.

Ad-Deir

This monastery is the second most important attraction in Petra.

Turn back towards the Lower Town and return past the Theater and Treasury; re-enter the Siq and return to the gate through which you entered the city.

Long walk in Petra

The walk covers as many attractions as you can possibly see in a day, especially if you decide to walk the entire Siq. It's a great introduction to Petra, including two long climbs, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The route is designed for a good level of fitness and has fewer rest stops than the short route.

The total length of the walk is about 9 km. The ideal time to leave is no later than 8 am, then you will be back around 6 pm.

Follow the path from the entrance for 700m until you see a small path turning left, past the obelisk but before reaching the dam. It leads up to Al Madras. Its length is 400 m.

Al-Madras

This detour and climb up several flights of stairs carved into the rock is worth making to see the site of ancient cults.

Return to the main path and follow it further towards Siku.

Siq

It takes about 25 minutes to walk slowly through the Siq. During this time you will be able to explore it and enjoy the unique sensation you will experience when the gorge narrows.

Sik will lead you straight to the Treasury.

Treasury

The stunning facade of this building is the most famous thing about Petra. It's worth staying here, remembering that the best light is between 9 and 10 am. 200 m behind the Treasury you will see a sign “to the left”: along worn stone steps you will ascend to the High Altar.

High Place of Sacrifice

The “ceremonial rise” will take approximately 35 minutes. In front of you are two obelisks, above which there is an altar and an altar itself, located on the top of a rock.

Return to the obelisks and go, without turning, along the small path forward, to the left, to the theater. The path will lead you to a staircase leading down to a narrow stone corridor, past a lion fountain, to Wadi Farazah.

Wadi Farasa

At the foot of the stairs you will see the Garden Tombstone with its lovely classical façade. The stairs to his right lead to a huge cistern. Below are several more tombstones carved into the rock. From here you will have to walk 30 minutes under the scorching sun to the north, to the Lower City and the most interesting building - Qasr Al-Bint.

Lower Town

Here you can relax and have lunch in one of the restaurants while enjoying the view of the surrounding area. From the bridge over the wadi behind the Basin restaurant, follow the small rocky path winding up the hill to the right. After about an hour you will come to Petra's second remarkable monument.

Ad Deir

This magnificent façade faces west and is best viewed in the afternoon sun. Those who are not yet tired of climbing can climb to the right, to the central urn, starting from the rocks on the left side of the facade.

Return along the same road to the Lower City, past the colonnades of the Cardo Maximus, viewing other monumental facades on the way to the Treasury. Return to the gate via the Siq on foot or by horse-drawn transport.

History of Petra

The nomadic Nabatean tribes moved north from northern Arabia to the country designated in the Bible as Edom at the beginning of the 6th century. BC, gradually displacing the indigenous Edomite population. They showed themselves to be a powerful and independent force by the 4th century. BC e. By that time, Petra had become their base. Its appeal was obvious: natural security, a safe water supply, fertile lands favorable for agriculture and cattle breeding, all in addition to its strategically advantageous location at the crossroads of trade routes along which silk and spice caravans traveled to the north and east. The name “Nabateans” comes from the Arabic root “nabat”, meaning “heart”, “center”.

Nabatean gods

They brought with them their pagan cult from the Arabian Peninsula. Their main gods were the god Dushara and the goddess Al-Uzza. She was the goddess of fertility, patroness of caravans and the embodiment of the morning star, and he, whose name literally translated as “from Sharra,” was named after the Sharra Mountains in the Petra region. In the Old Testament these mountains are called Seir, and one of the names of Jehovah - “He who was revealed in Seir” (Deuteronomy) - suggests the identity of these gods. The Greeks later likened Aushar to Dionysus. Numerous idols of Dushara and Al-Uzza can be found throughout Petra in the form of stone blocks or obelisks.

Nabataean temperament

Contemporaries characterized the Nabataeans as peace-loving and hardworking people. In the classical works of Strabo, a historian of the 1st century. BC e., peaceful, diligent people are described, whose cities are not surrounded by walls. If they were attacked, they preferred tactical rather than military solutions, bribing the aggressors with valuable gifts.

This tactic was successful with the Greeks and Romans, and the Nabataeans managed to remain largely independent throughout the region's turbulent history. When the last Nabatean king died in 106, Petra became part of the Roman province of Arabia and became its capital.

Under the Romans and after them

The Romans entered the city and rebuilt it, laying a main street, building a colonnade along it, erecting temples and baths. Starting from the 2nd century. BC e. Petra's "powers" as a city lying at the intersection of the main caravan routes passed to Roman Palmyra, as the caravan routes changed direction and extended further to the north. Accordingly, wealth stopped flowing here. Christianity reigned here early, as a result of which by the 4th century. n. e. Petra already had its own bishop, and one of the Nabatean tombs was turned into a church.

The population declined over the next few centuries; Until the 12th century, when the crusaders stopped here for a short time, nothing was heard about Peter at all. The Crusaders built two castles here. Until the 19th century the city was forgotten and was perceived by educated Europeans as a mythical city of fabulous wealth, something like Atlantis. It was “discovered” in 1812 by the young Anglo-Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt (1784-1817) , who, pretending to be a Muslim, entered the city under the pretext of making a sacrifice to Aaron. And so it happened that Burckhardt became the first European to see the façade of the Treasury after six centuries.