Petra in Jordan | Tripmondo

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Petra Archaeological Park (NABATAEA.NET - Can Books )

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1985
Size of heritage: 26,171 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 35,443°
Latitude: 30,331°

Summary

Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan-city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.

Location on Map

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Introduction

Petra, located in the Ma’an Governorate of Jordan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient rock-cut architecture and historical significance. This article will delve into the history of Petra and its current state as a remarkable archaeological site.

History

Petra, originally known as Raqmu, was established as the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom around the 6th century BCE. The Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab tribe, transformed Petra into a prosperous trading hub due to its strategic location along the ancient spice route.

Under Nabataean rule, Petra flourished as a center of commerce, attracting merchants from various civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The city's wealth allowed the Nabataeans to construct impressive architectural marvels, including intricate tombs, temples, and a sophisticated water management system.

However, after the decline of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 2nd century CE, Petra gradually fell into obscurity. It was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, capturing the imagination of the world and becoming a symbol of Jordan's rich cultural heritage.

Current State

Today, Petra stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Nabataeans. The site covers an area of around 264 square kilometers and is home to over 800 individual monuments, including the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery (Ad-Deir), and the Great Temple.

Petra's rock-cut architecture, carved into the rose-red sandstone cliffs, is a sight to behold. The intricate details and the sheer scale of the structures leave visitors in awe of the ancient civilization that once thrived here. The city's unique blend of Hellenistic, Roman, and Arabian architectural styles showcases the cultural exchange that occurred during its heyday.

Preservation efforts have been undertaken to protect Petra's fragile structures from natural erosion and human impact. The Petra Archaeological Park, established in 1985, manages and conserves the site. It collaborates with international organizations and experts to ensure the long-term preservation of this invaluable heritage site.

Petra attracts tourists from around the world, with over half a million visitors annually. The site offers various guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the ancient city's hidden treasures and learn about its rich history. The Treasury, with its intricate façade, is particularly popular and has gained international recognition through its appearances in films such as "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

Furthermore, Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, acknowledging its outstanding universal value and the need for its protection. The designation has helped raise awareness about the site's significance and has contributed to its preservation and sustainable tourism development.

Conclusion

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

Videos from the area

The Treasury (Al Khazneh) at Petra - Jordan

Published: May 19, 2012
Length: 48:21 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: rndomn8

Carved out of the sandstone rock face. The Al Khazneh ("The Treasury") is a a popular tourist attraction and one of the most well known buildings in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. More...

Nabataean Water Drain Tunnel at Petra - Jordan

Published: May 13, 2012
Length: 27:03 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: rndomn8

A tunnel built by the Nabataean people at Petra in Jordan to combat that large amount of water that use to flow through the area. Nabataeans,Nabateans,Nabatene,الأنباط‎,al-ʾAnbāṭ,م...

Petra, Jordania

Published: September 01, 2009
Length: 58:03 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: lineadearquitectura

Esta remota ciudad es indudablemente uno de los grandes tesoros arqueológicos del mundo; es la atracción más importante y famosa de Jordania. Llegar al Tesoro a traves del cañon del Siq,...

Petra Artist Finishes Sand Art Bottle

Published: December 10, 2012
Length: 55:21 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: fotomotofotograf

Petra, capital city of the Nabateans. Arabic: البتراء

Published: December 10, 2012
Length: 56:35 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: fotomotofotograf

A glimpse at the history, architecture, and nature of the ancient Nabatean city of Petra found in present day Jordan.

Grand Temple and Winged Lion's Temple of Petra

Published: August 03, 2012
Length: 14:05 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: rndomn8

The remains of the Grand Temple (or the Great Temple) and the Winged Lion's Temple at Petra in Jordan. Archaeology,archeology,Argeologie,Oudheidkunde,Archäologi,ሥነ ቅርስ,علم الآثا...

Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.

Near airports

Ein Yahav Airfield
Small airport - 25 mi (40 km)

Yotvata Airfield
Small airport - 37 mi (60 km)

Ovda International Airport
Large airport - 41 mi (66 km)

Aqaba King Hussein International Airport
Medium airport - 56 mi (90 km)

Eilat Airport
Medium airport - 61 mi (98 km)

Taba International Airport
Medium airport - 65 mi (105 km)

Bar Yehuda Airfield
Medium airport - 69 mi (112 km)

Be'er Sheva (Teyman) Airport
Small airport - 79 mi (127 km)

Queen Alia International Airport
Large airport - 102 mi (164 km)

Ben Gurion International Airport
Large airport - 121 mi (195 km)