Stated to be the new 7 wonders of the world, the historical city of Petra is said to have been built during ancient times. Known as the Rose city, tourists from around the world come to explore the half rock carving, that has been talked about for years.
Petra is one of the most unique sights to explore as it is said to have been craved in half a mountain. The majestic Siq, treasure, the winged lion temple, the majestic temple and a dam are some of the wonders Petra is blessed with. A heaven for history and architecture, some of the places to visit in Petra are waiting to be explored.
Places To Visit In Petra: Treasures Of The Archaeological Site
Crowned as the “Rose city”, Petra is without a doubt one of the most stunning destinations filled with several historical and cultural sites. Those who have explored Petra in the past have said it is one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. Speaking of historical and cultural sites, some of the places to visit Petra have a lot in store for its tourists.
With so much to discover, when are you planning a vacation for Petra? Make a plan soon and have the best time of your life. What more can you ask for? It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
- Siq: The Natural Geological Fault
- Al-Khazneh: The Ornate Tomb
- The Dam: The Dark Tunnel
- Street of Facades: Nabataean Burial Interfaces
- The Great Temple: Glimpse of the Native Traditions
- Tomb of Unayshu: Climb The Rocky Stairs
- Temple of the winged lions: Dedicated To The Goddess Figure of the Nabateans
- Petra Theatre: Carved Out of Solid Sandstone
- Petra Museum: History of Petra and Nabataea’s life
- Sextious Florentinus Tomb: Created For A Roman Governor of Arabia
1. Siq: The Natural Geological Fault
The natural geological fault split apart by tectonic forces; Siq is found nestled at the main entrance to the old Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan. The most detailed ruin, Al Khazneh is found at the end of the dim, narrow gorge entrance of Petra. A dam was created back in 1963, to secure the mouth of the Siq and the waters of Wadi Musa.
During the 1st century BC and early 1st century AD, the Nabateans used the dam to control Wadi Musa. Two abutments and a few hewn stones of a monumental arch are found sitting at the entrance. Here’s an interesting fact, the appearance of the arch is known from Matthew Boulby and David Robert’s lithographs.
Location: 8FF4+5FW, Wadi Musa, Jordan
2. Al-Khazneh: The Ornate Tomb
As tourists leave the narrow confines of the Siq, the first ornate and stunning tomb of Petra, they get to see the great facade of the Khazneh. The grand tomb is said to be the resting place of a great king, Aretas III (85 BC -62 BC) "Philhellene," or Aretas IV "Who Loves His People.
The stunning tomb is no ordinary place to visit in Petra, as it is home to figures like Cator and Pollux, the heavenly twins, the symbols of Isis, the goddess of love and immorality, Amazon bearing axes, eagles of Zeus and tholos governed by a funerary urn. A trace of Hellenistic Alexandria is seen in the architecture, which includes the columns and the broken pediment interrupted by a tholos.
Location: 8FC2+VM5, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Timings:
Saturday- Thursday: 6 am- 5 pm
Friday: 6 am- 9 pm
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3. The Dam: The Dark Tunnel
You want to know something interesting? Back in the 1st century BC, even before we were born, the canals of drinking water were destroyed by flash floods from Wadi Musa. The dam was given the name the dark tunnel, as it was constructed by the Nabataeans to protect the city from floods.
The dam is one of the many places to see in Petra for its name and of course natural beauty. It is not like any other place people would have come across in the world. So, what are you waiting for? Make plans and explore the “dark tunnel”.
Location: Petra, Jordan
4. Street of Facades: For The Nabataean Burial Interfaces
Carved into the southern cliff face, the row of monumental Nabataean tombs has been named the street of facades. Decorated with grindstones and a few other decors, tourists will get to see several Nabataean burial interfaces. The story has it that there are tombs created for senior city officials or princes. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Jordan for its history.
So, what more can you ask for? When are you making plans to explore the place? It is not something you would have seen anywhere else. Go ahead, discover the place and have the best time of your life.
Location: Petra, Jordan
5. The Great Temple:Glimpse of The Native Traditions
The main archaeological and architectural components of central Petra, archaeologists have been excavating the temple since 1993. One of the most interesting things about the temple is its red and white succeed exterior, tetrastyle in antis with solid outer walls. It is one of the ideal places to go in Petra to get a glimpse of the native traditions with classical spirit.
The temple’s style and quality suggest it was built at the end of the 1st century BCE. The floral friezes and acanthus laden limestone are a sight to see. So, when it comes to planning a visit, tourists can avail of the Jordan tour packages. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and have the best time of your life.
Location: 8CHR+FWF, Wadi Musa, Jordan
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6. Tomb of Unayshu: Climb The Rocky Stairs
Excavated by the Nabataeans, the tomb of Unayshu was constructed during the 2nd half of the 1st century AD. The tomb belonged to King Maliku 11’s wife, Queen Shaqilat 11. The façade of the tomb is stunning and is said to be similar like the ones in Saudi Arabia’s Mada’in Saleh. One of the many things to do in Jordan is to climb the rocky stairs.
So, what are you waiting for? It is time you took the day off and visited the tomb of Unayshu. Make it a trip to remember.
Location: 8CFX+QJP, Wadi Musa, Jordan
7. Temple of Winged Lions: Dedicated To The Goddess Figure of the Nabateans
The large Nabatean temple is said to date back to the reign of King Aretas IV. Sitting in the so-called Sacred Quarter, the temple of winged lions is dedicated to the goddess figure of the Nabateans. On the other hand, the temple of winged lions is said to be dedicated to Dedun, the Nubian God of luck, symbolized with lions.
Back in 363 CE, a massive earthquake completely demolished the temple of Winged Lions. The temple is inscribed with all kinds of writings that offer an insight into the Nabataean law and order linked with religious ritual and worship. These are things that are interesting to know and so, when are you making plans to visit the temple?
Location: 8CJV+42W, Uum Sayhoun, Jordan
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8. Petra Theatre: Carved Out of Solid Sandstone
Dating back to 2000 years, the breathtaking view of the canyon, hills, and other Petra rock tombs can be seen from the Petra Theatre. For a bit of adventure, people can climb the mountains and take amazing photos. The mountains do offer a stunning view of the complete structure. Constructed during king Aretas’ reign, the theatre has a unique Roman design and carved out of solid sandstone.
Carved out of solid sandstone, the theatre has all kinds of floral designs, which is of course a sight to see. It is one of the most unique places to visit in Petra for its design and course the view it offers.
Location: Petra, Jordan
9. Petra Museum: History of Petra and Nabataea’s life
With over 280 artifacts, the museum tells the story of the history of Petra and Nabataea’s life and their civilization. Going back to antiquity, glimpses of the history of the city is still seen. The museum is an interesting place to visit in Petra as people will get to see items like statues, tools, coins, knives, pottery, jewelry, clothing, measures, weapons and mosaics.
Did you know the museum was actually discovered during an archaeological excavation? People should put the museum on the bucket list of places to see. So, what more can you ask for when it comes to visiting an exciting place like this?
Location: 8FG9+46R, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Timings: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
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10. Sextious Florentinus Tomb: Created For A Roman Governor of Arabia
Constructed in between AD 126 to 130, the Sextious Florentinus tomb was created for a Roman governor of Arabia whose story has been inscribed above the entrance. The discernible loculi interior is worth seeing at the tomb. It is not like any other place people would have visited in Petra or anywhere else in the world.
So, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with your friend who has shop here and admire the veining of the tomb. The gorgon’s head placed above the columns has been destroyed. So, what more can you ask for? It is one of the many places to visit in Petra for its history.
Location: Petra
The new 7 wonders of the world, Petra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan. It is a visually stunning site in the world waiting to be explored by tourists from around the world. Being half carved into the mountain, Petra is a unique sight to see. Hence, with so much beauty, make a list of all the places to visit in Petra and start exploring each one of them. Pack those bags, book those flight tickets and have the best time of your life.
Are you planning a trip to Petra anytime soon? It is one of the most unique places to visit and so, avail of the Jordan holiday packages right way.
Places To Visit in Petra - FAQs
Siq, Al-Khazneh, The Dam, Street of Facades, The Great Temple, Tomb of Unayshu and Temple of the winged lions are some of the most stunning places to visit in Petra.
Tourists can spend at least 2- 3 days in Petra exploring each place, tucked away in each corner. It is one of the most unique places to visit at least once.
Tourists from around the world come to visit Petra for its architecture and historical landmarks.
As it is a small place, people can travel in a bus, car or cab. People can even walk around and explore the place.
It is advisable to have a professional guide to explore Petra and learn about its history. Petra should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit.
The museum is home to over 280 artifacts that narrate the story of Petra’s history. There are several items' statues, tools, coins, knives, pottery, jewelry, clothing, measures, weapons and mosaics, people will get to see.
Hummus and the traditional Mansa are some of the cuisines people can eat in Petra while on vacation.
Saturday- Thursday: 6 am- 5 pm and Friday: 6 am- 9 pm is the timings of Al- Khazneh. It is a fascinating place to visit for its history.
