Where the Past and the Present Meet
Jordan has witnessed a rich history that extends to thousands of years. from the Stone Age to the Ottoman-era, passing by the Roman and Byzantine cultures.
In Jordan, the past is seen, felt, and lived every day, while the present is what breathes life into it.
Must See Places in Petra
The Siq
the main entrance to the ancient city. This narrow, wind-eroded canyon, often 150m high but a few metres wide, is visually arresting.
Must See Places in Petra
The Treasury
An iconic facade. Most likely a royal tomb, dating to the 1st century BC, it was carved by hand from the cliff face and is adorned with figures of eagles and deities.
Must See Places in Petra
The Theatre
A giant classical theatre seating 8,500 people. Built in the 1st century AD and originally Greek, it was renovated by the Romans after they took control in 106 AD.
Must See Places in Petra
Urn Tomb
Soaring facade towering above the centre of ancient Petra. Originally another royal tomb, it was converted into Petra’s cathedral during Byzantine rule.
Must See Places in Petra
The Monastery
Petra’s largest monument, also a royal tomb located up a stepped trail above the ancient city. Offers stunning mountain-top views over the desert.
Must See Places in Petra
High Place of Sacrifice
One of the best mountain routes in Petra, leading to an exposed, rock-carved altar 170m above the valley floor. A long descent past colourfully eroded sandstone cliffs makes a great round-trip.
Must See Places in Petra
Petra Church
Divert off the main path to reach this Byzantine church with mosaics of animals, birds, fish and personifications of the seasons. It’s rarely busy, but has stunning photogenic views.
Must See Places in Petra
Sextius Florentinus Tomb
This modest tomb, the last resting place of a Roman governor, has a graceful design that gives a human scale to Petra’s often daunting public architecture.
Must See Places in Petra
Turkmaniyyeh Tomb
Follow the Wadi Turkmaniyyeh road, a great walking route in or out of Petra, past this grand, unvisited tomb, with Petra’s longest inscription above the door.
Must See Places in Petra
Little Petra
Concealed in a mini Siq roughly 8km north, this was originally an outlying trading post. Here, more than anywhere in Petra, you can imagine your way into the distant past as you wander the sandy canyon floor past storerooms, houses, dining halls and temples.
Must See Places in Petra
Jabal Haroun
Petra’s highest peak, at 1,350m. The mountain is believed to be the last resting place of Moses’ brother, Aaron (Haroun in Arabic). It’s a challenging walk – a full day there and back – with a climb of 500m, but the views at the top are reward enough for all your efforts.
Must See Places in Petra
Petra by night
Don’t miss the chance to see Petra after dark on this guided two-hour night walk. It takes you through the candlelit Siq to the Treasury, where you’ll enjoy tea and a Bedouin piper. Loiter at the back of the group for extra peace and quiet.
