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Petra
The ancient city of Petra astounds visitors with its size and grandeur, the mystery of its origins and the splendour of its surroundings. The capital city of the Nabatean civilization, Petra’s 800 buildings, tombs and monuments were carved out of the solid rock walls of Wadi Araba between the 3rd century BC and 106 AD. The narrow, twisting crevasses that lead to the city kept it hidden from Western eyes for over a thousand years, until it was discovered by a Swiss explorer in 1912.
The Petra area has been occupied since prehistoric times – the Nabateans probably arrived around the 4th century BC. The history of the Nabateans is not well understood, but scholars believe they were a nomadic Arabic people who settled in Petra and grew wealthy levying taxes on travelers to ensure safe passage through their lands. Though they had their own language and religion, the Nabateans were strongly influenced by Hellenic and Roman culture, which is clearly reflected in their art and architecture. Writings from the period are in Greek, Latin and Nabatean. These writings are few, and most relate to religious practices, rather than political or historical events. We do know that the Nabatean dynasty ended in 106 AD, when Petra was assimilated into the Roman province of Arabia, and the Nabatean people disappeared from history. The city thrived for a while after annexation – in fact, Petra may have had a brief renaissance with the arrival of the Romans – but massive earthquakes in 363 and 551 probably contributed to its decline, and by the 7th century it was largely deserted.
Today, visitors arrive to Petra via the Siq, a narrow gorge leading into the city. It is no longer possible to enter the Siq on horseback – guests can ride the quarter mile from the Visitor’s Centre to the entrance of the gorge, then walk the half-mile through the Siq. Nighttime tours of Petra are available, and an amazing experience – the city is even more magical by candlelight. Be sure to bundle up for this walk, especially in the winter.
topSights
The Treasury
The most famous of Petra’s buildings, this spectacular façade is the first thing visitors see when emerging from the Siq. A myth that a Pharaoh’s treasure was hidden in the giant urn above the doorway gave the building its name, al-Khazneh (Arabic for "the Treasury"), but it actually served as a royal tomb. It was prominantly featured in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The Amphitheater
Though built in typical Roman style, this theater was probably constructed before annexation. Its 33 rows of seats could hold 3,000 people.
Royal Tombs
Within the main city area, a number of impressive tombs are carved into the rock. The Urn Tomb is remarkable for the massive 66x59 foot chamber within it. The Silk Tomb is so named because of the richly striped, flowing pattern of its stone façade. The splendid Corinthian Tomb is allegedly a replica of Nero’s Golden Palace in Rome. The three-story Palace Tomb is one of the largest monuments in Petra. Its uppermost story was too tall to be carved from rock and had to be constructed using masonry.
Petra Church
This building is thought to have been a major Byzantine cathedral in the 5th and 6th centuries, throwing into doubt the theory that Petra had declined by this time. The side aisles are paved with a remarkably well-preserved series of mosaics depicting native and mythical animals. A cache of 152 scrolls was discovered here during a recent excavation, the largest collection of written material from ancient Jordan ever found.
The Monastery
This magnificent structure, the second most spectacular in Petra after the Treasury, is about an hour’s climb from the ancient city center. The path is not steep and is easy to follow, and the stunning view from the top is well worth the hike.
topHotel
Movenpick Resort Petra
P.O. Box 214
71810 Petra
, Jordan
Tel: +962 3 215 7111
Fax:+962 3 215 7112
Email: resort.petra@moevenpick.com
The leading hotel in the Petra area, this resort is ideally located right at the entrance to the National Park. Swimming pool, roof garden, gym, shopping arcade.
topRestaurants
Al Iwan
Movenpick Resort
Dinner only, 7-11:30pm
Reservations: +962 3 215 7111
Award-winning Mediterranean cuisine in a luxurious atmosphere.
Al Saraya
Movenpick Resort
Reservations: +962 3 215 7111
Breakfast 6:30-10:30am, Lunch 12:30-3:30pm, Dinner 6:30-11pm
This all-day restaurant offers a sumptuous breakfast buffet and international classics for lunch and dinner.
The Basin
Located within the old city of Petra at the foot of the Monastery hill. Buffet Middle Eastern food in an enchanting setting. Lunch only.