Discover the timeless beauty and splendour of Petra in Jordan

In the desert canyons of Jordan lies a rose-hued rock-cut beauty called Petra, a heritage site that has been around the 4th century BCE. One look at Petra and it feels as if time stood still, preserving everything, from the architectural brilliance of the rock-cut monuments to the intangible history and culture of the region.

For several centuries, Petra has captivated the imaginations of travelers and historians alike. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is more than the symbol of Jordan’s rich cultural heritage. Today, Petra is one of the most well-known and most visited tourist destinations in Jordan.



Back in the 4th century BCE, Petra was the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom. The kingdom was known for its skilled traders and merchants. What we know about Petra today, and what we see, is what these skilled traders have left for the whole world to see and admire.


Main attractions in Petra:

The Siq
It won’t be wrong to say that things are a bit dramatic in Petra. Take the entrance for instance. Before you even get to see the ancient city of Petra, there’s a dramatic entrance called the Siq. The Siq is a narrow and winding passage with towering sandstone cliffs on either side. At the end of this mesmerising walk is Petra’s iconic monument Al-Khazneh.

Al-Khazneh or the Treasury
This is the star of the show, one of the most iconic attractions in the region. Al-Khazneh or the Treasury is carved into the rock face, and one can easily see its intricate façade, complete with columns and several sculptures. It is a work of art, to say the least.


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Ad-Deir or the Monastery
It’s a steep climb to reach the monastery, but it’s worth the effort. The sight of Ad-Deir is awe-inspiring to say the least. The monastery is the second most popular attraction in Petra after Al-Khazneh. The view of the surrounding desert from Ad-Deir is simply stunning.

Royal Tombs
There are a total of four tombs in Petra, namely, the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb. Each of these tombs showcase intricate details and unique architectural features.

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Petra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Though it was a major hub for trade and commerce once upon a time, the ancient city of Petra was somehow lost in our modern world. It stayed away from the reaches of the western world for a really long time, and because of this, Petra also came to be known as the Lost City.


Petra gained global fame in the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where it served as the fictional resting place of the Holy Grail. This cinematic exposure further elevated Petra's status as a must-visit destination.