About Petra - Culture, History & Character
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in Wadi Musa, by guides and at hotels, making tourist communication easy.
Explore the fascinating past of Petra and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
Petra was founded around the 4th century BC by the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people who grew rich controlling the caravan routes of frankincense, spices and silk. Their ingenious system of channels and cisterns allowed them to thrive in the middle of the desert, storing rainwater and turning the valley into a trading oasis.
In the 1st century AD, Petra reached its peak, with an estimated population of up to 30,000 and monumental architecture blending Hellenistic and Oriental influences. Its theatre, colonnaded street and hundreds of rock-cut tombs reflect a rich, sophisticated city. The Roman conquest in AD 106 began its slow decline, worsened by earthquakes and shifting trade routes.
Abandoned and hidden from the West for centuries, Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. In 1985 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2007 chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Today it is Jordan's main tourist attraction, visited by more than a million people a year.
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Petra through the centuries.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Safe and well-patrolled area with constant tourist presence.
Safe and well-patrolled area with constant tourist presence.
The whole site is explored on foot; the first part is flat and accessible, while the climbs (Monastery, viewpoints) are demanding.
The whole site is explored on foot; the first part is flat and accessible, while the climbs (Monastery, viewpoints) are demanding.
Access is usually by private car or tours. Minibuses connect Wadi Musa with Amman and Aqaba.
Access is usually by private car or tours. Minibuses connect Wadi Musa with Amman and Aqaba.
The cost of the Petra ticket and accommodation raise the price of the visit, though local food and transport are reasonable.
The cost of the Petra ticket and accommodation raise the price of the visit, though local food and transport are reasonable.
Not a nightlife destination: the star evening experience is 'Petra by Night'.
Not a nightlife destination: the star evening experience is 'Petra by Night'.
A journey back in time to Nabataean culture, with museums in Wadi Musa and candle-lit night visits.
A journey back in time to Nabataean culture, with museums in Wadi Musa and candle-lit night visits.
Traditional Jordanian cuisine (mansaf, falafel, mezze) available in Wadi Musa and restaurants by the site.
Traditional Jordanian cuisine (mansaf, falafel, mezze) available in Wadi Musa and restaurants by the site.
Bedouin crafts, Nabataean pottery, silver jewelry and the famous colored sand bottles.
Bedouin crafts, Nabataean pottery, silver jewelry and the famous colored sand bottles.
Desert climate with excellent spring and autumn; scorching summers and cool winters.
Desert climate with excellent spring and autumn; scorching summers and cool winters.
Perfectly prepared for tourism: multi-day ticket, guides, maps, local transport and Bedouin hospitality.
Perfectly prepared for tourism: multi-day ticket, guides, maps, local transport and Bedouin hospitality.
An unforgettable adventure for families, but physically demanding due to long walks and heat.
An unforgettable adventure for families, but physically demanding due to long walks and heat.
Jordan is among the more tolerant countries in the Middle East, but society remains conservative; discretion is advised.
Jordan is among the more tolerant countries in the Middle East, but society remains conservative; discretion is advised.
Jordanians and Bedouins are famous for their hospitality ('welcome' is 'ahlan wa sahlan').
Jordanians and Bedouins are famous for their hospitality ('welcome' is 'ahlan wa sahlan').
Landscapes of wind-sculpted sandstone, canyons, mountains and desert: stunning natural beauty.
Landscapes of wind-sculpted sandstone, canyons, mountains and desert: stunning natural beauty.
Unique monumental architecture in the world: facades, temples and tombs carved into living rock with Nabataean and Roman techniques.
Unique monumental architecture in the world: facades, temples and tombs carved into living rock with Nabataean and Roman techniques.
Nabataean capital, crossroads of civilizations and World Heritage Site; one of the most important archaeological cities in the world.
Nabataean capital, crossroads of civilizations and World Heritage Site; one of the most important archaeological cities in the world.
Petra is desert and mountain landscape: its beauty is stony and mineral, not green.
Petra is desert and mountain landscape: its beauty is stony and mineral, not green.
The site is well maintained and clean, although in high season litter and horses accumulate on the initial route.
The site is well maintained and clean, although in high season litter and horses accumulate on the initial route.
No relevant entrepreneurial ecosystem; it is a purely touristic and archaeological destination.
No relevant entrepreneurial ecosystem; it is a purely touristic and archaeological destination.
Petra is a tourist destination, not a nomad hub: limited connectivity and scarce coworking infrastructure.
Petra is a tourist destination, not a nomad hub: limited connectivity and scarce coworking infrastructure.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Petra y qué esperar durante todo el año.
Desert climate with excellent spring and autumn; scorching summers and cool winters.
Many sunny days a year.
Pleasant cool nights in spring and autumn.
Extreme summer heat limits hiking.
The best time to visit is March to May and September to November.
Temperatures drop sharply at night even in summer; bring a jacket.
Ideal to visit: pleasant temperatures and clear skies.
Very hot (35-40°C). Best to start early and walk in the shade of the canyon.
One of the best seasons: warm days and cool nights, perfect for hiking.
Cold at night and occasionally rainy; snow is rare. Fewer crowds.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
Jordan is mid-to-high priced for the region. The entry ticket to Petra (2 days) is expensive, and accommodation in Wadi Musa is the most affordable option compared with luxury resorts.
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
Petra's most famous facade, carved in the 1st century AD as a monumental Nabataean tomb. It appears at the end of the Siq and is, along with the Monastery, Jordan's iconic image.
The stunning 1.2 km canyon that serves as Petra's ceremonial entrance, flanked by cliffs up to 80 meters high with visible Nabataean water channels.
Petra's largest monumental facade, 50 meters wide, reached after climbing about 800 steps carved into the rock. Its views over the valley are spectacular.
A rock-cut theatre seating about 3,000 spectators, built by the Nabataeans and expanded by the Romans in the 1st century AD.
An impressive group of monumental tombs carved into the hillside, including the Palace Tomb, the Urn Tomb and the Silk Tomb, with pink and ochre facades.
An open-air place of worship atop the mountain with panoramic views of the whole Petra valley. Reached by a hiking route with rock-cut steps.
A row of Nabataean tombs with decorated facades flanking the entrance to the heart of the city, just after the Siq.
Discover fascinating destinations near Petra perfect for day getaways
A smaller, far less crowded sister Nabataean site with carved facades and an impressive painted temple. About 8 km from Petra.
The spectacular Wadi Rum desert, about 2 hours by car, famous for its red dunes and rock formations. Unmissable with an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp.
Jordan's Grand Canyon, ideal for canyoning, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, halfway between Petra and Amman.
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
The town that serves as the gateway to Petra, with hotels, restaurants and the visitor center. It is the main base for exploring the site.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
In March and April, the desert around Petra briefly blooms, painting the landscape green and yellow.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at night, the path to the Treasury is lit by thousands of candles for a Bedouin musical show.
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