Explora la cultura de Petra: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Petra a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Petra, Jordan's archaeological jewel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is a monumental city carved directly into the pink sandstone cliffs of the desert. For centuries it was the prosperous capital of the Nabataean kingdom, a caravan crossroads connecting Arabia, Egypt and Syria. Today, walking through its narrow Siq canyon to behold the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is one of the most breathtaking travel experiences on the planet. The vast archaeological site encompasses temples, tombs, a Roman theatre and the imposing Monastery (Ad-Deir), all set in a desert landscape of overwhelming beauty.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Petra
A journey back in time to Nabataean culture, with museums in Wadi Musa and candle-lit night visits.
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Museums & Galleries
The Roman Theatre
A rock-cut theatre seating about 3,000 spectators, built by the Nabataeans and expanded by the Romans in the 1st century AD.
The Royal Tombs
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.
Street of Facades
A row of Nabataean tombs with decorated facades flanking the entrance to the heart of the city, just after the Siq.
Festivals & Events
Petra by Night
All year round (3 nights a week)The Treasury lit by candles with traditional Bedouin music. A unique and highly recommended experience.
History
Origins
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.
Development
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.
Modern era
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.
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Culture
A journey back in time to Nabataean culture, with museums in Wadi Musa and candle-lit night visits.
Heritage
Nabataean capital, crossroads of civilizations and World Heritage Site; one of the most important archaeological cities in the world.
Architecture
Unique monumental architecture in the world: facades, temples and tombs carved into living rock with Nabataean and Roman techniques.
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