9 Unique Sites to Explore in the Ancient City of Petra, Jordan

Besides exploring the modern metropolis of Amman or enjoying the Dead Sea, there’s one other thing you certainly can’t miss in Jordan—and that is exploring Petra.

The ancient city of Petra, Jordan, was the capital of the Arab tribe of the Nabataeans as far back as 300 BC before the Romans took control of it in around 100 AD. An earthquake struck the city a little after that, destroying most of it but creating beautiful gorges throughout it. The abandoned city was quiet for decades until it was discovered again centuries later.

Today, this astounding archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Want to see the most unique sites on your visit to the Ancient City? Here are just nine of the must-see ruins in the destroyed city among the myriad of spectacular spots to explore there.

The Siq

You’ll enter Petra, Jordan by passing through the Siq, the Arab word for “shaft.”

This tall, narrow gorge—believed to be sacred to the Nabateans because of the baetylus stones displayed throughout the canyon’s walls—is considered the entryway into the ancient city but is magnificent in its own right.

The 1.2-kilometre stretch is 10 feet wide and 80 metres high, creating a unique trekking experience from within a canyon. When you get to the very end of the Siq, you will be greeted by the Treasury.

Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)

The Treasury of the Pharaoh is a temple carved from a sandstone edifice and is the first structure you’ll see upon entering Petra. This well-preserved, two-storey temple and its signature pillars are a huge highlight in the ancient city.

No one knows for sure why the Nabateans built the Treasury. Some sources say that it was designed to be a mausoleum and tomb for their leader, King Aretas III. Another legend says that the Egyptians created it as a haven for their armies after the Red Sea closed in the biblical story of Moses. Of course, the true purpose of the Treasury is lost to time.

The Street of Facades

After the Treasury, the passage spills out into a broader area with over 40 structures that look like houses and tombs. This area is known as the Street of Facades, and it’s reminiscent of an ancient residential settlement.

Interestingly, the valley floor in the area is quite low, thanks to the many floods that have washed it down throughout the centuries. Explore the intricate tombs in the area to see how the ancient Nabateans honoured their dead.

Ad Deir (The Monastery)

Next, there is the Monastery, which some might describe as a structure similar to the Treasury, but bigger at 45 metres high and 50 metres wide. To get to this impressive temple, you must go up an intimidating but relatively easy 800-step path, as the structure is hidden quite high up a hill. You can also hire a guide who can bring you up to the Monastery on the back of a donkey.

The High Place of Sacrifice

One of the more unique spots in this ancient city is the High Place of Sacrifice, where the Nabateans were thought to perform sacred rituals and animal offerings.

This altar was built at the top of a mountain called Jebel al-Madhbah, where the Nabateans also carved out drains where animal blood could flow through. It takes 45 minutes to hike up to the spot, but it’s well worth it if you want to see one of the most sacred areas in the ancient city of Petra.

The Royal Tombs

About 50 metres down from the High Place of Sacrifice lie the Royal Tombs, grand, ornate crypts and mausoleums for kings carved straight into a cliff. These are where the most powerful of Nabataean royalty were laid to rest.

There are plenty of tombs to explore here, from the Urn Tomb (which was consecrated as a church, at least according to a stone carving there) to the Silk Tomb, a photograph-worthy spot thanks to its stunning sandstone colours.

The Theatre

Then, we have the Theatre at Petra, a huge theatre created by slicing through old tombs and caves. It was built originally by the Nabataeans to seat 3,000 but then expanded by the Romans to fit over 8,000 people. It is believed to have been used for cultural performances. The Romans even carved out more stone beneath the Theatre’s stage to create storerooms.

Colonnaded Street

A stone’s throw from the Theatre is what is known as the Colonnaded Street, distinguishable by a line-up of many marble columns.

This street is believed to have been a shopping area in the Nabataean and Roman eras. There are also remnants of an old fountain at the start of the street.

The Great Temple

Finally, there is the Great Temple, a huge, 7,500-square-metre complex at the south of the Colonnaded Street. It’s not clear for which deity or king this temple was built. At its prime, it was around 18 metres high and had a beautiful red and white exterior. But with its ornate design and sculptural details, it’s clear that it is dedicated to a prominent figure for the Nabataeans. Some archeologists believe that later on, the Nabataeans used the temple to entertain the royal audience. In Roman times, it was used as a civic centre.

Unearth the Ancient City of Petra, Jordan by Exploring These Sites!

Visiting the ancient city of Petra is a must for any history aficionado travelling to Jordan. Not only do ruins like the Treasury and the Monastery show the architectural prowess of Arab tribes over 2,000 years ago, but they also tell the story of a civilisation long gone.

Want to explore more of the most monumental ruins and historical sites across the world? Check out Entire Travel Group’s other destinations and Holiday Packages to help you plan the perfect trip!