Petra is described as a wonder of the world. But descriptions do not prepare you for the feeling of walking towards it, through a narrow gorge of towering rock, and catching that first glimpse of the Treasury emerging from rose-red stone.
I had seen photographs. I had read the history. Yet nothing quite prepared me for the stillness, the scale, and the quiet sense of awe that settled over me as I stood there.
Petra involves serious walking and climbing. Fitness helps, and it may not be suitable for those with restricted mobility, although transport options are available between the main gate and the Treasury.
I travelled as part of a small guided group and would wholeheartedly recommend using a local guide. Their knowledge transformed the experience from sightseeing into storytelling.
What makes Petra Extraordinary
Petra was once the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, built more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Wadi Musa in southern Jordan.
Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in the 19th century, it sat along vital trading routes for frankincense and myrrh.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains Jordan’s most iconic landmark — a city carved directly into rose-red sandstone.
My most memorable experience of Petra is in three key areas, namely:- The Siq, The Treasury and The Monastery. These three areas blew my mind!
The Siq
The Siq is the main entrance to Petra — a narrow gorge that twists and narrows before revealing the Treasury.
This was the part I had dreaded most. I had imagined towering cliffs closing in, the path tight and overwhelming.
And yes, it was narrow. Yes, the walls rose dramatically above us. But something shifted as I walked. What I had feared became fascinating. The unknown, once faced, lost its edge.
There were no shaded areas except in places where the cliffs provided them. It was a long hike though on flat and even surface. Step by step, awe replaced apprehension.
The Treasury -The Reveal
Our guide asked us to pause and look at a tree growing improbably from the rock face. We admired it politely. Then he asked us to turn around.
And there it was.
The Treasury revealed itself slowly through the narrowing gorge — rose-red stone glowing in the sun.
For a moment, everything else fell away. The noise, the tourists, the camels, even the hawkers all faded into the background.
I was in awe of this captivating sight. Everyone was blown away by it.
The Monastery: The Climb
My adventures did not end at the Treasury. Our guide, Adna, encouraged us to do the hike to the Monastery. The hike to the Monastery was demanding around 900 uneven steps, desert heat, sheer drops. Fellow travellers were kind, helping where needed, and my own courage grew with each step.
Before we set off for the hike to the Monastery, we stopped for lunch and rested.
My biggest concern and fear when climbing these steps was sharing the space with those riding the camels or donkeys. Navigating the steps required effort and concentration because of the sheer drop into the gorge if you miss your step. My fellow travellers were kind and supported me along the way.
The entrance to the Monastery was not dramatic in its reveal, but it was magnificent in its stillness. Fewer people. More quiet.
Reaching the top, I didn’t feel triumph so much as gratitude.
Beyond the Icons — The Vast City
Petra is more than just The Treasury. What surprised me most was the scale. Only around 25% of Petra has been uncovered. The rest remains hidden beneath the desert and time. The intelligence of Nabataeans is applauded. This ancient city and its rich history is well hidden. It was so well hidden that it was “lost’ for thousands of years.
There are other antiquities in Petra that are worthy of mention like Petra Church with its beautiful mosaics or the tombs for the rich, royal and commoners.
Crossing the steel bridge
My fellow travellers were very kind, and assisted me in navigating the steep climb where necessary.
I found crossing the gorge on a steel bridge most frightening. One of my fellow tourists, Guya, was a hero. He held my hand and guided me over this bridge, urged on my the rest of the group. I had my eyes firmly shut until we reached the other side safely.
Closing reflection
Petra reminded me that the fear of the unknown often dissolves once we begin walking towards it. Doing the hike required effort, and that deepened the experience.
It was an experience that has stayed with me, not because of what I saw, but because of what I felt.
If you are able to visit, I would encourage you to take your time. Petra rewards patience.
You can also read about the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu – another awe-inspiring wonder.
Petra In Pictures
