Visiting Petra fulfilled a long-held ambition of mine to see all the seven wonders of the world. Petra was truly a wonder and should be on everyone’s list of places to see at least once in one’s lifetime. Petra exceeded my expectations. It was an experience that I will never forget.
What makes Petra Extraordinary
Petra was the capital of an ancient city located in Wadi Musa, a town in southern Jordan, that was built by the Nabataeans around 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It was ‘lost’ for thousands of years before it was rediscovered in the 19th century. It was part of a vital trading route at the time for such products as frankincense and myrrh.
This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural heritage and was voted second place as a wonder of the world in 2007, after the Great Wall of China.
Petra means ‘rocks’ and you will understand why when you read on and see the photos. It is Jordan’s most visited tourist landmark, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourist a year. It has been put on world map by its appearance in Indiana Jones film as well as The Last Crusade.
Petra is famous for its beautifully crafted facade directly into the rose-red sandstones, tombs, temples and water systems. I must admit seeing is believing this true wonder.
I visited Petra in a small group in a guided tour. I always recommend using the services of a local guide. They are much more knowledgeable and experienced. Local guides often provide better value for money.
Everyone in my group got on very well together. They were fantastic and great fun.
I hope my photos of this amazing places bring them to life for you more than just my words.
Three moments remain vivid in my memory – The Siq, The Treasury and The Monastery.
The Siq
The Siq is the main entrance to Petra – a narrow gorge that twists and turns. There were religious stations along the route to the Treasury.
Walking through the gorge was the part of the trip that I had dreaded most. I had imagined towering cliffs closing in and overwhelming. But what I had feared became fascinating.
It took a while to walk through the gorge, narrow in places and flanked by about (plus or minus) 80 metres high cliffs. It was a very hot day, in fact most days are hot in this part of the world! I didn’t take any chances and ensured that I was well covered and protected with plenty of suntan lotion, long trousers, long sleeves top and wide brim hat.
Contrary to what you might think, I get sun burned easily. So I put on lots of sun tan lotion. I also had plenty of water, remembering that we were in the desert, though I needn’t have worried as there were plenty of stalls on the way selling water along the route but at exorbitant tourist prices. Also on sale, were all kinds of souvenirs that you don’t really want to buy or need.
Our guide warned us about promising to buy souvenirs from hawkers on our way back; that they will remember and will hassle us to keep our promise. It was better to say a firm “no” and move on.
This was an interesting sight – if you look at the rock formation from one side – you will see a fish but from the other side, you will see an elephant. Mother nature is so clever!!
The hike continued through these naturally formed gorges which sometimes flooded. Walls were built to act as a barrier and stop the gorge from flooding.
There were no shaded areas except in places where the cliffs provided them. It was a long hike though on flat and even surface, Our guide stopped at various key points to talk about either trees that grow in the the cracks of the cliffs or the water systems. As you can imagine, water was a very valuable asset and needed to be preserved and protected.
A fellow tourist asked at one point – “Aren’t we there yet?” And no, we were not. Our guide told us we were not even at the gate to the actual city yet. And that we were still in the Siq which was the entrance.
The hike continued through these naturally formed gorges which sometimes flooded. Walls were built to act as a barrier and stop the gorge from flooding.
The Treasury
After what seemed to us as like a very long hike and with great anticipation, we arrived at our destination – The Treasury- known as Al Khazneh in Arabic.
Our guide was very clever in the way he introduced us to it. He had asked us to stop and look at a tree growing out the rock facade. Then after a few minutes, he asked us to turn round – and voila! There it was, our first glimpse of the The Treasury. It revealed itself slowly through the narrowing gorge — rose-red stone glowing in the sun.
I was in awe of this captivating sight. Everyone was blown away by it. And one of my fellow tourists was moved to tears! It was a moment of pure awe. Everything else- the noise, the tourists, even the hawkers- all added into the background.
At this moment, all I wanted was some peace and quiet – time to simply absorb the moment. I closed my eyes to feel, smell and experience this magnificent wonder.
Petra is undeniably a work of art. The rose colour of the sandstone added to its beauty. The build up to this moment – the hike the through the Siq – heightened the excitement and the experience.
The Treasury was carved out of the sandstone rock face – inside the cliff and it was designed to impress. And indeed it did. The structure itself is said to be about 39 metres high, equivalent to a 13 storey high rise building.
The carvings were quite elaborate, each with meaning and still beautifully intact even with the long passage of time. Medusa, the Greek mythology’s face still remains.
The Treasury is empty so nothing to see in its chamber. It is called ‘The Treasury’ because it was believed to house the treasures of the Egyptian pharaoh ruler of the time but apparently it doesn’t. The local Bedouins were said to have shot at the urn at the top in their attempts to get at the treasure but nothing was found.
Was the hike to The Treasury, Petra, worth it?
I will say most definitely yes. It was an experience of a lifetime for me. If you are able to do this visit, don’t hesitate, go for it. you will not regret it.
The Climb - The Monastery
My adventures did not end at the Treasury. Our guide, Adna, informed us that there was much more to Petra than just the Treasury. He encouraged us to do the hike to the Monastery. He explained that the hike would be around 900 steps of uneven paths through the gorge up to the Monastery.
Before we set off for the hike to the Monastery, we stopped for lunch and rested.
Our guide showed us amazing rock formation both inside and outside of some caves – very vivid colours.
And talked through a few interesting places to see on our way back from our hike to the Monastery as he would not be joining us on the hike back.
My biggest concern and fear when climbing these steps was sharing the space with those riding the camels or donkeys. I found it hard navigating the narrow paths without any distractions and at the same time being aware of the animals behind me wanting to pass by. These animals knew the paths well. They knew that the safer side was against the cliff side because of the sheer drop into the gorge if you missed your step on the other side.
As you can see from the photos, I celebrated when we reached The Monastery after the long climb. Getting there required effort and concentration, as well as determination to climb the 900 steps on a very hot day. It was well worth it.
The vast city
Our guide was right. Petra is a huge place. This was a city that contained almost 30,000 inhabitants.
When people talk about Petra, they usually refer to The Treasury, which is the most famous attraction. But Petra is more than just The Treasury. I was very surprised about the size of this ancient city. It is a huge place and only 25% of it has been discovered! The Nabataeans were very smart people – this place is well hidden. It was so well hidden that it was “lost’ for thousands of years!
There were other antiquities in Petra that are worthy of mention and seeing like Petra Church with its beautiful mosaics or the tombs for the rich, royal and commoners.
Walking over 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 by fellow travellers. I had my eyes firmly shut until we reached the other side safely.
We found our way back to base via a different route so as to have a closer look at the royal tombs carved on the sandstone facade. These were not as elaborate as the Treasury or the Monastery. The Petra Church with its old mosaic was also worth seeing.
I declined climbing yet another hill to see another of Jordan’s antiquity. My ageing knees would not permit it.
Petra involved 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.
By the time we returned to base, I was knackered. Having spent all day hiking through this beautiful city, I just wanted a very large, cold glass of beer, a hot bath, lovely meal and my bed. I decided to take the golf car from the Treasury through the Siq to the main gate. I was not the only person who opted for this option.
You can also read about Climbing the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu – another awe-inspiring wonder. Click here
Hey Molly, so glad to have met you and shared this amazing experience with you. Your pictures are fabulous and capture the memories perfectly. Mxx
Hi Morisha I am glad that you enjoyed reading my blog and that it captured the memories perfectly. I too am glad to have met you. You were great fun. Best wishes xx
Hi Molly, thank you for sharing your pictures and experience – wonderful. We were with you in China, John & Alison, and guess what? We’re booked to visit Jordan later this year. Very much looking forward to it after reading your blog.
Hi John oh yes, I remember you and Alison well. Thanks for reading my blog. I am very pleased to hear that you are looking forward to visiting Jordan later this year. You will have a great time in Jordan. Please share your experience with me after your visit. Enjoy your trip. Best wishes. Molly
Wow! What a wonderful and very explicit write up. Makes one think of visiting. Will put it on my bucket list.
That’s great Tolu, that you are inspired to add Jordan to your bucket list. I am glad you enjoyed reading my write up.
Wow what stunning photos and indept information. Molly you look beautiful and fantastic scenery, differently on my bucket list. I don’t know if you can share the travel details with us and package, which would be helpful
Hi Anita I am glad you enjoyed reading my post and that you are inspired to want to visit this amazing place. I am very happy to share the travel details with you. I will send the information to you in a private email. My next big thing is Brazil and Argentina in October to complete seeing the last of the seven wonders of the world on my list – Christ the Redeemer and the Uguazi falls on the Argentina side. So watch out for the post.
Seems interesting and exciting
COVID protocol? How did you get there? What airline? How long did you stay? Recommendations?
Hi Alero oh yes it was a very interesting and fantastic experience. Covid protocols are still in place though more emphasis is placed on the individual. The airline I flew with did not allow passengers to board unless fully vaccinated and if not, passengers were asked to take the test at the airport at their own expense and risk of missing their flight, and only checked in if their result was negative. I took plenty of masks with me and hand sanitisers though is used the later more.
I would recommend using a tour company as they have gotten the tour down to a T. Tour companies have tried and tested all the logistics – hotel accommodation, transfers, airlines, tour guide, itinerary, and so on, and they can be better value for money than going solo. I booked the 7nights 8 days tour, which is plenty of time to see all the major sights. It is active but doable. No day will be the same. I will add too that the trip enabled me to appreciate more the connections between religions and countries. It is indeed a small world even 3,000 years ago! I am now keener to visit Israel than ever before.
As I am not sponsored by anyone or receive any money from advertisers on my website, I will send you details of the airline and tour company that I used in a private email to you.
I am glad you enjoyed my post and that it has inspired you to want to visit Jordan.