Petra, the lost city of Arabia, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Nabateans once inhabited the historic site, famous for its many rock-cut buildings and tombs. The Nabateans built Petra into a thriving city between 300 B.C. and A.D. 100. Still, it wasn’t rediscovered until 1812 when Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt saw it from afar and believed it was merely a village or town on top of a hill where he could see no sign of civilization at all!
What is so special about Petra Jordan?
Petra was established as a trading and caravan center in 800 BC. It became a thriving city for the Nabateans in 300 B.C., who built most of what you see at Petra today!
Historical Spots
- The Great Temple Complex is the largest tomb facade ever carved.
- The Treasury is one of the most iconic buildings in Petra. It’s a vast structure carved out of the rock and was initially thought to have been a tomb, but later research found it to be a temple.
- A stunning view of the Treasury from atop the Siq can be found at Little Petra.
- The Siq is a narrow gorge that makes its way through the mountains and is the only way to enter Petra. It’s also a path that is carved into the mountainside. The Siq is 1 km long and will lead you to Little Petra, where you can get a mesmerizing view of Petra from atop the Treasury temple.
- The Monastery is a giant, freestanding rock-cut façade soaring 50 meters above Petra’s canyon floor. It is known to be one of the most well-known buildings in Petra and was also known as the Monastery of St. Simeon.
- The Urn Tomb is one of eight tombs that served as sepulchers for ancient Petra’s ruling class members.
- Street of Facades highlights buildings that were created purely for decorative purposes.
Architecture
The architecture style used for building this impressive monument is unique because it combines traditional Greek techniques with local elements, such as using carved stones instead of bricks like other constructions here do – making its appearance even more remarkable than others around town! Built during Roman times, it honors important figures or deities, such as Zeus and Hercules, and depicts scenes from their lives.
Although Petra is known for its glorious temples and tombs, it also has a few buildings that were created purely for decorative purposes. The best example of this is the Street of Facades. Located in the heart of the ancient city, this street was built in the first century A.D. Although you can’t step inside any of these facades (they’re not real houses), they are still worth seeing because they’re colorful and exciting to look at! Also known as the Street of Façades or Al-Siq Street, it’s full of shops selling souvenirs and other items that tourists usually buy when visiting Petra.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 because it contains architecture that belongs primarily to the Roman period when trade flourished between Rome and Arabia Felix (present-day Yemen). Most importantly, though, what makes Petra so unique is its beauty’s ability to capture your imagination!
Conclusion
Petra is the place if you’re searching for a vacation spot that will give you an education and leave you with memories for years to come. This city’s history, architecture, and culture will make anyone feel like they were part of something special!
