Petra, also known as Batra in Arabic, is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. This ancient city is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Petra is also known as the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved.
History
Petra’s history is as fascinating as its architecture. The city dates back to the fourth century B.C., and it was the capital city of the Nabateans, an Arab Bedouin tribe indigenous to the region. The Nabateans were skilled traders and their trading network made Petra a bustling hub for the trade of spices, myrrh, and frankincense from countries like Egypt, Syria, Greece, and India.
In 312 B.C., the region was attacked by Seleucid forces, but they failed to seize the city. The city continued to prosper under Nabatean rule until 106 A.D., when the Romans annexed it and renamed it Arabia Petraea. Despite the change in rule, Petra continued to thrive until a major earthquake in 363 A.D. destroyed much of the city. The city saw a brief revival under the Byzantines before it was abandoned and lost to the Western world.
Petra remained unknown to the West until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Petra is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the summer and from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the winter. The entry fee for a one-day visit is 50 JOD, but multi-day tickets are also available.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Petra is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Petra is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, the capital of Jordan. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Petra. The journey takes about three hours.
Weather
Petra has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature in the summer ranges from 32°C to 38°C, while in the winter it ranges from 7°C to 15°C.
Tourist Attractions
Petra is home to several incredible tourist attractions. The most famous is Al-Khazneh, also known as The Treasury. Other must-see attractions include the Monastery, the Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs, and the High Place of Sacrifice.
Petra, with its stunning architecture and rich history, offers a unique glimpse into the past. A visit to this ancient city is like stepping back in time, offering a captivating exploration of a long-lost civilization. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a curious traveler, Petra promises an unforgettable experience.