Petra, situated between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, is one of the most popular places in the world. The place was the capital of Nabataean empire from 300 BC to 100 AD. At that time, it was flourishing trading center. It was enlisted a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. Later, in 2007, it was included in one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Petra, surrounded by mountains, is half-built and half-curved into the rock. Also, the site is known forthe best and largest archaeological sites established in an overlooking red sandstone setting.
Petra involves an enormous range of elegant crypt and temple structure, spiritual places, the relic waterways, passageways and diversion dams that shared with a massive grid of reservoirs and lakes which organized and preserved seasonal rains, and the widespread archaeological remnants including of copper excavating, churches, temples, and other civic architecture. All these settings resemble traditional artistic work that shows a great achievement and mesmerizing structure designs. Furthermore, the place provides a scenery of artistic work from the prehistoric period to the medieval time testifying the now lost civilizations.
The site is the most visited tourist destination of Jordan and also regarded as a symbol of Jordan. The Nabateans were itinerant Arabs who profited from the nearness of Petra to the regional trade routes. The place enabled them to gather wealth. The Nabateans are also identified for their great aptitude in building effective water gathering approaches and carving structures into solid rocks. It lies on the slope of the biblical Mount Hor.
It is said that the site stayed unknown to the western world until Swiss explorer Johan Ludwig Burckhardt introduced it in 1812. The city was also known as “a rose-red city half as old as time” in the poem of John Willian Burgon. UNESCO has even expressed the city as one of the most valuable cultural belongings of man’s cultural heritage.
The major attraction of the city includes BAB AS-SIQ, SIQ, the treasury, the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, the Great Temple, and the Monastery. The Treasury is a tomb that was built by Nabataean King Aretas 3. It is completely carved out of the sandstone mountain highlighting the city. Street of Facades.
The place remains closed for tourists in the winter due to threat caused by floods. The place was the residence of many people, who lived in the cave-like houses that actually made up the city until the 1980s. Then, the Jordanian government moved these people out in order to preserve the site. In 2007, Petra was entitled as one of the “28 Places to See Before You Die” by Smithsonian magazine.
Hence, Petra is one of the best places to visit for tourists. Here they can experience the ancient art works and incredible natural scenes. Even after the destruction caused by various earthquakes, the city remains center of attraction for the travelers all around the world.
