Petra. Another Reason to visit Jordan.

“Treasury” in Petra Jordan

Looking for travel inspiration for your next vacation? Take a look at my series of reasons to visit Jordan. They will surprise, excite and make you want to go there. In this one: Petra

I knew Petra in Jordan was impressive as, like most people, I had seen pictures in magazines and in films like “Indiana Jones” and Agatha Christie’s “Appointment with Death”. But the reality far exceeded expectations. It is not a disappointment in any way. After walking through a long channel of soaring rocks, you enter the area of the recognisable “Treasury Building”. When Petra was rediscovered, locals named it this, as they assumed such a grand building carved into the rock must have housed vast riches. However, it was actually a temple to three Gods. This stunning creation changes colour, based on the time of day and light from the sun. It took my breath away.

Although it is the best known part of Petra, it is a small part of the complex that used to house around 120,000 people when it was the capital of the Nabataean people around 312 BC. There is an amphitheatre, caves that people used to live in, temples and on top of a huge hill an even grander building called “The Monastery”. It is possible to ride a donkey up if the climb is too much.

Petra was unknown to the west until a Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, was shown it by locals. It became a World Heritage Site in 1985.

Passage of rocks into Petra Jordan

“The Treasury” Petra Jordan

Amphitheatre Petra Jordan

Climbing up by donkey to the Monastery Petra Jordan

Monastery Petra Jordan

The Monastery Petra Jordan

One of the locals on top of the turret on the Monastery Petra Jordan

Inspired? Find out more about Jordan at VisitJordan.com

Based on my time in Jordan, there are ten things that I recommend you visit during the course of a one-week vacation. You can find out more on each by clicking on them to get more details, my thoughts and pictures:

Disclaimer: I travelled as a guest of Jordan Tourism Board on an 8-night trip exploring Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, the Dead Sea and other popular destinations.