An amazing day in Petra, Jordan

After docking at the port of Aqabah, Jordan, we boarded a bus early in the morning for the two hour trip to Petra, an amazing archaeological city that was established in 312 BC.  It was unknown to the western world until 1812, when it was discovered by a Swiss explorer who described it as “a rose red city half as old as time”.

Modern-day City of Petra

Petra is a well protected site, originally built by the Nabataean people who discovered water wells in the area and had already established themselves in trade and caravaneering.  They were heavily influenced by Egyptian and Roman architecture, which is evident in the remains of the buildings they carved from the sandstone rock faces of the valley.  

Walking through the Siq

As we walked through a deep narrow gorge leading downhill to the site, we were  impressed by the unusual rock formations and beautiful colours.  

Colourful walls of the Siq

 This deep passage, called the Siq,  is recognizable as the location for one of the Indiana Jones movies.  There were lots of tourists and some chose to be transported in horse drawn buggies, or to ride horses.   

We walked the entire almost four kilometres down, and then back, uphill with several steep sections.  The weather was actually cool for this area, a blessing in the strong sun.  There were gusts of wind that stirred up the sand, blowing it into eyes and mouths.  The traditional Bedouin attire of long robe (for both men and women) and head scarf that can be used to cover the face makes all kinds of sense in these conditions.  We were glad we brought hats and I was grateful for a scarf, though it did not prevent sand from getting behind the contact lenses – ouch!.   

 

Tomb inside the Siq path

Nevertheless, we marveled at the tombs and remains of carvings that appear along the pathway.

At the end of the walk through the Siq, there is the most spectacular sight, as the rocks part to reveal the Al-Khazneh, otherwise known as the Treasury. 

 

The Treasury

 There have been stories of hidden treasure in this building for years, though none has been found so far.  It is a huge facade (30 M wide and 43 M high) which was dazzling in the morning sun as we approached.  There was quite a lively atmosphere here, as there are camels and donkeys awaiting tired pilgrims who might want to ride the rest of the way.   

Gail with a couple of friends

John, some buddies and the Treasury

The tour continued past the Treasury for another kilometre into the rest of the Petra site.  This is another area, also with steep downhill sections, where the inhabitants of Petra lived in stone homes and used the surrounding mountains as burial sites.   The homes were destroyed by an earthquake in the eighth century. There was even a special area for kings and other nobles.

 

Tombs in the hills

Royal Tombs

Scene from the street

At the bottom of the site is a large theatre carved into the rock face that was probably used for sacrificing animals, though the Romans later used it as a stage.

Ampitheatre

After a long, uphill, dusty walk we went to a Movenpick resort for a 3 PM lunch and then a bus ride back to the ship.  On the way back we passed the Valley of Moses where, legend has it,  he struck the side of a hill with his staff and water poured out.

Valley of Moses, on the way home from Petra

Once on board, Gail immediately headed for the shower and John had a very hot bath, with suds and a very cold beer.  Sorry, but no pictures are available.