Petra, often called the “Rose City” for its stunning pink-hued rock facades, is Jordan’s most iconic archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved directly into the sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans around the 4th century BCE, Petra was a thriving capital and key hub along ancient trade routes that connected Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Its most famous monument, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), greets visitors at the end of the dramatic Siq — a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs. Beyond the Treasury, Petra unfolds into a vast city of tombs, temples, collonaded streets, and a massive amphitheatre, showcasing the Nabataeans’ engineering and artistic brilliance.

At its peak, Petra was home to tens of thousands of inhabitants and was known for its sophisticated water management systems, which allowed it to flourish in an arid desert environment. The city’s decline began after a major earthquake in 363 CE and the shifting of trade routes, eventually leading to its abandonment. Rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt in 1812, Petra has since become a symbol of Jordan’s rich cultural heritage. Today, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, architectural wonder, and historical significance.