Petra is an ancient city located in the southwestern part of Jordan (western Asia) and clearly, a must-see if you visit Jordan.
Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and flourished as a major trading hub between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD. The city is renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is of course the iconic symbol of Petra, for good reasons.
There are however many other remarkable structures including the Monastery (Ad Deir), the Royal Tombs, the Roman Theater and so much more to discover.
Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This is clearly a well-deserved recognition.
The optimal time to visit Petra is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant, and temperatures are moderate. Keep in mind that Petra can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, so arriving early or staying late will allow you to experience the site with fewer visitors.
The Petra by night show (3 or 4 evenings per week) is as well an opportunity for a different experience. The show is average but offers unique photography opportunities that I’ll cover in this post.
If you’re looking for a photography or travel guide for Petra, I hope this post will provide you with some tips and recommendations to help you capture stunning photos of this ancient archaeological site.
As the site is really large, you need to plan for 2 (intense) days or even 3 days, including little Petra and some of the key places under different lights. Here is a map to orientate you.
As it is difficult to follow a specific order around the many wonders to discover, you’ll find below some of the main areas/monuments on a logic of the different zones and hikes routes.
Bab as-Sīq (Gateway to the Siq)
Bab as-Siq, also known as the Siq Gate, is a significant historical feature and the entrance of Petra, from the visitor center down to the famous Sik Canyon.
Despite being mostly a “transfer toward Petra” zone, that road is already a beautiful area to discover, especially under early morning or late afternoon light.
During the night show, this is a cool area for a bit of star gazing on the way to the Treasury.
As this is the area where local Bedouins offer transportation on horses or donkeys, this offers many opportunities for photography (some Bedouins are kind to receive their photos on WhatsApp 😊)
Al-Sik Canyon (The Sik)
The Siq is a beautiful narrow gorge or canyon that serves as the main entrance to the ancient city.
It winds its way through towering cliffs, stretching for about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) in length.
The walls of the Siq reach up to 200 meters (656 feet) in height and provide a dramatic and awe-inspiring entrance to the hidden city of Petra.
As visitors walk through the Siq, they can observe the intricate geological formations and the layers of rock that have been exposed over time.
The path is uneven, with sections of natural rock and some paved areas. At some points, the Siq is so narrow that sunlight is blocked, creating a dim and mysterious atmosphere.
Again, joining the night light show is a massive opportunity to discover the Sik lighted under the stars 🤩.
Here is a tip: As people are rushing from the visitor center to the treasury for the show (in a vain effort to arrive first), photography is hell, except if you’re looking for your own group shadows as in the image below.
So the right strategy(in my view) is to enter last and have the time to enjoy quietly the magic of Bab as-Sīq and the sik at night (the staff will then “push you” to get to the treasury show area)
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
The Al-Khazneh Treasury is the most iconic and famous structure in Petra, Jordan. It is a magnificent rock-cut temple that stands at the end of the Siq.
The Treasury is believed to have been constructed in the 1st century AD by the Nabateans, the ancient Arab civilization that inhabited the region.
It is carved directly into the rose-colored sandstone cliff face, standing at an impressive height of about 39 meters (128 feet). It features a magnificent façade with intricate architectural details and decorative motifs. The classical Hellenistic influences can be observed in its design, blending with local Nabatean and Arab architectural elements.
The Treasury’s most distinctive feature is its elaborate façade, adorned with columns, statues, and intricate carvings. The central part of the structure is dominated by a towering pediment, while two levels of decorative urns, sculptures, and bas-reliefs adorn the rest of the façade. The Treasury’s beauty is further enhanced by its vibrant color, particularly when illuminated by the sunlight at certain times of the day (mid-morning depending on seasons)
Despite its name, the Treasury was not actually used as a treasury or a burial site. It is believed to have served as a ceremonial tomb or a mausoleum for a Nabatean king. However, no definitive evidence regarding its purpose has been discovered.
I’ll cover later in the post a high viewpoint at the end of the long Al-Khubtha trail but there is a small viewpoint accessible in 5+ minutes from the ground that you should not miss for a great view of the monument and the Siq.
You need to pay some local young Bedouins to get up to that “forbidden” place (police always look somewhere else 😊). This is a very popular spot for Instagram addicts.
During the night show, this is clearly a prime spot to be above the crowds if you can manage (less easily) to get up there.
The view over the treasury and the lanterns under the stars is clearly worth the effort…
The Treasury also gained international recognition and was featured prominently in the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” The view at night makes it even more memorable.
It is obviously packed with people so again, the right strategy is to try to stay last and use the (few) minutes between people getting back to the Sik and the local staff taking out the candles to try to take pictures of that magical place without tourists …
Al-Khubtha trail
For completeness about Treasury viewpoints, the Al-Khubtha Trail is a popular hiking route that offers at its end stunning views of the Al-Khazneh Treasury building from above.
There are however many other reasons to do that hike. You’ll pass first in front of the royal tombs -ideally, be there early- (I’ll provide more details about the royal tombs later in the post.)
You’ll then enjoy a steep ascent of approximately 800 steps 😢
Some stunning views over the Petra area will then start to reward your effort …
You’ll then discover a stunning aerial view of the Theater …
As you’ll keep going, you’ll end up at a sheepfold where you need to turn left down. You can do it on your own BUT I recommend however that you hire a local Bedouin guide for those hikes. Our guide Zeyad was amazing and helped to spot many things (and find our way)
As you walk (everywhere in Petra in less busy places), try to spot the beautiful lizards taking sun baths on the rocks.
You’ll then end up eventually with rewarding views over the treasury.
You‘ll find at the top a nice café (and fresh orange juice) to recover from the hike, before going down 😅.
Petra Nabataean Theater
The Theater (that you can see from above on the Al-Khubtha trail) was carved into the rock by the Nabataean people around the 1st century CE during the reign of Nabataean King Aretas IV.
The theater is situated at the base of the Jabal al-Madhbah mountain, and it is one of the iconic structures of Petra. It was built to accommodate large audiences and served as a venue for various performances, including plays, religious ceremonies, and public gatherings.
The theater semicircular auditorium has a seating capacity of around 4,000 to 7,000 people, The seating area consists of three sections: the ima Cavea (lower section), media Cavea (middle section), and summa Cavea (upper section). The stage is a raised platform in front of the seating area, and it is decorated with elaborate architectural features.
The theater’s design incorporates classical Greek and Roman influences, reflecting the cultural exchange between the Nabataeans and the Hellenistic and Roman civilizations. It is a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of the Nabataean people, who were able to carve such a grand structure out of the sandstone cliffs.
Al Deir (The Monastery)
Al-Deir (also known as the Monastery) monumental rock-cut structure is one of the most iconic and impressive sites within the archaeological site of Petra.
It is similar in design to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), but larger in scale. The facade of Al-Deir measures about 50 meters wide and 45 meters high (one of the largest structures in Petra).
Al-Deir is situated at the top of a long flight of stone steps (800 ish again 😢), carved into the sandstone cliffs of Petra’s mountains. You can hire a donkey but clearly not handy for photography on the way 😂
The 1st century CE Monastery gets its name from the crosses carved into the interior walls of the structure, indicating its use as a Christian chapel during Byzantine times. Get up to the small cave opposite to the monument to get some stunning views ….
… and even natural window images …
To recover from the hike, there is also a small Bedouin-run café near the Monastery, where you can rest and enjoy refreshments.
The fresh orange juice on all the high points is really a blessing 😂
Once you reach the top, walk around and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The best time to do that hike for photography is mid to end afternoon, to benefit from a good light on the Monastery.
That hike is clearly a must during your visit to Petra 🤩.
The Lion Triclinium
Midway the trail toward the Monastery, do a small detour to the Lion Triclinium was created around the middle of the 1st century AD
Situated in a tiny canyon, it has a bit of an Indiana Jones feel (in my little view at least 😂)
The name comes from the two, now strongly weathered lions on both sides of the door. The keyhole-like, high door opening was the result of the erosion of a round window in the upper area.
Qasr-al-Bint Temple
As you come down from the Al Deir hike, you’ll end up at the Qasr al-Bint al-Faroun temple, the largest freestanding structure in Petra considered the main temple of the city.
The temple is dedicated to the Nabataean deity Dushara, who was the primary god worshipped in Petra. It is believed that Qasr al-Bint was a significant religious center where rituals, ceremonies, and offerings took place. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Nabataean, Roman, and Hellenistic influences, reflecting the cultural exchange that occurred in the region during that time.
The Great Temple
On the side of Qasr al-Bint, you’ll find the famous great temple complex.
This grand monumental complex completed in the early first century AD lies south of Colonnaded Street at Petra and covers an area of ~7,600 m2.
The architectural and sculptural details suggest that the complex was under the rule of Nabataean king Aretas IV.
The “Great Temple” occupied a prime spot in ancient Petra: from its ruins, one can now see the Siq to the Southeast, the Qasr al-Bint to the West, and the Lower Market/Petra Pool Complex to the East. The view over the royal tombs is great, especially with the end afternoon light.
Temple of the Winged-Lions
The Temple of the Winged Lions is a large Nabatean temple complex located in the so-called Sacred Quarter, an area situated at the end of Petra’s main Colonnaded Street, opposite the Qasr al-Bint.
That temple dates as well to the reign of King Aretas IV (9 BCE–40 CE) and was ultimately destroyed in the massive earthquake of 363 CE.
The view over the colonnaded Street and Qasr al-Bint Temple is quite nice from the Winged Lions Temple.
The Byzantine church of Petra
The Petra Church is believed to have been constructed during the Byzantine period, around the 5th or 6th century AD. It is a small, well-preserved structure that was likely used as a religious building or a small chapel with an open courtyard surrounded by colonnades.
There are remnants of intricate mosaic floors and some wall paintings inside. The mosaics depict various geometric patterns and floral motifs.
While the Petra Church is not as grand or famous as other structures within Petra, it serves as a testament to the Christian presence in the region during the Byzantine era
The Colonnaded Street
The four last landmarks described above are all surrounding Colonnaded Street (also known as the Cardo Maximus). That Street is a wide avenue that runs through the heart of Petra, dividing the city into two sections. It was the main thoroughfare and commercial center of the ancient Nabatean city during its heyday, serving as a bustling marketplace and a vital route for trade and commerce.
The street is flanked by impressive colonnades on both sides, featuring rows of columns with decorative Corinthian capitals. These columns supported a roof structure that provided shade to the passersby and shelter to the numerous shops and stalls that lined the street.
The Royal Tombs
Straight up from the end of the Colonnaded Street, you’ll find the Royal Tombs, a line of prominent monumental facades on the east cliff of the valley. They are at their best under the end of afternoon light.
Out of many, the most “famous” tombs are called the Palace, Corinthian, silk, and Urn (on the street of Facades).
That area (like many others in Petra) is another amazing playfield for photography.
The street of facades
The Street of Facades is, as well, one of the iconic features of the ancient city of Petra. The name “Street of Facades” is derived from the elaborate façades of the tombs that flank the pathway on both sides. These facades are carved into sandstone cliffs and showcase impressive architectural details and decorative elements.
The High Place of Sacrifice trail
Yes, one more trail upward, starting next to the theater 😢.
The beginning of that trail will reward you with amazing views over endless carved tombs.
The beauty of the colorful rocks, as you keep going up, is stunning….
You’ll get during that hike a very different perspective on the archeological wonders of Petra.
You’ll then (with a bit of effort) reach the most famous high place in Petra called the “High Place of Sacrifice” which has served as a ceremonial site for the Nabateans.
You can see in the picture below part f the drains designed to channel the blood of sacrificial animals 😢.
The High Place of Sacrifice offers stunning panoramic views of Petra and the surrounding landscape.
Like most landmarks in Petra, you’ll find at the summit a café with a friendly Bedouin preparing fresh orange juice ….
… to recover and enjoy the views.
Do not miss the nearby rock-cut obelisks that are believed to have served as a ceremonial site for the Nabateans. The obelisks are more than 6m high and are remarkable structures because they are carved out of the rock face, not built upon it!
Keep exploring the area as some of the landscapes there have a bit of a Colorado feel.
Petra Museum
For completeness (and a bit of air conditioning 😅), have a look at the Museum at the visitor center.
The museum is really nice and contains 280 artifacts, dating back to different ages, showing the history of Petra and the Nabataean’s civilization.
Hills above the Petra Valley
The road (and some of the hotels) on the hills around the Archeological site offers some nice views, especially around sunrise.
You can as well stop at the “I love Petra” sign above the village for more stunning views.
Petra “back road”
For completeness, there is another entry for Petra from the “back door” that arrives directly from the north to the Qasr-al-Bint / colonnaded street area. While it is popular (as less crowded,) I haven’t explored it not only because it does not offer other key landmarks but, more importantly, because you’ll then be out of sequence with the sun (meaning in the wrong place of the day vs light position for photography of some of the main places described above)
Little Petra
Last but not least, little Petra, also known as Al-Beidha, is an archaeological site located approximately 15 kilometers north of the city of Petra.
It is often referred to as the “backdoor” to Petra because it served as a trading and caravan stop on the ancient trade routes.
Similar to its famous neighbor, Little Petra is renowned for its impressive rock-cut architecture and ancient Nabataean ruins.
Little Petra features a narrow gorge, similar to the Siq in Petra, which leads to a small valley where you can find various structures, including tombs, caves, and buildings.
One of the main attractions is the “Painted House,” a well-preserved Nabataean dwelling with colorful frescoes depicting humans, animals, and geometric patterns.
Exploring Little Petra usually takes a couple of hours but is really a worthwhile addition to the “main” Petra exploration.
Like everywhere in Petra (and Jordan), where there are tourists, there are people to sell stuff to them 😂.
But, as everywhere in Jordan, people are friendly & happy to engage.
So, I hope that post will engage you to visit that wonder of the world and amazing part of Jordan!
If you’re interested in other parts of gorgeous Jordan, you can read my posts around the Wadi Rum area, the Dead Sea region as well as Amman region (LINKS TO COME when articles will be published 😊)
