From The Rose City of Petra by Syerah

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the city of Petra, Jordan is a historical and cultural gem unlike any other in the world. Walking through and climbing the incredible archaeological ruins here tends to instill visitors with a sense of awe, feeling under their feet and in their hands the passing of milleniums and the often inconceivably vast history of humankind. Some historians argue that the city was referred to in the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as the Old Testament of the Bible, though when the city began is still unknown. Today, visitors to this ancient site will find numerous tombs, an ampitheatre, a monastery, and Al Kahnez, the most elaborate structure, carved out of sandstone rock and originally intended for use as a royal tomb.

RealTraveler Syerah and her traveling companions recently trekked to this ancient city, exploring the ruins and absorbing the great historical significance of this special site. In her journal, The Rose City of Petra, Syerah describes the experience:

“From the official entrance to the site, a dusty trail leads gently downwards along the Wadi Musa (The Valley of Moses). Situated in small rock outcrops to the left and right of the path are some small Nabataean tombs, carved into the dry rock. Beyond these, walls of sandstone rise steeply on the left, and a narrow cleft reveals the entrance to the Siq, the principal route into Petra itself…

The Siq twists and turns, the high walls all but shutting out the early morning sunlight, until abruptly, through a cleft in the rock, the first glimpse of the city of Petra can be seen. Carved out of pale reddish sandstone, ornate pillars supporting a portico surmounted by a central urn and two flanking blocks, jut out from the cliff face ahead. This is the Khazneh or the Treasury.

The best-known of the monuments at Petra, the Khazneh is also the first to greet the visitor arriving via the Siq. The facade, carved out from the sandstone cliff wall, is 40m high, and is remarkably well-preserved, probably because the confined space in which it was built has protected it somewhat from the effects of erosion. The name Khazneh, which means ‘treasury’ comes from the legend that it was used as a hiding place for treasure. In practice, it seems to have been something between a temple and a tomb, possibly both at once.” (more…)

Syerah continued the trek via camelback, traveling across the desert landscape to see more tombs, caves, and the amazing ampitheatre that was created here thousands of years ago. She also did some climbing:

“It is possible, without too much difficulty, to scramble up to a point on the facing wall about fifty metres or so above the ground, and look down on the facade from above. It was a spectacular sight. We scaled some more small hills and took in some breathtaking views of this city and tried to imagine the civilization that thrived here around 3000 years ago.” (more…)

If you’d like to experience a world wonder and taste a bit of ancient history, read more about Petra from Syerah’s travel blog, and visit the links below for advice, photos, and reviews from travelers who’ve been there.

Useful Links about Petra:
Petra Travel Guide
Petra Travel Blogs
Petra Pictures