Known as the “Lost City”, the “Pink City” and even the “Rose Red City”, Petra is a stunningly beautiful ancient city and UNESCO world heritage site nestled into the desert canyons of southern Jordan. The dusty pink rock facade and magical surrounding desert landscapes are famous for being among the Seven Wonders of the world. If you’re visiting Jordan, Petra is an absolute must-see, and Pink Jinn is excited to share with you 5 reasons why.
1. Stunning natural Beauty
Set into dramatic mountains and gorges, the city of Petra was carved into the rock face by the ancient Nabatean people. Entering the city is a magical experience and each step reveals a new wonder – visitors marvel at the intricate carvings in the rock as they weave through the hidden pathways. The area is well preserved and does not allow motorised vehicles of any kind to enter, meaning the city is relatively untouched by modernity.
2. A glimpse into History
Visiting Petra offers a unique glimpse into ancient history. The city was once the thriving capital of the Nabateans, who are believed to have settled there as early as 9,000 BC. Located between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was once a key stopping point on the central caravan of the silk routes and represents the central point between Egypt and Arabia.
Inside the ancient site you’ll see the remnants of an innovative water system from the Roman and Byzantine eras, which is particularly impressive given the dry, desert conditions. While visiting Petra you’ll also marvel at the architecture, particularly the intricate carvings into the rock face, ancient tombs, churches and the archaeological findings of copper mining – all of which offer a fascinating insight into the city’s history.
Petra’s most famous sites include the iconic Treasury façade, also known as Al-Khazneh, and the Siq, which is the long, rocky passageway you must pass through to enter the city.
3. It’s safe and easy to get to
As Petra is a preserved heritage site and brings tourism to the region, it is highly prioritized by the Jordanian government, which has ensured that it is both accessible and safe for tourists. The country relies heavily on the tourism industry and welcomes international visitors to visit this unique and magical site.
It is relatively easy to travel to Petra, and the city is often visited en route from Amman to Aqaba. Visiting Petra on a group tour is one of the most popular ways to see it. Joining a Petra tour from Amman makes it easy to access the area safely and is a great way to learn more about the dynamic history of the Lost City.
The Treasury from the top of one of Petra’s many hiking routes (image: Smarter Travel)
4. The cultural connection
The people currently inhabiting the area around Petra and nearby Wadi Rum are known as Bedouins, both a settled and nomadic community that have learned to adapt to the harsh desert conditions in a sustainable way.
Bedouins are famous for their culture of hospitality and warmth and their deep understanding of their natural surroundings. Over time, they have succeeded in striking a unique balance between integrating into Jordanian society and the local economy, and maintaining their old traditions.
Visiting Petra not only allows you to connect with Jordan’s unrivalled beauty and architectural history, but it also offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about life and culture in the region.
5. Under the Stars
Visiting Petra is a phenomenal experience whenever you go, but there’s something particularly special about the Pink City at night. If you venture down through the Siq after dark, you’ll find over 1,500 candles lighting the your way to the Treasury. This peaceful and positively enchanting experience is the perfect way to end your visit.
There’s a lot to discover in Petra, and experts are still learning more and more about its rich history. If you’re planning a visit to Jordan, you won’t want to miss all that this spellbinding, ancient city has to offer.
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