The Rose City

Petra the Jewel of Jordan, is a must visit travel destination!

Petra (Arabic: البتراء, Al-Batrāʾ; Ancient Greek: Πέτρα), originally known to the Nabataeans as Raqmu, is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. The city is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved.

Established possibly as early as 312 BC as the capital city of the Arab Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan, as well as Jordan’s most-visited tourist attraction. The Nabateans were nomadic Arabs who benefited from the proximity of Petra to the regional trade routes, in becoming a major trading hub, thus enabling them to gather wealth. The Nabateans are also known for their great ability in constructing efficient water collecting methods in the barren deserts and their talent in carving structures into solid rocks. It lies on the slope of Jebel al-Madhbah (identified by some as the biblical Mount Hor) in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Location of Petra: Raqmu in Jordan

Location of Petra Raqmu in Jordan

Marhabaan Bikum fi Petra! Welcome to Petra!

Mini Guide Part 1 via www.maninio.com

There are places that enchant you and there are places that astonish you with their unique beauty, Architecture and mystery… For me, such a place is Petra in Jordan. In Greek, the word Petra means stone. Almost 7 years ago and up to this day, I often recall it on my mind. It is on the top of my 3 most favourite destinations!

Unfortunately, we spent only 1 day and we explored the whole area in a hurry, in order to catch up everything. What a mistake!! Petra is huge with many archaeological sites and in my opinion you should spend 2-3 days, if you really want to experience and capture its real beauty and culture.

It is important to mention that, Archaeologists excavated only the 25% (many argue 15%).  I can not imagine how the site would look like if the 100% had been excavated, which is inconceivable if I bring to my memory this huge place.

Petra is about 3 hours away from the capital of Jordan, Amman.For 2000 years the city was hidden in the desert’s darkness, until 1812 where the dashing Swiss explorer J.L. Burckhardt, explored the treasures of this city.

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