Jordan’s Petra: A Hauntingly Beautiful Destination for Cultural Tourism
When it comes to ancient cities, few can match the haunting beauty of Petra. Nestled in the mountains of southern Jordan, this city was once a thriving trade center and capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East.
Getting There
Petra is located about 250 kilometers south of Amman, Jordan’s capital city. The easiest way to get there is by car or bus, but many tourists opt for guided tours that include transportation and entry fees. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also hike along the ancient caravan routes from nearby towns like Wadi Musa.
Exploring Petra
The first thing you’ll notice when entering Petra is its stunning entrance called “the Siq”. This narrow canyon stretches over a kilometer long with towering rock walls on each side that reach up to 80 meters high. As you walk through this pathway, carved into solid rock by Nabateans over two thousand years ago, your anticipation builds as you round every turn until finally emerging at one of Petra’s most famous landmarks – The Treasury.
This magnificent structure stands tall at nearly 40 meters high with ornate details covering its façade. It’s believed that this building housed treasures such as gold coins and precious stones during ancient times.
Beyond the Treasury lies a vast expanse filled with tombs, temples, theaters and other structures carved into sandstone cliffs – an impressive feat given their age! One notable attraction is “The Monastery”, which towers above all others at around 50 meters high atop Jebel al-Madhbah mountain.
There are plenty more sites worth visiting too – including “The Royal Tombs” which were reserved for important figures within Nabatean society; “The Great Temple” which was dedicated to Dushara (their main god), and “The Roman Theater” which was added later on during the city’s occupation by the Romans.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also several hiking trails that take you deeper into Petra’s landscapes. These trails lead to places like “The High Place of Sacrifice”, where Nabataeans once performed religious rituals, or “The Treasury Viewpoint” which offers a panoramic view of Petra from above.
Petra is particularly impressive at night when it’s illuminated by thousands of candles creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The “Petra By Night” tour takes visitors through the Siq to reach the Treasury and experience this magical sight while listening to traditional Bedouin music.
History
While little is known about early life in Petra, it’s believed that the city dates back as far as 312 BCE when it was established as a trading hub for goods such as frankincense, myrrh and spices. As its inhabitants grew wealthy from trade, they invested heavily in infrastructure allowing them to create structures such as aqueducts and cisterns that were vital for sustaining their way of life.
With time, Petra became a major cultural center with architecture influenced by ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The city flourished under Nabatean rule until around 106 CE when Roman forces conquered it making it part of their province Arabia Petraea.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Petra gradually declined until being abandoned altogether sometime during medieval times leaving behind mysterious ruins hidden amongst towering rocks which lay undiscovered for centuries until rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812 who famously disguised himself as an Arabic-speaking Muslim convert named Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Abdallah al-Tarabin so he could gain access to this once-great city without arousing suspicion from locals who might have otherwise harmed him due to his Western heritage.
Culture
Modern-day Jordanians are proud of their country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Petra is a symbol of this and is often featured in films, books, and art showcasing its beauty. The city has also played host to several cultural events such as the annual Petra International Music Festival which features local and international artists performing in front of iconic landmarks.
Jordanian cuisine is also something visitors should not miss out on while exploring Petra. It’s a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like hummus, falafel, tabbouleh and kebabs being popular options.
Travel Tips
To make the most out of your Petra experience:
– Plan for at least two full days to explore all that it has to offer.
– Wear comfortable shoes since there’s a lot of walking involved.
– Bring plenty of water especially during hot summer months when temperatures can reach over 35°C.
– Consider hiring a guide who can provide insight into the history and culture surrounding each site.
– Be respectful of Jordanian customs by dressing modestly while visiting religious sites.
Petra remains one of the most awe-inspiring destinations for cultural tourism in the world today. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural landscapes – there’s truly something for everyone here – making it an unforgettable journey worth taking!