Petra in the Arabah
Petra is a site in the Arabah, Jordan that was discovered by a Swiss
explorer called Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812 and is considered to
be, yet another splendid beauty in the history of mankind. Arabah is a
section of the Great Rift Valley and it is located between the Dead Sea
(north) and the Gulf of Aqaba (south) forming part of the border between
Jordan (east) and Israel (west).
Petra represents the ancient world’s heritage culture. It is a beauty
hidden behind layers of mountain. The ones who have seen it say it is a
treasure beyond comparison. It is now said to be one of the seventh
wonder of the world and it belongs to the UNESCO world heritage site.
The entire red rose city of Petra has such a charismatic appeal that it
attracts anyone & everyone who enters the city, taking them to a
different world of divine beauty and mystery. Petra mainly is admired
because of its picture perfect architecture, its complex structure,
quality and the non mentionable mere size.
Petra is said to have its origin before 106 AD; its culture is said
to have been flourished in almost 400 years old. The one’s who visited
it say that it is a site that can never be forgotten. The city of Petra
takes its name, which is the Greek word for “rock”, from the fact that
it is most notable for its buildings and tombs that are carved directly
into the red sandstone that serves as the city’s natural protection from
invaders. Its popularity with tourists may also have a connection to
the city’s Biblical significance. It is here where King Aretas called
for the arrest of the Apostle Paul at the time of his conversion.
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Location & How to Get to Petra
This historical fortress is located 170 miles southwest of Amman,
Jordan on the edges of the Wadi Araba desert. It is also 50 miles south
of the Dead Sea and the only way to enter the city is through a narrow
crevice called the Siq. One has to uncover a very narrow path of
mountains, kilometer by kilometer before they get to see the majestic
beauty of Petra.This path is only about five meters wide, with sandstone
walls towering up hundreds of meters high on both sides. This long,
narrow & not very well lighted gorge is very cool & soothes the
visitors before it unfolds the mystery step by step.
A taxi is the best means of transportation to get from the Queen Alia
International Airport to Amman. Remember to ask the driver to take you
to the Wahdat bus terminal, since there are two major bus stations in
Amman. Destinations are usually printed in Arabic on the respective
buses, so if you do not read Arabic, ask to be shown to the bus that
will take you to Petra.
Pictures & Photos
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El Deir Petra by David Roberts, created in 8 March 1839
Monastery at Petra
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