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Five things you may not know about the archaeological site of Petra, Jordan
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Petra, five things you don't know about Jordan's archaeological site
In the great valley stretching from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba lies Petra, an archaeological site in Jordan, located about 250 km south of the capital Amman. Dating back more than 2000 years, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 6 December 1985. In addition, the entire surroundings have been officially designated as an archaeological national park since 1993. As if this were not enough, in 2007 Petra was declared one of the seven wonders of the modern world. There are many things we don't know about this beautiful and evocative city, visited every year by millions of visitors from all over the world. A remote and ancient area, these five curiosities will leave you breathless.
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The foundation of Petra
Petra is famous for its incredible structures carved into the rock. This ancient city was created by the Nabateans, an ancient Arab people, who carved and carved temples, tombs, theatres and dwellings directly into the pink sandstone rock. The technical and artistic skill required to create these works is astounding.
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The ruins of the theater
Petra has a large theatre carved into the rock, which can seat up to 8,000 spectators. This theatre is still used today for performances and concerts. It is incredible to imagine the liveliness and energy that once animated this ancient space during theatre performances of the time.
Di Berthold Werner - Opera propria, Pubblico dominio, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curi
The Street of Facades
The Street of Façades is a main street within Petra that is lined with numerous rock-carved tombs and monuments. These elaborate and detailed façades display the artistry of the Nabataeans and offer an extraordinary experience for visitors walking along this street.
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The Treasure of the City
The Treasury, also known as Al-Khazneh, is one of Petra's most iconic sites. This massive and well-preserved structure was carved into the rock and is one of the first things visitors see when they enter the site. The Treasury was made famous by the Indiana Jones film, 'The Last Crusade'.
Di Anark75 - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28139567
Petra at night is a spectacle
It is also possible to visit Petra by night. During 'Petra by Night', the archaeological site is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere. Visitors can walk through the Siq, the deep canyon leading to the Treasury, and admire it illuminated by soft lights. It is an unforgettable experience that offers a new way of appreciating the beauty of Petra.
