Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.
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According to Arab tradition, Petra is the spot where Musa (Moses) struck a rock with his staff and water came forth, and where Moses' brother, Harun (Aaron), is buried, at Mount Hor, known today as Jabal Haroun or Mount Aaron.
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. UNESCO has described Petra as one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage. In 2007, Petra was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Petra is a symbol of Jordan, as well as Jordan's most-visited tourist attraction.
Few realize that among these relics of an ancient people there are still those living in the area that maintain the traditional nomadic way of life. “(The Bedouins) are here as controller for these caves, for all Petra.
Some main archeological sites inside the city are the Treasury – the tomb of a Nabatean king, the Monastery – an isolated mountain temple, a theatre, government buildings and dwelling for regular people.
Petra as described earlier is a city, of course you can get inside archaeological lost city (You will pay 70$ for a ticket to get inside ). But if you mean to get inside “Al khazneh” the Treasury of Petra, then; unfortunately, you can't!
Many people know of Petra's famous Treasury from the Hollywood film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” with Harrison Ford. It's inside that Ford finds the Holy Grail.
Jordan is one of the most spectacular countries in the Middle East, famed for its archaeological sites, stunning Jordanian art, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It's home to some of the most ancient cities and natural wonders in the world, so there are plenty of fascinating things to learn about Jordan.
Now, however, archaeologists are discovering that ancient Petra was a sprawling city of lush gardens and pleasant fountains, enormous temples and luxurious Roman-style villas.
The spectacular sandstone city of Petra was built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans, who carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from the soft stone cliffs.
It is said that Moses passed through the valley and struck water from the rock for his followers at the site of Ain Musa (Moses Spring or Moses' Well). The Nabateans built channels that carried water from this spring to the city of Petra. Wadi Musa was also nicknamed the Guardian of Petra.
Located amid rugged desert canyons and mountains in what is now the southwestern corner of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Petra was once a thriving trading center and the capital of the Nabataean empire between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106.
While there is certainly enough to occupy yourself for five or more days, two to three days is sufficient to visit all of the highlights in and around the park.
According to Arab tradition, Petra is the spot where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth, and where Moses' brother, Aaron, is buried, at Mount Hor, known today as Jabal Haroun or Mount Aaron. The Wadi Musa or Wadi of Moses is the Arab name for the narrow valley at the head of which Petra is sited.