Petra - Legacy of an ancient civilisation (and The Last Crusade)

Once upon a time, there were seven wonders of the world. And then, history happened and most of them got destroyed. And because humanity is the kind that doesn't let go, a few years ago a large survey was run in order to determine what the "new seven wonders" were. And then a couple of other lists followed. Let's venture together to the one place that does appear in nearly all of them. Welcome to Petra.

The large rocky valley and plateau are believed to have been inhabited for more than ten thousand years, however the heyday of the city came in the 4th century BC when it became the capital for the Nabataean kingdom. This is also when most of the main sights and landmarks where built. Later, in the beginning of the Common era and founding of sea trade routes, its importance started to decline till it was finally almost completely abandoned and forgotten in the 6th century AD.

The city is accessed from the Petra Visitor Center through a 1,5 km long gorge called the Siq. You can walk this lightly descending sandy and rocky road, or you can pay for the transportation by horses, carriages or camels. Just be aware that these services are unbelievably overpriced and the people are well know for their mistreat of the animals. So - your call :) Trust me that the road is easily walkable.

The Treasury (Khazneh)
Probably the number 1 most well-known landmark of Petra, although not my personal favourite. This rock-carved building awaits the visitors right in the beginning of the city and actually serves as kind of a symbol of all of the temples and buildings in the area. This is where all the visitors end up, even if they do not undertake any of the other tracks. Not to mention that it became ever better know after its cameo in the final movie of the Indiana Jones trilogy - The Last Crusade.

The Royal Tombs
As you venture deeper into the valley, you pass by a beautifully carved Street of Facades and a Roman Theater and get to another landmark of the place - the Royal Tombs. These dozens of tombs of unclear origin form a better part of the sandstone rocky wall to your right. Unlike the Treasury, you can actually climb up the hill and enter their interiours.

The Monastery (Al Deir)
Once you pass the royal tombs and get to the remnants of a roman temple, a steep walk up the hills is awaiting you. There will be many merchants offering you ride on a donkey that can take you there (which you may consider only if you are unable to walk the 200 meter height difference). They are quite expensive and do not actually speed up your climb in any significant way. Also, the path itself is full of these amazing views so it is definitely worth it to stop from time to time and look around, maybe take some pictures.
The monastery itself is probably my most favorite structure in the whole area. In desing, it is quite similar to the treasury, but if you want to take some pictures, there is a lot more place around with significantly less tourists. Definitely worth the annoying climb.

Getting there
There are generally two points from where tours to Petra are being done. If you are in Jordan, chances are you arrived in Amman. From there your can either book some preorganised tour for around 100 - 200 JOD, but there is a much better (and a lot cheaper) way. Just visit the office of the JETT bus company near the Abdali bus station and buy your tickets (at best in advance) for 18 JOD return journey. These are western style air conditioned buses that run at 6.30 to Petra and in the afternoon at 17.00 (16.00 winter time) back to Ammán. The journey takes about 4 hours and includes a short stop midway at the Petra Tourist Compley where you can go to the toilet, get some coffee or snacks or buy some overpriced souvenirs.
If you are going from Aqaba (or Eilat in Israel), you have basically just one option - that being buying an organised tour.

The ticket costs 90 JOD for 1-Day visitors of Jordan (basically those who arrive from Eilat and return back the very same day). If you are staying longer in the country, the prices are 50 JOD for 1-day, 55 2-day and 60 JOD for 3-day pass to Petra. if you are staying in Jordan for 3 nights or longer, I recommend you to buy yourselves the JORDAN PASS which not only gives you free access to many attractions in Jordan (including day pass to Petra), but also covers the fee for the visa to Jordan (which costs 40 JOD). The price of the JORDAN PASS is 70, 75 and 80 JOD for 1, 2 and 3 days in Petra respectively. So, as you can see, it is worth it even if you do not want to visit anything else. 

In conclusion, Petra is one of the most amazing places I have ever visited and I cannot recommend it enough. It is probably one of the places that should not be missing on any traveler's bucket list. 

Soo, keep on traveling :)

Love

Lex