Must Visit Landmarks in Petra and the Stories Behind Them
Words by
Rima Haddad
Walking Through the Must Visit Landmarks in Petra
I have walked the Siq at dawn when the rock walls glow amber and the only sound is your own footsteps echoing off 2,000 year old stone. I have sat alone in the Royal Tombs as afternoon light carved shadows across facades that no photograph can capture. The must visit landmarks in Petra are not just tourist stops. They are chapters of a story written by the Nabataeans, the Romans, and the Bedouin communities who still call this place home. If you are planning a trip, this guide will take you beyond the postcard views and into the real texture of this ancient city carved into rose red sandstone.
1. The Siq: Petra's Dramatic Entrance Corridor
The Siq is the narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra, stretching roughly 1.2 kilometers from the modern visitor center to the iconic Treasury. You walk through it before you see anything else, and that is exactly the point. The Nabataeans engineered this passage to create a sense of anticipation, and it still works perfectly today. The walls rise up to 80 meters high in places, and in some spots you can barely see the sky above you.
What to See: Look for the carved water channels running along both sides of the Siq walls. The Nabataeans were master hydraulic engineers, and these channels once carried water from distant springs into the city center. You will also notice small carved niches and reliefs along the walls, many of which served religious purposes. The dam at the entrance of the Siq, originally built to control flash floods, is another detail most people walk right past.
Best Time: Arrive at the visitor center by 6:00 AM when it opens. The first hour inside the Siq is almost empty, and the light filtering through the narrow opening creates a golden corridor that disappears by mid morning. By 10:00 AM, the corridor fills with tour groups and the experience changes completely.
The Vibe: The Siq feels like walking through a cathedral made of rock. The temperature inside stays cooler than the open desert outside, which is a relief in summer. One thing most tourists do not realize is that the Siq floor you walk on today is not the original Nabataean pavement. The original stone path lies buried about a meter below your feet, uncovered during archaeological excavations in the 1990s.
Local Tip: If you hire a local Bedouin guide from the visitor center, ask them to point out the carved camel reliefs near the middle section of the Siq. These were carved by Nabataean traders and are easy to miss if you are not looking at the right wall. The guides from the nearby Bedouin village of Umm Sayhoun know every carving by heart.
2. Al Khazneh (The Treasury): Petra's Most Famous Monument
Al Khazneh is the image you have seen a thousand times before arriving, and somehow it still takes your breath away when you round the final bend of the Siq. This is the crown jewel among the famous monuments Petra is known for, and it was carved directly into the cliff face sometime around the 1st century AD during the reign of King Aretas IV. The upper section features a tholos (a circular structure) flanked by figures that scholars believe represent either the goddess Isis or the Amazon queen, though debate continues.
What to See: Do not just photograph the facade from the ground level. Walk up the narrow path to the right of the Treasury to reach the viewpoint above. From up there, you can see the full scale of the structure and the amphitheater carved into the rock behind it. The interior of the Treasury has three chambers, and while they are empty now, traces of painted plaster suggest the walls were once decorated.
Best Time: The Treasury faces east, so the best light for photography hits the facade between 6:30 and 8:00 AM. By noon, the face is in shadow and the famous glow disappears. Late afternoon light from the western side creates a different but equally stunning effect, especially in winter months when the sun sits lower.
The Vibe: Standing in front of the Treasury, you are looking at a structure that was likely a royal tomb, though some scholars argue it served as a temple. The name "Treasury" comes from a Bedouin legend that a pharaoh hid treasure inside the urn at the top. Bedouin men used to shoot at the urn trying to break it open, and you can still see the bullet marks. One honest complaint: the area directly in front of the Treasury gets extremely crowded between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and the Bedouin vendors selling tea and souvenirs can make it feel more like a marketplace than an archaeological site.
Local Tip: The Bedouin tea sellers near the Treasury are genuinely friendly, and accepting a cup of sage tea is a small gesture that goes a long way. Ask the older men about the Treasury's history. Many of their families lived inside the caves of Petra before the Jordanian government relocated them to Umm Sayhoun in 1985, and their personal stories add a layer of humanity that no guidebook provides.
3. The Street of Facades: Petra's Row of Nabataean Tombs
Just past the Treasury, the path opens into a wider area called the Outer Siq, and immediately to your right you will see the Street of Facades. This row of tomb facades is one of the most striking examples of Petra architecture in the entire site. There are over 40 tombs carved into the cliff face here, and they represent some of the earliest Nabataean funerary monuments in the city, dating back to the 1st century BC.
What to See: Look closely at the different styles of tomb facades. Some feature simple stepped patterns, while others have more elaborate columns and pediments that show Greek and Egyptian influence. The variety tells the story of a culture that absorbed architectural ideas from every civilization it traded with. Tomb 67, near the end of the row, has a particularly well preserved interior with a bench along the wall where mourners likely sat during funerary rituals.
Best Time: Mid morning is ideal here because the tombs face south and the light illuminates the carved details without the harsh overhead sun of midday. The area is also less crowded than the Treasury, so you can take your time examining each facade.
The Vibe: The Street of Facades feels quieter and more contemplative than the Treasury area. The tombs here were carved for ordinary Nabataean citizens, not royalty, and there is something deeply human about that. One detail most tourists miss is the small carved drainage channels above each tomb. The Nabataeans designed these to divert rainwater away from the tomb entrances, and they still function during rare winter rains.
Local Tip: If you are visiting in winter, bring a rain jacket. The Street of Facades is one of the areas most affected by flash flooding, and the path can become slippery and dangerous within minutes of a downpour. The site staff will close certain sections when water levels rise, so check at the visitor center before heading in.
4. The Royal Tombs: Petra's Grandest Funerary Complex
The Royal Tombs sit high on the eastern cliff face of the city center, and they are among the most impressive historic sites Petra has to offer. There are four main tombs here: the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb. Each one represents a different phase of Nabataean architectural evolution, and together they show how the city's elite competed to build the most elaborate final resting places.
What to See: The Urn Tomb is the largest and most accessible. Climb the steps to the interior and look back toward the city center for one of the best panoramic views in all of Petra. The Silk Tomb, named for the swirling colors in its sandstone, is smaller but the rock patterns are extraordinary, especially in late afternoon light. The Palace Tomb, with its three story facade, is the most ambitious of the four, though part of it collapsed in a 1989 earthquake and has since been stabilized.
Best Time: Late afternoon, around 3:00 to 5:00 PM, is magical here. The sun hits the western cliff face and the sandstone glows in shades of pink, orange, and deep red. The Silk Tomb is particularly stunning during this window. The area is also much quieter in the afternoon as most tour groups have moved on.
The Vibe: The Royal Tombs feel like standing inside a painting. The scale of the facades is hard to grasp until you see a person standing at the base for comparison. One thing to know: the Urn Tomb was converted into a church during the Byzantine period, and you can still see faint crosses carved into the interior walls. This layering of religious use, from Nabataean tomb to Christian church, is one of the most fascinating aspects of Petra architecture.
Local Tip: The climb to the Royal Tombs involves uneven stone steps and some steep sections. Wear proper shoes with good grip, not sandals. I have seen too many people struggle in flip flops, and the Bedouin donkey handlers will happily offer you a ride up for a fee, but the walk itself is part of the experience and the path is well maintained.
5. The Monastery (Ad Deir): Petra's Largest Monument
The Monastery is the largest carved facade in Petra, even bigger than the Treasury, and reaching it requires climbing approximately 800 rock cut steps. It sits at the highest point of the main archaeological site, and the effort to get there rewards you with one of the most awe inspiring views in the entire Middle East. This is a must visit landmark in Petra that many tourists skip because of the climb, which means those who do make it up often have the place nearly to themselves.
What to See: The Monastery facade itself measures about 50 meters wide and 45 meters tall, and it was carved in the 3rd century AD, later than the Treasury. The interior is a single large chamber with a niche that likely held a religious statue. From the viewpoint above the Monastery, you can see the mountains of Wadi Araba stretching toward Israel and the Palestinian territories on a clear day. The landscape up here is raw and untouched.
Best Time: Start the climb by 7:00 AM in summer to avoid the brutal heat. The steps are exposed and there is no shade along the way. In winter, mid morning is fine and the light on the facade is beautiful. The Monastery faces west, so late afternoon light is also spectacular for photography.
The Vibe: The Monastery feels remote and spiritual in a way the Treasury does not. The climb strips away the crowds and the noise, and by the time you reach the top, you feel like you have earned the view. One honest note: the climb is genuinely strenuous, and if you have knee problems or are not in reasonable physical shape, it will be a struggle. There is no shame in turning back halfway.
Local Tip: There is a small Bedouin tea shop carved into the rock just before the final stretch to the Monastery. The woman who runs it has been there for years, and her mint tea is the best you will find anywhere in Petra. She also sells small carved stones and handmade jewelry at fair prices, and buying something supports her family directly.
6. The Great Temple: Petra's Roman Era Legacy
The Great Temple sits at the heart of the colonnaded street in the city center, and it represents one of the most important historic sites Petra has from the Roman period. Excavations by Brown University archaeologists beginning in 1993 revealed a massive complex that includes a theater, a lower temenos, and an upper temenos with columns that once stood over 20 meters tall. This was likely a ceremonial and administrative center, and it shows how Petra evolved under Roman influence after the annexation of the Nabataean Kingdom in 106 AD.
What to See: Walk through the lower temenos and look at the column capitals. Some feature elephant heads, a distinctly Nabataean motif that survived even as Roman architectural styles dominated. The small theater inside the complex could seat about 700 people and was likely used for religious performances or political gatherings. The underground drainage system beneath the temple is also visible in places and shows the same hydraulic engineering skill the Nabataeans applied throughout the city.
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon. The Great Temple sits in an open area with little shade, and midday heat in summer is punishing. Morning light also highlights the carved details on the column capitals beautifully.
The Vibe: The Great Temple feels like a place where two civilizations met. The Nabataean craftsmanship is visible in the carved details, but the overall layout follows Roman urban planning principles. One detail most tourists do not know: during excavations, archaeologists found a cache of elephant head capitals buried deliberately, possibly hidden during a period of political upheaval. You can see some of these in the archaeological museum near the visitor center.
Local Tip: The Great Temple is often overlooked because it sits between the more photogenic Treasury and the Royal Tombs. Give yourself at least 30 minutes here. The site is large and the details reward slow, careful observation. Bring a hat and water, as there is almost no shade in this section.
7. The High Place of Sacrifice: Petra's Spiritual Summit
The High Place of Sacrifice sits atop Jebel al Khubtha, one of the mountains that rises behind the city center. Reaching it involves a steep climb of about 30 minutes from the Royal Tombs area, but the summit contains one of the most significant religious sites in all of Petra. This is where the Nabataeans performed animal sacrifices and held religious ceremonies, and the altar platform is still clearly visible at the top.
What to See: The altar itself is a rectangular platform carved directly into the rock, with channels designed to drain blood and water away from the ceremonial area. Two large obelisks stand nearby, carved from the living rock, and they likely represented Nabataean deities. The panoramic view from the top encompasses the entire city center, the Royal Tombs, and the mountains stretching in every direction. On a clear day, you can see the Saudi Arabian border to the south.
Best Time: Sunrise is extraordinary here. The climb in the dark is manageable if you bring a headlamp, and watching the sun rise over the mountains while standing on a 2,000 year old altar is an experience I will never forget. If sunrise is not possible, late afternoon is the next best option.
The Vibe: The High Place of Sacrifice feels ancient in a way that is hard to describe. Standing on the altar platform, you are at the spiritual center of a civilization that controlled trade routes across the ancient world. The wind at the top is constant and strong, and the silence is profound. One practical warning: the descent involves a steep and sometimes slippery path on the other side of the mountain. Take your time and watch your footing carefully.
Local Tip: There is a second, less visited path down from the High Place of Sacrifice that leads past a series of smaller tombs and eventually connects back to the main path near the Royal Tombs. Ask a Bedouin guide to show you this route. It is longer but far more interesting, and you will pass carved water cisterns and small shrines that most visitors never see.
8. Little Petra (Siq al Barid): The Quiet Sister Site
Little Petra sits about 8 kilometers north of the main site, and it is one of the most underrated must visit landmarks in Petra. This smaller canyon contains its own carved tombs, a painted biclinium (dining room) with remarkably preserved frescoes, and a quieter atmosphere that lets you experience Petra architecture without the crowds. The site was likely a suburb or caravan stop for traders heading into the main city.
What to See: The painted biclinium is the highlight. The ceiling features grape vines, flowers, and small birds rendered in vivid colors that have survived nearly two thousand years. This is one of the only places in Petra where you can see original Nabataean painted decoration. The narrow canyon leading to the biclinium is also beautiful, with smooth walls and small carved niches along the way.
Best Time: Late afternoon is ideal. The canyon faces west and the light in the painted biclinium is warm and golden after 3:00 PM. Little Petra is open later than the main site in summer, so you can visit after the main site closes and have the place almost entirely to yourself.
The Vibe: Little Petra feels intimate and personal in a way the main site cannot match. The scale is smaller, the paths are quieter, and the painted biclinium feels like stepping into someone's private dining room from two millennia ago. One thing to know: there are no facilities at Little Petra. No shops, no water, no restrooms. Bring everything you need with you.
Local Tip: You can reach Little Petra by taxi from Wadi Musa, or you can hike there from the main site via a trail that passes through Bedouin farmland. The hike takes about 90 minutes and is a wonderful way to see the landscape between the two sites. If you take the hike, arrange for a taxi to pick you up at Little Petra for the return trip, as walking back in the heat is exhausting.
When to Go and What to Know
Petra is open year round, but the best months are March, April, October, and November when temperatures are moderate and the light is beautiful. Summer months (June through August) are brutally hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Winter (December through February) can be surprisingly cold at night, and rain can cause flash floods that close parts of the site without warning.
Buy the Jordan Pass before you arrive. It covers your visa fee and entry to Petra for one, two, or three days, and it saves you money and time at the border. The three day pass is worth it if you want to visit the main site, the High Place of Sacrifice, and Little Petra without rushing.
Wear layers, sturdy shoes, and bring more water than you think you need. The site is enormous, and distances between landmarks are longer than they look on the map. A good rule is to carry at least two liters of water per person for a full day.
Finally, talk to the Bedouin people who live and work in and around Petra. Their families have been connected to this place for generations, and their stories will give you a dimension of understanding that no audio guide or book can match. Petra is not just a collection of famous monuments. It is a living landscape, and the people who call it home are part of its ongoing story.
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