Petra is a southern Jordan city that is famous for its historical architecture and water conduit system. It is also known as Rose city due to the color of the stone from which most of its buildings are carved out. The city was started in 312 BCE as the capital city of the Nabataeans.

Today, the city is a symbol of Jordan and its most visited site. Below are some of the sights that draw sightseers in droves.

1. Petra Archeological Park

This is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site since 1985. It features the Nabataean city of Petra that occupies a space of 264,000 square meters within Wadi Musa Area. The city is over 2,000 years old. The area is surrounded by hue-pink mountains and rock formations that make it a good backdrop for the photographers.

2. Obelisks Tomb

This tomb dates as far back as first BC. It has 5 graves, each with five columns that extend from to the height of 7 meters. The ancient tomb has been a point of interest for archaeologists for quite some time now. It is thought to have belonged to one of the Nabataeans Royal Families.

3. The Siq

The Siq is a split rock with length of about 1200 meters and a width of 3-12 meters, and height up to about 80 meters. It is a hollow that was created by the Nabataeans as a road. It starts from the Dam and ends at opposite end of the Vault.

4. The Treasury T

his is one of the most beautiful buildings in Petra. It is named the treasury from the Arab Bedouins folklore. The Bedouins believed that the urns that are sculpted on top of the building had treasures.

5. The Monastery

This building is believed to have been converted into a monastery by the monks in the Byzantine period. It is also one of the most visited attractions in Petra.

Petra is an old city that gives insights into the way of life of the Nabataeans. It is also a lesson in Middle East History. Apart from the sights, tourists are treated to Arab gourmet dining. In short, Petra can easily rival Israel's Jerusalem in terms of history.  

By Kennedy Runo on 05/11/2015 in Jordan