Petra, Jordan

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Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world, has a mystique that lingers in our imaginations and does not disappoint in person.

Even the entrance to the fabled ‘rose red city’ is dramatic, a winding sandstone canyon known as the Siq, which opens up to this view of the treasury. Western visitors will recognize this building from the closing scenes of Steven Spielberg movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Although now this World Heritage Site is filled with the clattering of horse drawn carriages and awe-inspired tourists, it is still impressively preserved.

Over 900 steps lead to this view of the Monastery, the largest carved monument in Petra, dating back to the 1st century AD. This ancient city was built over 2,000 years ago by the Nabateans but is known to be inhabited from as early as 7,000 B.C. The Nabateans were a nomadic Arab people from Arabia renowned for their refined culture & massive architecture. By the end of the 2nd century B.C. Petra had become a huge city which thrived until the 2nd century A.D. when the Romans diverted the lucrative silk, incense & spice trade route linking China, India, and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece & Rome. By the 14th century Petra was completely lost to the west and was fiercly guarded by the local Bedoiins for nearly 300 years until a Swiss traveler disguised himself as an Arab anad rediscovered the ‘lost city’ in 1812.

Beautifully carved and colorful sandstone caves are remarkably preserved, and found by a little exploring off the beaten path. I only had two days to explore, just scratched the surface.

Visitors to Petra average 40,000 people a month, but during the winter months and a rainy day I was able to find moments of tranquility and solitude. One of the most amazing aspects of my experience was the gracious hospitality of the local Jordanians. I have never encountered such a welcome in any other comparatively touristed area in Eqypt, Greece, Rome, or the many other monuments of the world I’ve visited. Their hospitality is woven into their culture, and their respect for visitors and genuine smiles will continue to linger in my memories until I return.

More Petra photos on my stock photo website –
link here http://andreajohnson.photoshelter.com/gallery/Petra-Jordan/G0000nwLOdb_eDN4