JORDAN, MIDDLE EAST HOLIDAY, TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
HOTELS & RESORTS IN HISTORIC PETRA AND WADI MOUSA

The Ancient City of Petra   by Arty Blazer

The old city of Petra has a long and turbulent history. While it used to be a flourishing city, natural disasters and economical changes let unforgiving time swallow the settlement as it was left by its inhabitants. It took ages until the city was rediscovered by historians, as almost an entire millennium passed without anybody remembering about it. Things changed in 1812 when a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it. BBC included Petra on its list of must see places and other distinctions were offered giving birth to profitable tourism for the area.

One particularity of Petra is the fact that the buildings are cut in stone and not made of different pieces. Because of this special feature, the place was included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. An archaeological park was founded here in the '90s and many specialists have come to visit Petra ever since. Located 250 kilometers away from Amman, the city carved in rock is protected by law as the buildings are still suffering due to erosion and other natural activities. When you visit Petra you will notice how all conveniences aimed at tourists are located at the entrance and not inside. It is believed that Petra was founded by the ancient people, Nabatei, that came to the area about two millenniums ago. The city of Petra was an important commercial node that connected routes from all Arabia with Indian caravans that were threading, carrying silk, and exotic spices as well as African goods. While trade was blooming, so did Petra; the city had known a period of economic boom and fair wealth until it was finally forgotten because of the change in trade routes. The architecture of Petra is noteworthy because of its complex of canals and dams.

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After being under Roman occupation for a while, Petra failed to recover its beauty and glamour. It took the passion and determination of the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt to discover Petra once again. The traveler talked to his guide and asked to be taken where rumors indicated the presence of an ancient city. This is how Petra was uncovered as a tourist destination that many people from all corners of the planet still visit each year. During our times Petra fascinates and pleases, one of its great advantages being the enthralling location in the depth of a desert gorge. Once you set foot in Petra, you will be able to enter the siq. This is the place where the city looks like it was broken in two, which actually happened when the city was devastated by a powerful earthquake. From here, you can stroll on the high cliffs while letting your guide translate writings on the ancient walls.

At the end of the aforementioned siq, you will see the Treasury, which is the most important landmark in Petra. You may have seen it in movies, used for its exceptional mystique, but it is a totally different experience to see it in all its glory.

About the Author: Taking a Trip down the Streets of Lima, Peru is a travel guide from Tripopedia, a travel encyclopedia. Learn about things to do in Lima, places to see and places to eat.

PETRA AND WADI MOUSA FEATURED HOTELS, JORDAN