Petra - the world wonder

You can't venture down the path of Indiana Jones without buying his hat and whip. This store offers it all. Nestled in the heart of Jordan, Petra isn't just any ancient city, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Petra isn't just built upon the land, it emerges from it. The rose-red facades, intricately carved into the very cliffs, stand as a testament to the artistry and ambition of the Nabataeans. Every corner, every shadow, every beam of light that filters through the city's narrow pathways tells a story. The gorge leading to the treasury is a stunning geological formation, a deep and winding fissure created by tectonic forces. Its walls, which reach up to 200 meters in height, seem to dance and twist, their colors changing with the shifting sun. This passage is not just a pathway, but an experience in itself, setting the stage for the wonders that lie ahead. The walls of the Sikh are adorned with numerous ancient carvings and inscriptions. Some of these are votive niches, where travelers and pilgrims would place statues or offerings to the gods for safe passage and blessings. As you walk through the Sikh, you'll notice the remnants of terracotta pipes and carved channels. These are a testament to the Nabataeans' ingenuity, as they developed a complex water management system to bring water into Petra. The first glimpse of the treasury is nothing short of breathtaking. As you navigate the winding, narrow gorge known as the Sikh, the facade of the treasury gradually comes into view, offering a dramatic reveal that leaves many a visitor spellbound. The facade of the treasury stands at a staggering 40 meters high and is intricately adorned with Corinthian capitals, friezes, figures, and more. The central figure is believed to represent the Nabataean god of fertility, Dushara. The attention to detail and the sheer scale of the craftsmanship is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Nabataeans. Despite its name, the treasury wasn't a place to store gold or riches. Its true purpose remains a subject of debate among historians. The street of facades is lined with numerous tombs that have large facades, similar in style to the treasury but on a smaller scale. These tombs are built into the mountainside, and many have multiple levels. These tombs showcase the architectural style and craftsmanship of the Nabataeans. The facades are adorned with intricate carvings, and many have rooms carved into the rock behind them. The ancient theater is carved directly into the rock. This impressive structure could seat around 4,000 spectators. It's a testament to the city's once-thriving urban life. The royal tombs are a series of grandiose burial chambers that stand as silent witnesses to the grandeur and opulence of Nabataean royalty. These tombs, with their monumental facades and intricate carvings, offer a deeper dive into the architectural prowess and beliefs of the ancient Nabataeans. Passing by the colonnaded street, we reach Quasr-el-Bint, where we can rest before we proceed towards Adderre, also known as the monastery. The path to the monastery is uphill and difficult in the burning sun. There's some 800 steps up the hill, if you want to count them. Lots of people opt to take the easy way up, using donkeys, but we don't do things the easy way. Besides, donkeys don't stop to take selfies from the breathtaking viewpoints. There's always time for a dance break. The monastery is one of Petra's largest monuments. The façade, similar in design but even grander than the treasury, stands at a staggering 50 meters wide and 45 meters high. It's believed to have been a Nabataean temple or a place of worship, possibly dedicated to the god Obotus Thirst. The name monastery came about when it was used as a Christian chapel during the Byzantine era. The vast, rugged landscapes of Petra and the imposing façade of the monastery caught the attention of Hollywood filmmakers. The site was used as a backdrop in Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, 2009. As the throngs of tourists begin their descent from Petra's ancient wonders, a transformation takes place within the confines of its rose-red walls. The once-bustling pathways, echoing with the chatter of visitors and the clip-clop of horse hooves, gradually give way to a profound silence. It's in these moments, as the sun begins its descent, that Petra reveals a side of itself known only to the patient and the perceptive.