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The Amazing Rose-Red City Petra
Other | Tuesday 15th May 2012 | Annalisa
If you happen to find yourself in the Middle East - Jordan, precisely - there is a place you need to check out. It’s the rose-red city of Petra.
Nothing can really prepares you for the staggering beauty of the amazing city of Petra, which means “rock” in Greek. Located in southwestern Jordan about 50 miles south of the Dead Sea, surrounded by towering hills of rust-colored sandstone which gave the city some natural protection against invaders, the city is carved into a red sheer rock and was originally developed over 2600 years ago by an Arab Tribe.
The only entrance to the city is through a 2 kilometer dry water course called the Siq, a dark, narrow gorge of dazzling rock formations and colors, flanked on either side by soaring cliffs over 300 feet high. As you reach the end of the Siq you catch the first glimpse of Petra’s most elaborate and awe-inspiring ruin, Al-Khazneh, the “Treasury”, hewn directly out of the sandstone cliff, and just the first of the many wonders that make up Petra. As you enter the valley you’re overwhelmed by outstanding architectural achievements, hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs with intricate carvings. The city also has obelisks, temples, sacrificial altars, and streets lined with rows of columns. Finally, a flight of 800 rock cut steps leads you high above, overlooking the valley, and also where the well-known impressive Ad-Deir Monastery is located.
These pink-colored structures are certainly one of the most spectacular man-made wonders on earth and it’s not surprising the city is one of the new wonders of the world.
Petra is definitely worth the trip. It will be an overwhelming experience you’ll never forget!
