Petra is the most popular attractions in Jordan for tourists and also one of the world's most famous historical archeological sites. Petra is the Greek word for stone and this name makes perfect sense because of where the city is located and how some of it is carved into the rock. This is one of the most popular tourist cities in Jordan. What are … The red rock was originally known as Mount Hor. Petra’s water supply was derived from this location, which, according to Biblical tradition, continued to gush water after Moses’s miraculous act. Petra (altgriechisch Πέτρα [ ˈpɛtʁa] „Felsen, Felsmassiv“, arabisch البتراء al-Batrā’, nabatäisch wahrscheinlich Reqmu „die Rote“), eine Ruinenstätte im heutigen Jordanien, war in der Antike die Hauptstadt des Reiches der Nabatäer. 11. Keep reading to find out 10 things you didn’t know about Petra in Jordan. Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World is a representation of Jordan and therefore, Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction. The city is half man-made and half carved into the rock and had a water conduit system that is also one of the reasons the city is famous. Petra got its name from a feminine Greek word “ … Petra name is derived from a feminine Greek word “Petros” which means “rocks.”. churches were excavated in and around Petra from the Byzantine era. Reaching more than a million people every month. Petra is included as a site in the world heritage list of UNESCO since 1985. Jordan has much to offer tourists, but Petra is of unmatched beauty that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Planning a trip to Jordan? The excavations in Beidha are included in the inscription of Petra as a UNESCO world heritage site. Petra got its name from a feminine Greek word “petros” which means “rocks”. The country’s total land area is 89,342 sq km (34,495 sq miles) The capital city of the country is Amman which is also the largest city. Elizabeth is curious about the world around her and is always looking for ways to make it a friendlier and more welcoming place. They built more than 1,000 protected tombs on the mountains in and around the city. 2. Petra is sweltering during the summer months, so plan your trip for late spring or early autumn. Check out these off-the-beaten-path spots in the country. After the disaster, many residents of Petra left the area, and the city was lost to the ages. As Jordan’s most-visited travel destination, Petra attracts people from all around the world with its massive buildings which are somewhat carved into the rock and also built architecturally. © 2017 - Serious Facts All Rights Reserved. These are the most interesting facts about Petra! Constructed around 312 BC as the capital of the Nabataeans, Petra truly reflects the heritage of Jordan. Petra is the most popular attractions in Jordan for tourists and also one of the world's most famous historical archaeological sites. Known as the Rose City due to the colour of the stone or the Lost City as the site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, Petra is a place you need to see, to believe, that it is in fact real-life. The official language of the country is Arabic. In fact, it was Petra’s altitude that prevented me from stopping during a previous trip to Jordan, since I had been scuba diving in Aqaba. It seems to have everything. Known as the Rose City due to the colour of the stone or the Lost City as the site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, Petra is a place you need to see, to believe, that it is in fact real-life. Its other name is Al-Batra in Arabic, but Petra is more popular. The ground of Petra is very uneven and unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams/pushers. Petra is … The name Petra comes from the Greek word for “rock.” Many of Petra’s buildings were carved directly into rocky sandstone cliffs. That makes it easy to assume that all of Petra was a city of the dead. The most important monuments the Treasury, Ad-Deir (Monastery) and the Royal Tombs were tombs. Petra, Arabic Baṭrā, ancient city, centre of an Arab kingdom in Hellenistic and Roman times, the ruins of which are in southwest Jordan. The area of Petra has been inhabited as early as 7,000 B.C. 13. Read more from Elizabeth on her personal site. It was rediscovered in 1812 by John Lewis Burckhardt and has since become a wildly popular tourist destination for those who want a firsthand encounter with this preserved ancient city. Petra is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site that has “outstanding universal value” due to its functionality, preservation, and architecture. 10 curious facts about Jordan, home to the Red Sea resort you've never heard of Save There's more to Jordan than Petra, though it is marvellous Credit: ALAMY Chris Leadbeater, Travel writer 25 … Fans of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will remember the pivotal scene at the end of the movie when the elder Jones and his son stumble upon the lost city of Petra, the formidable and mysterious resting place of the Holy Grail. The B’doul tribe claims that it can trace its lineage back to the original Nabataeans, and some members still live in and around the remains of Petra. In places, it’s like an open-air museum with ancient ruins and mythical cities dotting the horizon. Any buried treasure was likely removed long ago, but the Treasury facade itself is a gem, lovingly carved by the Nabataeans centuries ago. Petra is one of the famous attractions in Jordan and is also one of the world’s most popular historic archeological sites. This Ruined 17th-Century Church Became A Gorgeous City Garden, 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Visiting Petra, 6 Key Things To Know About Jordan Culture, The Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Spots In Jordan, 3 Bucket-List National Parks To Visit This Winter, For details on Gateway Blend's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our. UNESCO has described Petra as one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage and it also happens to be the most popular tourist destination of Jordan. Petra of Jordan, … Serious Facts is the most reliable source for interesting facts for over 4 years in a row. 40 Surprising and Interesting Helium Facts, 40 Interesting and Surprising Music Facts, 40 Surprising and Interesting Paraguay Facts, 40 Interesting and Surprising Jamaica Facts. Petra (Batra in Arabic) was an ancient Arab city in what is now the southwestern part of Jordan. Constructed around 312 BC as the capital of the Nabataeans, Petra truly reflects the heritage of Jordan. This guide received a huge update in late 2018, early 2019! Located in Jordan, the city is famous for the advanced irrigation system that was built there and the intricate carvings that are located throughout the area. The Nabataeans held their dead in high esteem and took special care to honor them as they passed from this world to the next. 13 exciting facts about Petra, Jordan. This is because the rock in which the city is built is a rose-red color. Bring plenty of sunblock, water, and comfortable shoes, as well as a light scarf to cover up your shoulders when accessing sacred areas. in 2018). Here are some interesting facts about Petra, Jordan: Image: Flickr. During the first centuries BC to AD, Petra is believed to have been home to 20,000 – 30,000 people and was an important trading city. UNESCO even described the historical and archaeological city as “one … You have the option of traveling by donkey, horse, or camel. Its location in the desert means that the original inhabitants needed to creatively devise ways to get water and other resources to the city. Petra Theater (Arabic: مسرح البتراء ‎) is a first century AD Nabataean theatre situated 600 m from the centre of Petra.Substantial part of the theater was carved out of solid rock, while the scaena and exterior wall were constructed. Treasury Petra facts This article will give an overview of treasury Petra Jordan, inside, facts, from above, night, etc. The archaeological site in Jordan is full of history and is the country’s most visited attraction and to help you get to know it a little better, here are our top ten facts about Petra. Because the Siq turns into narrower and darker in the previous few meters, the Al-Khazneh (Treasury) instantly lights up on the finish of the cleft. Jordan is a country with one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra. There are natural phenomena and arresting vistas that make for a photographer’s dream. 3. Petra is classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, along with the spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu, India’s Taj Mahal, the Roman Colosseum, Mexico’s Chichén Itzá, the Great Wall of China, and Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue. Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. If you're coming from Amman or Aqaba, you should definitely take a look at the guided tours below. We are looking to become the #1 facts source on the Internet and we are on our way. 1. The unique water harvesting system in a dry city is used throughout the year. Source: Media Source. Here you stand eye to eye with one of the most beautiful buildings in the world! Petra is a magical place steeped in history and culture, and it should most certainly be on your bucket list. 1. # 1 Petra was not a city of the dead . Here are some important and interesting facts about the city of Petra: Basic Facts about Petra The word “Petra” is Greek for “rock”, this refers to the sandstone from which the city was created. The ancient city is partially carved out of red rocks and is beautifully hidden in a gorge. It is a small desert valley covered by towering sandstone cliffs on the edges of the Wadi Araba desert. Petra is half-built and carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains and passages. It is often referred to as the Rose City because of the rose color of the rock … Petra Jordan Facts. Petra was the capital of the Byzantine province of Palaestina III. Petra is located in the Kingdom of Jordan. The population of the country is 10,171,480 (est. Different Names. Petra was much more a city of the living. Facts about Petra Petra is also called the 'Lost City'; that’s because, in spite of its being such an important city in antiquity, after the 14th century AD, Petra was completely lost to the western world. 10 - Inhabited by Nabataeans over 2500 years ago. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. These tombs mingle with depictions of their gods, lending an air of fluidity between the sacred and earthly. This rose-colored city carved into a sheer cliff face is a masterpiece of ancient ingenuity and skill. According to the Bible, Moses drew water from a stone in Wadi Musa, or the Valley of Moses. No trip to Jordan is complete without a stop at Petra, the stunning and mysterious rose-tinted lost city that stands as the country’s most famous sight. It is popular for its unique architecture carved into rocks. 1. Here are some interesting Petra Jordan facts. But, as usual, archaeological fact bowed to Hollywood fiction when Indy came to Petra. Entirely carved into the surrounding rocks, Not discovered until the 19th century but built during the … The theater's auditorium consists of three horizontal sections of seats separated by passageways and seven stairways to ascend. Elizabeth Lavis is a freelance writer who spends the majority of her time traveling the world and seeing exciting and fun new places. In A.D. 363, Petra was struck by a gigantic earthquake that leveled most of the city and ended its reign as a thriving and wealthy trading center. Although the architects of Petra were not Christian, the ancient city’s proximity to Wadi Musa makes it an intriguing pilgrimage site for Christians. when farmers settled in the area of Beidha, just north of Petra. Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world. Petra (Rose City) is located in Jordan. Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World is a representation of Jordan and therefore, Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction. 10. Many of the city’s most sacred spaces are constructed to align with solar patterns, including solstices. The ancient city of Petra is also known as the ‘Rose City’. Petra is located in the Kingdom of Jordan, 170 miles south of the capital Amman in the Wadi Araba desert between … Continue reading Facts about Petra Jordan Petra is the most popular attractions in Jordan for tourists and also one of the world’s most famous historical archaeological sites. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom on May 25, 1946. It is built in red stone that is why it is also called the Rose city. This careful design gives modern scientists and archeologists valuable insight into what the Nabataeans held dear, and exactly how special Petra must have been. Petra Facts for Kids. Petra is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site that has “outstanding universal value” due to its functionality, preservation, and architecture. Petra is half-built and carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains and passages. Jordan is one of my favourite destinations in the world. Jordan Facts for Kids. Petra is an ancient city located between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. The movie of Indiana Jones and the last crusade created a huge surge in visitor… Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. Here are some interesting Petra Jordan facts. The history, the architecture and the beautiful landscape make Petra one of the most special places in the Middle East. To call Petra a wonder is a gross understatement. Petra is a historical city with architecture cut into the rocks. Petra is perched at about 2,700 feet. This resourcefulness, coupled with Petra’s sheer size and beauty, makes it one of the most cherished UNESCO sites in the entire world. 5. Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Established around 312 BC and now a World Wonder, Petra is one of the oldest cities in existence and is still a point of interest for millions of travelers around the world. Here are eight fascinating facts that will make you want to pack your bags and head to this astonishing Jordanian treasure. Like many peoples of the time, the Nabataeans worshiped the sun as a source of light and life, and Petra’s design reflects that reverence. Petra is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water system. The city lost its splendor after the Roman conquest and slowly it got abandoned. Unfortunately, the majority of the ancient city is not wheelchair accessible, and no cars are allowed near the ruins. Despite what you’ve seen on the silver screen, Petra’s Treasury is not a looming maze of booby-trapped rooms designed to separate the righteous from the unworthy, but a relatively small area that is most likely a beautifully decorated graveyard. 360-degree street view of Petra Jordan is available on Google Maps. 4. In reality, the Treasury is nothing more than a facade with a relatively small hall once used as a royal tomb. It has been described by the organizationas “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.” 12. Its location in the desert means that the original inhabitants needed to creatively devise ways to get water and other resources to the city. Jordan has 5 … The capital of the Nabataean empire under King Aretas IV, Petra bewilders its visitors with its splendid red sandstone architecture and surrounding desert landscape. It is an ancient city located between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. But the opposite is true! And you can see that for yourself. Petra, Jordan - 10 Amazing Facts - as part of the travel series by GeoBeats. The name Petra originates from the Greek word ‘petros’ which means rocks. We share the most interesting facts about Jordan we learnt on our visit to this enchanting country. She likes physical challenges, such as mountain climbing, and enjoys interacting with interesting people and learning to appreciate new cultures and ways of doing things. Petra got its name from a feminine Greek word “Petros” which means “rocks.” Its other name is Al-Batra in Arabic; however, it’s famous as “Petra.” The last one of Jordan country facts is actually the city of Petra and its beauty! Today, many from the B’doul and other Bedouin tribes work as tour guides. It sits upon Jebel al-Madhbah, which many scholars believe to be Mount Sinai, as referenced in the bible as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. The modern town of Wadi Musa is located next to the site. 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