Sparkling Sundays
This fascinating Jordanian city carved directly into blushing pink rock was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom 300 years before the birth of Jesus, and was once a thriving trading centre for silk and spices.
But after a huge earthquake in 363AD the “Rose City” was lost to the rest of the world, inhabited only by nomadic Bedouins until, in 1812, Swiss traveller Johann Burckhardt “rediscovered” it.
More than 2,000 years old and yet amazingly well preserved, the country’s greatest tourist attraction is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a Unesco Heritage Site, and is visited by up to 5,000 people a day.
Covering a vast area stretching 100 square miles, its magnificent treasures take days to fully explore. So start with the mile walk down the narrow, winding gorge known as The Siq to catch a first glimpse of the most iconic spot, Al-Khazneh.
Also known as the Treasury, its incredible sixpillared, 130ft-high frontage is one of the most elaborate temples in Petra and famously featured in the iconic closing scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Even in early morning, it is bustling with selfiesnapping tourists, Bedouins eager to hawk their postcards and souvenirs, and resting camels awaiting their next passengers.
Further along the route there are the Royal Tombs, the Theatre, the High Place of Sacrifice and Petra Church, among many others, revealing what a tremendously cultural city this once was.
But the real prize requires the most effort. Take the 40-minute hike with 800 steps cut directly into the rock to reach the remote Ad Deir, or 3rd-century monastery. The views from the top over the surrounding valleys are spectacular.
WADI About two hours’ drive south of Petra is Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness stretching for 280 square miles. Also known as
WITH centuries-old and historic sites inspiring desert Jordan is one landscapes, greatest travel of the world’s
SAM RKAINA experiences. wonders as visits its ancient game-changing well as a now development new fresh attracting a of generation explorers…