Trifter

Located in Arabah, Ma’an Governorate, Jordon, you will find the most fascinating rock-cut architecture in the world. It lies on the slope of Mount Hor in a basin among the mountains. It is a must on anyone’s itinerary that is planning to visit this part of the world. This huge valley runs from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. This was constructed by the Nabateans around One hundred BCE after their decline. This site was hid from the world right up to 1812 when Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered and introduced it to the West.

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Petra was designated a World Heritage Site in 1985. This is due to the efforts of Queen Noor who complained bitterly that there were too many luxury hotels and uncontrolled development that was infringing on artifacts and ancient carvings of the rocks. Development has come under control these past years.

The entrance to Petra is through the Siq which is a narrow fracture carved through the towering rocks. The sights within this narrow walkway are spectacular, just one km in will bring you to the building of al Khazneh (the Treasury). This is a rose red, 40 meter structure that is carved from solid rock. This stunning place was originally a royal tomb and legends say it got its name due to the amount of treasure that was hidden there in huge urns at the time. On the second floor of this building you can still see the print of the urns on the floor.

Image by nonmipare via Flickr

Inside these walls there is so much more to see but you have to be in good shape to access some of them such as the High Place of Sacrifice and the Tombs of Wadi Farasa. If you can access these places you will be rewarded with a small glimpse into the world of animal sacrifice. At the top of this ridge you will find a flattened area with two large drains which were used for the disposal of the blood from the animals. You will also find a number of altars cut into the stone along with the remains of houses that once stood there. These were usually the residence of priests. The best reward you will receive atop this building is the stunning, breathtaking view across the mountains.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Petra has been used for various movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last crusade, Mortal Combat: Annihilation and Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. So has you can see this breathtaking site is famous in more ways than one.