Where is Petra Located? Jordan

Petra is an ancient city located in present-day Jordan. It is situated in a remote desert valley in the southwestern part of the country, about 3 hours south of the capital city of Amman. The coordinates of Petra are approximately 30.3286° N latitude and 35.4427° E longitude.

Location Map of Petra, Jordan

About Map: Map showing Where is Petra, Jordan located in the Map.

About Petra

Petra is an ancient city located in present-day Jordan, renowned for its remarkable architecture and historical significance. Here are some key facts about Petra.

Historical Significance: Petra was the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom, an ancient Arab civilization that thrived from the 4th century BCE to the 1st century CE. The city was a major trading hub and played a crucial role in the ancient caravan routes that connected regions such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Arabia.

Location: Petra is situated in a remote desert valley known as the Arabah Valley, in the southwestern part of Jordan. It is surrounded by rugged mountains and accessed through a narrow gorge called the Siq.

Rock-Cut Architecture: Petra is famous for its unique rock-cut architecture, where structures are carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. The most iconic site in Petra is the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), an elaborately decorated tomb facade. Other notable structures include the Monastery (Ad Deir), the Royal Tombs, the Roman Theater, and the Street of Facades.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Petra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is recognized for its outstanding archaeological and cultural value, representing an exceptional fusion of ancient Eastern traditions and Hellenistic influences.

Rediscovery: Petra was largely unknown to the Western world until it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Burckhardt disguised himself as a Bedouin and made his way to the hidden city, bringing international attention to its awe-inspiring beauty.

Importance of Water: One of the remarkable aspects of Petra is its sophisticated water management system. The Nabataeans ingeniously designed channels, dams, and cisterns to collect and distribute water throughout the city, allowing them to thrive in the arid desert environment.

Film Location: Petra's unique architecture and dramatic landscapes have attracted filmmakers over the years. It gained widespread recognition when it was featured as the fictional city of "The Canyon of the Crescent Moon" in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

Visiting Petra offers a captivating journey through time, where you can explore the archaeological wonders of an ancient civilization and marvel at the architectural achievements of the Nabataeans. The combination of history, culture, and stunning desert landscapes make Petra an extraordinary destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the region.