Petra, Jordan
Petra is the treasure of ancient world, hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, boasting incomparable scenes that make it the most majestic and imposing ancient site still-standing nowadays.. It has been said "perhaps there is nothing in the world that resembles it", actually, for sure, there is nothing in the world that resembles it. The rock-carved rose-red city of Petra is full of mysterious charm, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it".
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Petra is considered the most famous and gorgeous site in Jordan located about 262 km south of Amman and 133 km north of Aqaba. It is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO world heritage site that enchants visitors from all corners of the globe.
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The approach through a kilometer long, cool, and gloom chasm (or Siq) a long narrow gorge whose steeply rising sides all but obliterate the sun, provides a dramatic contrast with the magic to come. Suddenly the gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra's most famous monument, The Treasury (El-Khazneh), whose intricately carved facade glows in the dazzling sun.
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http://www.atlastours.net/jordan/petra.html
Petra Map & Monuments
Many influence, are apparent in the architecture of Petra; Assyrian, Egyptian, Hellenistic and Roman. Most of the visible remains date from the Roman period, yet somehow bear a unique Nabataean stamp. It is mostly the rock-cut tombs which remain today, though freestanding temples built of stone, the Qasr Al-Bint Temple and the Temple of the Winged Lions can also be seen.
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http://www.atlastours.net/jordan/petra_map.html
We drove from Amman in the early morning to Petra. Both of us never been to Petra, did not know what to expect. Got lost several times but in the end we managed to get there.
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You can buy 1 day, 2 day or 3 day tickets. Since our timing are really limited (we did not plan to stay over night in Petra), we only buy 1 day ticket. And then we realize the place is huge, no way we can see everything in a day.
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If you plan to go to Petra ... i suggest you to stay at least one night or two in the area. There is a Movenpick Hotel Petra just outside the entrance. So if you staying there ... you can just walk to Petra and explore the place. No hassle driving 4 hours each way Amman - Petra - Amman.
http://www.southtravels.com/middleeast/jordan/movenpickhotel/index.html
The place is not push chairs friendly ... alot of walking that young kiddies won't appreciate it.
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Alot of people did the walk through The Siq ... it is a long walk. Amazing scenery ... but i suggest you should take the horse carriage for passing The Siq, save your energy to walk around the inside.
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Dont forget to buy the guide book of Petra in the local souvenir shop when you buy entrance ticket, it would a help alot explaining the area while you walk around.
