Petra Beyond The Treasury
A dive into the history, lesser-known facts, and exploration tips for visiting Petra, including the best times to visit and how to avoid the crowds.
Petra, an archaeological site in Jordan, is often associated with its most famous structure, the Treasury. However, there is so much more to Petra than just this iconic monument. This ancient city, once a bustling trade hub, is filled with history and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The history of Petra dates back to as early as the 4th century BC. It was the capital city of the Nabateans, an ancient Arab people who were excellent water engineers. The city’s intricate water system, which included cisterns, tunnels, and water chambers, is a testament to their skills.
While the Treasury and the Monastery are must-see attractions, there are several other lesser-known sites in Petra that deserve your attention. The High Place of Sacrifice offers amazing panoramic views of the city. The Royal Tombs, a series of impressive tombs carved into the mountain, provide a glimpse into the funerary practices of the Nabateans. There are many caves around this area that are worth exploring through and finding some epic views! Including this one below that is located right across the path from the “Why Not Shop”.
If you’re planning a visit to Petra, it’s important to note that it can get extremely crowded, especially during the peak tourist season. It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Also, consider spending at least two days in Petra to fully explore what the city has to offer.
One way to beat the crowds to the Monastery is to do the back door trail from Little Petra. This starts you on the opposite site so you reach the Monastery before everyone else and then you exit through the Treasury when everyone has already done it. It helps to beat the crowds and give a different kind of adventure.
Finally, remember to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a lot of walking. Petra is vast and there’s so much to see beyond the Treasury.
My favourite walking sandals in Jordan are my Teva Sandals. Seriously one of the best investments I have made when it comes to my Jordan Gear. I can hike in them, walk in water, sand, everywhere. They have great grip and are easily adjustable. Totally don’t regret that purchase at all!
Continuing our exploration of Petra, there are other interesting spots that often go unnoticed. The Street of Facades, for example, is a row of monumental Nabatean tombs, and the Colonnaded Street, a once-bustling thoroughfare lined with shops and public buildings, gives a feel of what life in Petra must have been like.
There are also many other side trails you can wander on and explore thousands of ancient caves off the beaten path. There is even a spring with beautiful flowers in the spring time.
Moreover, Petra is home to a rich collection of rock formations, valleys, and natural beauty. The Wadi Al Farasa trail takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Petra, passing by several interesting tombs and monuments along the way. You will see several rock formations made of whirling colours of blue, red, orange, pink etc. Some of the sandstone is actually so soft it’s more like sand than stone and crumbles in your hand. Also don’t be surprised to see tons of puppies and kittens all over Petra!
Another spectacular site is Al-Deir, also known as the Monastery. It’s a monumental building carved out of rock, similar to the Treasury, but far less crowded. Despite the steep and challenging path to reach it, the view from the top is worth every step. If you opt for the back door route, it’s a bit easier to reach and then you can walk down the 900 steps instead of up!
For those interested in the cultural aspect, the nearby Bedouin village of Umm Sayhoun offers a unique insight into the way of life of the ‘Bdoul’ tribe, descendants of the Nabateans. You can learn about their traditions, sample their cuisine, and even stay overnight for an authentic experience.
For example this home stay on booking. You can stay with a local family right near the back entrance of Petra and try traditional home made Jordanian food.