Petra, often referred to as the "Rose City" due to the color of the stone from which it is carved, offers a breathtaking visual experience. As you approach Petra, you are greeted by its iconic entrance, the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs over 80 meters high. This meandering passage stretches for about 1.2 kilometers, with natural patterns and striations in the sandstone walls that are a canvas of shifting shadows and light.
Emerging from the Siq, you find yourself in front of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most magnificent facade. Carved directly into the pink sandstone cliff face, the Treasury stands about 40 meters high, its ornate decoration glowing in the soft sunlight. The facade is a masterpiece of ancient architecture, featuring a combination of Hellenistic and native Nabatean elements. Intricate carvings of mythological figures and bas-reliefs add to its grandeur, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
Beyond the Treasury, Petra e