Special 7 wonders of the world: Petra, the Rose City of Jordan

In the heart of the vast and mysterious Jordanian desert, nestled among towering canyons and wind-sculpted rocks, lies Petra , a destination seemingly plucked from an ancient dream. This astonishing archaeological treasure , known as "the Rose City" for the pinkish hue of its stones , is one of those places that leaves every visitor breathless.

Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 , Petra is a portal that transports travelers to the glorious past of a lost civilization. Below, we tell you all about Jordan's Nabatean treasure and why it should be your next destination .

A lost city

Petra is an ancient city carved into the mountains of southern Jordan, in the Middle East, famous for its monumental tombs and buildings hewn directly into the sandstone cliffs . Its breathtaking architecture, combined with its mysterious history, has made Petra a global icon .

It was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom , a prosperous Arab civilization that controlled the trade routes connecting the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, Egypt, Syria, and Arabia around the 4th century BC. What makes Petra special is not only its majestic appearance, but also the ingenious water management system that allowed the city to flourish in a desert environment , the work of the Nabataeans.

Over time, Petra fell to the Roman Empire in 106 AD, leading to its decline. Earthquakes and the relocation of trade routes caused the city to fall into oblivion, until it was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt .

Today, Petra is one of the world's most important archaeological sites and a constant source of wonder. Besides being forgotten for centuries, Petra is called the lost city because it was buried under the sand . Currently, only about 20 percent is visible, while excavations continue to unearth and reveal its secrets .

Petra, chosen in 2007 as one of the 7 wonders of the world

In 2007, Petra was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World in a global competition organized by the New7Wonders Foundation. This recognition not only underscored Petra's historical and cultural importance but also cemented its place as a must-see destination for travelers from around the world .

Petra was chosen because of its monumental scale, its extraordinary state of preservation, and its capacity to inspire awe . Anyone who encounters the Treasury of Petra for the first time instantly understands why this place truly deserves to be called a wonder of the world.

Some interesting facts about this wonder include its worldwide fame after being used as a filming location in the 1989 Indiana Jones movie . The Treasury appears as the temple where the character searches for the Holy Grail, which brought international attention to this archaeological site. Another interesting fact is that the sandstone that forms Petra changes color throughout the day , shifting from pink to orange, red, and gold, depending on the position of the sun.

The Treasure of Petra

Exploring Petra is an immersive experience that transports you to an ancient world, where every corner has a story to tell. Upon arrival, the first thing that impresses is the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) , the iconic facade carved into the rock that greets you at the end of the narrow Siq canyon.

This masterpiece of Nabataean architecture, with its columns and intricate details, seems to emerge from the depths of the mountain, revealing its majesty. The Treasury, standing 40 meters tall, is even more breathtaking when the light of dawn or dusk bathes its pink stone in golden hues .

Furthermore, this UNESCO World Heritage Site deserves to be seen at night , surrounded by candlelight and with live musical performances.

The charms of the Pink City

For adventurers, the Monastery is another wonder not to be missed. Although the climb up nearly 800 steps may seem challenging, the reward at the top is unparalleled . The Monastery is similar in style to the Treasury, but larger and situated at a high point offering spectacular views of the desert .

Walking through the Siq , the narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra and is also known as Little Petra , is a magical experience in itself. Along its 1.2-kilometer length, the towering rock walls, reaching up to 80 meters in height, create a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. In this section, you can see ancient inscriptions and the remains of old hydraulic systems, as well as vendors offering souvenirs .

Another must-see in Petra is the Royal Tombs , a collection of imposing tombs carved into the cliffs, showcasing the power and wealth of the ancient Nabataeans. Although originally intended for the elite, today anyone can marvel at their size and the intricate details of their construction .

For those seeking panoramic views, the climb to the High Place of Sacrifice is another must-do activity. The path is steep, but once at the top, the reward is an unforgettable view of all of Petra and the surrounding desert landscape . This altar, used in religious rituals, adds another layer of mystery to the experience.

Exploring the Rose City is like walking through living history, immersing yourself in a spectacular landscape, and feeling the grandeur of a culture that left its mark on the stones. If you've ever dreamed of an adventure in Jordan, Petra is waiting for you, ready to reveal its secrets .

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