Petra: Walking Through an Ancient Wonder Carved in Stone

Tucked away in the rugged desert cliffs of Jordan, Petra isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that feels like stepping into another world. This ancient city, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture, hidden for centuries and now standing as a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataeans, the civilization that built it over 2,000 years ago.

A Journey Through Time: The Rose City

Petra is often called the Rose City because of the way its sandstone cliffs glow in shades of pink, red, and orange under the sunlight. The city’s entrance, the Siq, is a dramatic narrow gorge with towering walls that seem to close in around you, building anticipation for what’s ahead. And then, suddenly, the path opens up to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)—one of Petra’s most iconic and breathtaking sights. If you’ve ever seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you’ve already caught a glimpse of its grandeur.

But Petra is much more than just the Treasury. As you wander deeper, you’ll find ancient tombs, temples, an amphitheater, and even an intricate water system that made this desert city thrive for centuries. The Nabataeans were master traders, connecting the East and West through the Silk Road, and their city was a hub of culture, commerce, and craftsmanship.

A Reflective Moment in Petra

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to see everything when visiting a place as grand as Petra, but some moments are worth slowing down for.

Josie and I stumbled upon a small shop selling tea right in front of the Treasury. We sat there for a while, admiring the sheer artistry of the structure, trying to grasp the amount of work it must have taken to carve this masterpiece into solid rock. It’s almost unfathomable that this building-like structure wasn’t built on land, but from the land itself—emerging from the canyon walls like it had always belonged.

The day we visited was unexpectedly rainy, which added a different kind of beauty to the experience. We only had five hours to explore, so there was a delicate balance between wanting to see as much as possible and simply being in the moment. We got as far as the Royal Tombs before deciding that one day, we’d return to climb up to the Monastery. Instead of rushing to check every landmark off a list, we chose to take it all in—the smell of damp earth after the rain, the way the mist softened the towering rock formations, the sounds of life weaving through the ancient city.

Walking Petra’s hidden pathways, we met locals and animals—countless cats, herding dogs, and even a tiny puppy, the last of its litter. Camels adorned in vibrant, colorful saddles rested along the main paths, waiting for travelers to hop on for a ride. There were also horses and donkeys, their handlers guiding them along the rocky terrain. The rain flooded parts of the paths, but nothing could take away from the magic of the place. By the time we made it back to the Treasury, we sat down for another cup of tea, reflecting on what we were living in that exact moment.

There’s something special about crossing an item off your bucket list sooner than you expected. I didn’t rush through it, and I don’t regret it for a second. This was one of those moments that etch themselves into your memory, where time slows down and gratitude washes over you.

After Petra, we continued on to camp in Wadi Rum, where the night sky stretched endlessly above us, before finishing our journey at the Dead Sea. But Petra—Petra was something else. It wasn’t just a wonder of the world. It was a wonder to experience.

Why Petra Is a True Wonder

Petra’s designation as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is well deserved. Here’s why:

•Engineering Marvel – The Nabataeans carved entire buildings and an advanced irrigation system directly into the sandstone cliffs, proving their mastery in architecture and water management.

•Historical Significance – Petra was a major trade hub and a melting pot of different cultures, from Arabs and Romans to Greeks and Egyptians.

•Hidden Mystery – The city was “lost” for centuries, hidden from the world until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812.

Hiking Up to the Monastery

If you’re up for a challenge, the hike to Ad-Deir (the Monastery) is a must. It takes about 800 rock-cut steps to reach the top, but the reward? A stunning, lesser-crowded temple that rivals the Treasury in beauty. Plus, the panoramic view of Petra’s rugged landscape is something you won’t forget.

Experiencing Petra By Night

For a truly magical experience, visit Petra by Night, where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles. The flickering glow against the stone creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere, transporting you back in time.

Tips for Visiting Petra

•Go early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

•Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.

•Stay hydrated—the desert sun is no joke!

•Hire a local guide to get the full history and hidden stories behind Petra’s ruins.

•Spend more than one day—there’s too much to see in just a few hours.

Why Petra Should Be on Your Bucket List

Petra isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. Walking through its ancient pathways, seeing the intricate carvings, and imagining the lives that once thrived here is an experience that stays with you. It’s a wonder not just because of its beauty but because of the stories it holds in its stone walls.

If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t rush through it. Take your time, soak in the history, and let Petra show you why it’s one of the most breathtaking wonders of the world.