UNESCO .VG
Petra

Petra

Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan-city was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia.

About

Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan-city was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia.

UNESCO Criteria

  • Outstanding example of ancient architectural engineering
  • Important crossroads of trade routes
  • Unique rock-cut architecture

Gallery

Petra gallery imagePetra gallery imagePetra gallery image

Quick Facts

Location
Jordan
Category
Cultural
Year Inscribed
1985

Interesting Facts

Ancient History

Established possibly as early as 312 BCE as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom

Architecture

Famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system

Rediscovery

Lost to the Western world until 1812 when discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt