Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and rightly so. Petra is believed to have been established in the 4th century BC as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. It is hard to believe but in the first century AD the population of Petra peaked at an estimated 20,000. I spent a full two days exploring Petra. I visited during high season, but because of the war in Syria and Iraq, tourist numbers had dropped substantially and I had much of the complex almost to myself.

The Siq that leads to Petra
Most visitors rush through The Siq in order to get to the Treasury, but it is a fascinating site/sight in its own right.
Al-Khazneh, The Treasury, Petra
My heart skipped a beat when I caught my first glimpse of the Treasury at the end of The Siq
The steps leading towards the High Place of Sacrifice
Petra, Jordan
The view from somewhere along the trail to the High Place of Sacrifice
Petra, Jordan
The view from the High Place of Sacrifice. There doesn't appear to be much to see except the stunning views, but this is in fact one of the best-preserved sacred sacrificial sites from ancient times, at least according to my Lonely Planet.
The small but beautiful Roman Soldier's Tomb
Most people who climb towards the High Place of Sacrifice return along the same path, but the trail through Wadi Farasa is quiet, leads past some wonderful sites and offers some amazing views.
Petra, Great Temple
The remains of the Great Temple at Petra
Petra, Wadi Siyagh
The amazing Wadi Siyagh in Petra. This is where I sat down for lunch during my first day in Petra, enjoying the view.
Petra, Trail to the Monastery
The start of the trail towards the Monastery
The landscape is also pretty awesome
Petra, Monastery
The magnificent Monastery in Petra. The hike towards the Monastery can be brutal, depending on the temperature and the time of day, but the view is well, amazing.
The views from the viewing point above the Monastery are pretty stunning.
The trail to the Monastery leads through an impressive landscape
Street of facades, Petra
The street of facades in Petra
Petra
Petra is set in spectacular surroundings. This is on the way to the viewpoint above the Treasury.
The obelisk tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium on the way towards the Siq and Petra.

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