Carved from the dramatic pink-hued cliffs of a mountainous desert landscape, the ancient city of Petra is Jordan’s leading attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In prehistoric times the Nabataean city was an important caravan centre on the route between Arabia and Egypt, and today a vast network of elaborate tombs, temples and ingenious water management system remains in a remarkable state of preservation. Nothing can quite prepare you for the sight of the exquisite Treasury facade slowly revealing itself as you make your way through the narrow and deeply cut canyon leading to the city’s entrance. It’s even more magical visited in the late evening, guided by candlelight and enveloped by the sounds of Bedouin pipe music gently floating on the breeze.
