Day 5: Petra – the Rose Red City

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I cannot find the words to describe this awe inspiring city; just look at the photos!

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Photos

Treasury Detail
Such intricate carvings decorate what is probably the most romantic of Petra's buildings

Camel
Bedouin Camel - one of many in the area

Intricate Rock Colourations
These are all natural colours and abound all over Petra

Royal Palace and Temple
The Great Temple (behind the Royal Palace) was built in the first century BC and has been damaged by earthquakes. Between the temple and the palace are the three market areas

Petra Church Mosaic
Numerous mosaics fill the Byzantine Church in Petra, which was originally built by the Nabataeans for a different purpose.

The Royal Tombs
View taken from the route to the Monastery. Wadi Musa widens out and, on the river's right bank, are carved the Royal Tombs.

The Monastery
As impressive, though much bigger, than the Treasury. Built in the 3rd Century BC, it's a long walk from Wadi Musa to a high plateau.

View over Wadi Araba
This Bedouin was perched on the edge of an abyss overlooking Wadi Araba.

Camels in Wadi Musa
The Royal Tombs are behind the camels

Above the Palace Tomb
Climbing steeply in order to reach a hidden wadi, this is the second photo of me this week. Mind you - I needed the rest!

Theatre
You can't appreciate the structure of the Theatre from ground level. Remodelled by the Romans from an earlier Nabataean building, it doesn't face north/south as the Romans preferred and so they attempted to build a wall to block the sun from the eyes of the audiance. It is estimated that 3000 could be accommodated.

The Treasury
A view of the Treasury which was as awe inspiring as the first view from The Siq. Every one of us who saw this said "oh, wow!

Group Photo - The Gang of Five
With the Urn Tomb behind, from left, Me, Nina, Andy, Pauline and Nina.

Petra by Night
The magical Siq lit by candles.

Treasury by night
Seeing the Treasury by day is one thing, but the night view, with hundreds of candles and the sound of a haunting Bedouin flute coming from within the Treasury is stunning.