Archaeological sites in Petra

Ancient Petra Archaeological Sites

This collection of archaeological sites showcases the architectural ingenuity of the Nabataean Kingdom and subsequent Byzantine influence. Beyond the central valley, the list covers the massive rock-cut Theater, the ritual High Place of Sacrifice, and the sophisticated water management systems of the Garden Temple. It also includes the Neolithic settlement of Beidha and the Siq al-Barid, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s transition from a prehistoric camp to a major Hellenistic caravan hub and religious center.

Ancient Petra Archaeological Sites — Map

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Little Petra

A suburban outpost of Petra featuring a narrow gorge known as Siq al-Barid. It contains rock-cut tombs, houses, and a biclinium with rare surviving Nabataean ceiling paintings depicting vines and flowers.

Tomas / CC-BY-SA

B

The Theater

Petra Theater is a first century AD Nabataean theatre situated 600 m from the centre of Petra.

Jerzy Strzelecki / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

The Street of Facades

This path leads to the center of the ancient city and is surrounded by carved tombs. Tall tombs belong to the rich and short to the poor.

Tomas / CC-BY-SA

D

Colonnaded Street (Cardo Maximus)

Although the former main street is badly damaged, it is partially preserved. Its remains are about half a kilometre long.

Sasuke6 / CC-BY-SA

E

Triclinium

A Nabataean rock-cut chamber used as a ceremonial dining hall for funerary banquets and religious feasts.

Sasuke6 / CC-BY-SA

F

Lion Monument

A fountain in the shape of a lion carved into sandstone. Unfortunately the head is missing now, but you can see where the water once flowed.

Jorge Láscar / CC BY 2.0

G

High Place of Sacrifice

Open-air altar carved out by the Nabataeans. You can even climb to the top of the mountain or take a donkey, but careful, the path is steep!

hikinginjordan / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Garden Temple

Probably a water cistern with a chamber for the person who managed it. It provided water for those who headed to the High Place of Sacrifice.

I

Bab al-Siq Triclinium - Obelisk Tomb

A unique two-story monument featuring four funerary obelisks on the upper level and a triclinium for ritual meals on the lower level, showcasing a blend of Egyptian and classical architectural styles.

J

Djinn Blocks

On your way to the Siq, you will pass 26 impressive rock monuments which are said to be spirits from Arabic folklore.

K

Blue Chapel

A 6th-century Byzantine church characterized by four Egyptian blue granite columns. The site was built using repurposed materials from earlier Nabataean structures on the northern slope of the city.

L

Beidha

Beidha, also sometimes Bayda, is a major Neolithic archaeological site a few kilometres north of Petra near Siq al-Barid in Jordan.

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