Photos That Show Petra Is the World’s Most Breathtaking Ancient Ruin
![The Treasury at Petra dates back to the first century](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/petra.webp)
Petra, the most widely recognised symbol of Jordan and capital of the ancient Nabateans, was described by poet John William Burgon as “a rose-red city half as old as time.” Here, we take a look at some photos of the site that will leave you astonished by its beauty and scale.
![The Treasury is known locally as Al-Khazneh](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/hkycny.webp)
![Sunset is a beautiful time to visit the tombs and amphitheatre](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/da17bg.webp)
Witnessing sunset over the rosy mountains of Petra is an event no visitor should miss, so be sure to time your visit right. Amid the tranquillity of the desert, the fading beams of sunlight and the gentle quiet of the stone city, this place is like nowhere else on earth.
![The Siq is the path leading to the Treasury](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2e1xcan.webp)
![It makes for a spectacular build up to the main event](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mbdd48.webp)
You are sure to feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of Petra, especially when walking the Siq pathway to the ancient city with towering walls of rock looming overhead.
![You will get to explore some incredible ruins at Petra, including the Great Temple](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/t51etj.webp)
![And you will see buildings carved into the cliff-face](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/m7ym4n.webp)
![Such as the monastery or El Deir](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bhtp1j.webp)
It will cross your mind, perhaps more than once, just how such a place was created in the first place.
![Wander through the Colonnaded Street, which was refurbished during the Roman period](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mfd9h1.webp)
![Visit the Royal Tombs, an ancient burial spot](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/t14xah.webp)
![And, of course, carve out plenty of time to fully explore the Treasury](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mxe2kf.webp)
![Stay for the day and you’ll see the rock and city change colour](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/g241r7.webp)
The city changes colour as the day passes, its timeless stones shifting through the whole spectrum of rose shades as the day reaches an end.
![If you’re lucky, there will be a ceremony taking place](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/b5ge4r.webp)
At night, Petra is a fusion of history and art. Hundreds of candles are lit so visitors can enjoy a midnight meditation at the glorious Treasury.
![The ancient city is home to all manner of curious sights](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/h8tx5p.webp)
![You may also see camels on your trip here](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/jk8p6d.webp)
The rose city is a combination of both history and wildlife. Here you will see many desert animals and the Bedouins are always around to ensure your safety.
![And at night, Petra looks just as beautiful](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/f0mn0f.webp)
Petra will leave you spellbound; a magical place that has to be seen to be believed. Keen to see it for yourself? You can do so with Culture Trip on our epic nine-day Jordan adventure, led by our local insider.