15 Photos That Show Petra is The World’s Most Breathtaking Ancient Ruin

Petra, Al-Khazneh © Faraheed

Petra, the 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”. It was chosen as one of the New7Wonders of the World in 2007, and will leave you utterly astonished by its beauty and scale.

A rose red city half as old as time © Paul Stocker

P1030073 © Timber

The sunset over Petra’s rosy mountains is an event that no visitor should miss out on, so be sure to time your visit right. Amid the tranquility of the desert, the fading beams of warm sunlight and the gentle quiet of the stone city, this place is like nothing else on earth.

Along the Siq © Allan Grey

The spectacular and very high natural fault of al-Sīq, the grand caravan entrance into Petra (The Siq) © Jorge Láscar

You are sure to feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of Petra and will feel a chill running down your spine when walking the famous Siq, with towering walls of rock overhead.

Petra © Douglas Perkins

Petra © krebsmaus07

The Monastery at Petra © Salil Wadhavkar

It will cross your mind, perhaps more than once, just how such magnificence was created in the first place. Throughout your visit you will feel tiny!

A general view of the city of Petra ©Leon Petrosyan/WikiCommons

The Monastery, Petra ©Diego Delso/Wiki Commons

Petra © Jeremy Rover

Petra © Ian McKellar

The city changes colours as the day goes by. Its timeless stones go through the whole spectrum of rose shades as the day comes to an end.

At night, Petra is a fusion of history and art. Hundreds of candles are lit so that visitors can enjoy a midnight meditation at the glorious Treasury.

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.

Petra will leave you spellbound and you are sure to want to return. This truly magical place has to be seen to be believed.