Painted House Little Petra
Discover the ancient Nabataean suburb of Little Petra, featuring rare Roman-style frescoes and a tranquil atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Painted House Little Petra
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the ancient Nabataean suburb of Little Petra, featuring rare Roman-style frescoes and a tranquil atmosphere.
"A peaceful 'preview' of Petra, with unique ancient art and a chance to imagine Nabataean life."
See the Rare Frescoes
Climb up to view the well-preserved ancient paintings in the Painted House, often behind a metal door. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Petra
Little Petra is a great 'preview' of Petra, offering a less crowded and atmospheric experience. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Painted House Frescoes
Within Little Petra
Marvel at rare, ancient Roman-style frescoes depicting birds, trees, and Dionysian scenes on walls and ceilings.
Nabataean "Suburb"
Little Petra
Explore this ancient Nabataean settlement, a bustling hub offering a glimpse into daily life before Petra.
Tranquil Atmosphere
Little Petra
Experience peace and quiet, allowing your imagination to transport you back 2000 years to Nabataean culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Little Petra
Understanding the Painted House
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
See the Rare Frescoes
Climb up to view the well-preserved ancient paintings in the Painted House, often behind a metal door. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Petra
Little Petra is a great 'preview' of Petra, offering a less crowded and atmospheric experience. :world_map:
Appreciate the Details
Notice the limestone plaster simulating brickwork, a unique feature not found in Petra. :mag:
Respect the Art
The Painted House is fenced to protect the ancient art from vandalism. Please admire from a distance. :shield:
Tips
from all over the internet
See the Rare Frescoes
Climb up to view the well-preserved ancient paintings in the Painted House, often behind a metal door. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Petra
Little Petra is a great 'preview' of Petra, offering a less crowded and atmospheric experience. :world_map:
Appreciate the Details
Notice the limestone plaster simulating brickwork, a unique feature not found in Petra. :mag:
Respect the Art
The Painted House is fenced to protect the ancient art from vandalism. Please admire from a distance. :shield:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Little Petra for its tranquil atmosphere and the unique, well-preserved frescoes in the Painted House, offering a peaceful glimpse into Nabataean life. It's seen as a valuable, less crowded complement to the main Petra site, though dining options are scarce.
"This is probably the most interesting spot in Little Petra. It has a few ancient and very rare frescos on walls and ceilings of the tomb depicting Romans doing Roman things. You have to climb up a little to see the paintings up close behind a metal door."
Ankur Panchbudhe
"This little place is worth the walk or the visit to Little Petra... is a well kept painting on the ceiling of the house with very detailed depictions of birds and trees... is a good thing that is fenced, because there is always some ignorant persons trying to carve their names everywhere... Little Petra as a whole is a quick visit with nice views and not so many people..
Is like a preview of what you'll see in Petra .... enjoy"
Mauricio Molina
"This is the place to show that Nebatian people is having fun and pleasure before they continue their journey to Petra
- Aiman, the local guide"
aziz safian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Petra is located about 8 km north of Petra. You can hire a taxi from Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra) for a relatively short ride. Some tours also include Little Petra as part of a larger Petra itinerary. :taxi:
Public transport directly to Little Petra is limited. Taxis are the most convenient option. If you're driving, there is parking available near the entrance. :car:
Little Petra is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. The site is smaller than Petra, making it manageable for a few hours. :athletic_shoe:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Little Petra is generally free to enter, unlike the main Petra archaeological park. However, it's always a good idea to check for any recent changes in entry policies. :ticket:
Little Petra typically follows similar opening hours to Petra, usually from early morning until sunset. It's best to confirm exact times before your visit. :clock1:
Access to the Painted House might be restricted at certain times or require a guide. It's often protected by a metal door, so inquire locally about viewing possibilities. :door:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Painted House is a tomb within Little Petra featuring rare and remarkably preserved ancient frescoes. These depict Roman-style scenes, including grape leaves and birds, offering a unique insight into Nabataean art and culture. :art:
Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, was a Nabataean suburb. You can explore carved dwellings, temples, and a triclinium (dining hall), offering a sense of daily life and trade. :housewithgarden:
No, Little Petra is significantly less crowded than the main Petra site. This allows for a more peaceful and immersive experience, where you can truly appreciate the atmosphere. :person_walking:
While there are some elevated areas, one reviewer mentioned a nearby advertised viewpoint wasn't worth the effort. Focus on exploring the main site and the Painted House for the best experience. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited facilities directly within Little Petra. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks, or plan to eat in Wadi Musa before or after your visit. :water_wave:
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas, but it's important to be respectful of the ancient site. Pack out everything you pack in to keep it clean. :picnic_table:
📸 📸 Photography
The Painted House frescoes are a must-photograph. The carved facades and the narrow Siq (gorge) also offer great photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours. :camera:
Photography inside the Painted House might be restricted due to the delicate nature of the frescoes. Always check for signage or ask a local guide. :no_photography:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Painted House
Access to the Painted House is often managed, sometimes requiring a short climb and viewing through a metal door. This controlled access helps protect the delicate artwork from direct contact and environmental damage. The presence of these frescoes suggests that Little Petra was not just a trading post but also a place of leisure and cultural expression for its inhabitants. It provides a unique contrast to the grander, more monumental architecture found in Petra itself, highlighting the diverse aspects of Nabataean life.
Little Petra vs. The Main Petra Site
Key differences lie in their primary functions and architectural focus. Petra is a vast city with monumental facades like the Treasury and Monastery, designed to impress and showcase power. Little Petra, conversely, feels more like a working town, with its carved rooms, cisterns, and dining halls (triclinia), giving a sense of daily routines. The Painted House is a unique treasure here, showcasing domestic art and cultural influences that are less prominent in the main Petra site. Visiting Little Petra first can serve as an excellent introduction, providing context and a less overwhelming initial impression of Nabataean civilization.
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