Palace Tomb
A monumental Nabataean tomb in Petra, Jordan, boasting one of the largest and most intricate rock-hewn facades in the ancient city.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Palace Tomb
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental Nabataean tomb in Petra, Jordan, boasting one of the largest and most intricate rock-hewn facades in the ancient city.
"Simply stunning! Details, colours, and history. Petra is huge and impressive, beyond words."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Petra is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are vendors, but it's good to have your own supply.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palace Tomb Facade
Royal Tombs
One of Petra's largest and most intricate rock-hewn facades, showcasing stunning Nabataean artistry.

Royal Tombs Collective
East Cliffs
A series of monumental facades, these tombs hint at past grandeur with their impressive scale and eroded details.

Colors Within the Rock
Inside Palace Tomb
Marvel at the natural, swirling colors within the carved mountain rock, a unique geological and artistic display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Petra Visit
Navigating the Vast Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Petra is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are vendors, but it's good to have your own supply.
The Treasury of Petra, practically no one around at sunset apart from the Bedouins packing up
Quick Jordan thoughts (Petra)...you might be offended!
📸 Best Light for Photos
Early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the tomb facades.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Petra is huge. Plan for at least a full day to see the main sites like the Palace Tomb.
Any tips for making the most of my trip to Jordan?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Petra is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are vendors, but it's good to have your own supply.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the tomb facades.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Petra is huge. Plan for at least a full day to see the main sites like the Palace Tomb.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer scale and intricate details of the Palace Tomb and the Royal Tombs, marveling at the natural colors within the rock. While the facades are impressive, some note that the interiors are less preserved and offer little to see. The overall grandeur of Petra, however, leaves a lasting impression.
"This is one of the biggest of Royal Tombs and has one of the most intricate facades in whole of Petra. The inside is a play of amazing colors in the carved mountain rock."
Ankur Panchbudhe
"Simply stunning! Details, colours, and history. Petra is huge and impressive, beyond words. After the Royal Tomb, one can find the trail to the place from where they can see Petra from Above."
Elina Staneva
"The royal tombs collectively were absolutely stunning. Although greatly eroded, their former grandeurs are not hard to imagine."
Howard T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palace Tomb is located within the Petra Archaeological Park, specifically among the Royal Tombs. You'll need to enter the main site and follow the paths towards the Royal Tombs. It's a significant walk from the entrance, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Yes, there is a large parking area at the Petra Visitor Center in Wadi Musa. From there, you can walk or take a horse-drawn carriage (for an extra fee) to the Siq entrance.
While there isn't direct public transport into the archaeological park itself, you can take buses or taxis to Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. From Wadi Musa, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the Visitor Center.
Walking is the primary way to explore Petra. For longer distances within the site, you can hire donkeys, camels, or horse-drawn carriages, but be prepared for potential haggling and ensure you're comfortable with animal welfare.
The main path through the Siq and to the Treasury is relatively accessible, but many areas, including the Royal Tombs and the Palace Tomb, involve stairs and uneven terrain, making them challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Petra vary depending on whether you are staying overnight in Jordan. A one-day pass for international tourists typically costs around 50 JOD. It's best to check the official Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) website for the most current pricing.
You can purchase tickets at the Petra Visitor Center upon arrival. It's also possible to buy them online in advance through the official PDTRA website, which can sometimes save time.
Petra is generally open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer months and 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the winter months. Always verify the current hours before your visit.
No, the Palace Tomb is part of the general Petra Archaeological Park. Your entry ticket covers access to all the main sites within the park, including the Palace Tomb.
Discounts may be available for Jordanian citizens, residents, and students. Check the official PDTRA website for details on eligibility and required documentation.
📸 📸 Photography
The best light for photographing the Palace Tomb is during the early morning or late afternoon. The golden hour light enhances the colors and textures of the rock facade.
Drones are generally prohibited within the Petra Archaeological Park to preserve the site and for safety reasons. Always check the latest regulations at the Visitor Center.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the grandeur of the facades, while a zoom lens can be helpful for details. A sturdy tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Photography is generally allowed inside the tombs, but be mindful of lighting conditions. The natural colors within the rock are a key feature to capture.
While the Palace Tomb itself is a stunning viewpoint, the famous 'Petra from Above' viewpoint is accessible via a trail that starts near the Royal Tombs, offering a panoramic perspective of the entire valley.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a few restaurants and cafes within the Petra Archaeological Park, offering basic meals and refreshments. However, options are limited and can be pricier than outside.
Expect typical Jordanian fare like sandwiches, salads, and some local dishes. Bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended, especially for a full day of exploration.
Many visitors prefer to eat in Wadi Musa before entering Petra or after exiting. This offers a wider variety of dining options and potentially better value.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted and highly encouraged, especially water. This helps you stay hydrated and save money.
While options might be limited at on-site cafes, you can usually find basic vegetarian choices like salads or falafel sandwiches. It's best to pack your own if you have specific dietary needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and take breaks often. The sheer scale of the tombs can be awe-inspiring for kids, but the uneven terrain requires supervision. For younger children, consider a stroller for the initial flat paths, but be aware that many areas are not accessible.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Wadi Musa offers more affordable accommodation and dining options compared to staying directly within the archaeological site. Walking is free and the best way to experience Petra, so skip optional carriage rides unless absolutely necessary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nabataean Legacy
Unlike its name suggests, the Palace Tomb was likely a royal tomb, not a palace. Its sheer scale and intricate detailing, including the distinct urn on its pediment, point to its importance. The Nabataeans were skilled artisans, and the natural colors within the rock, a result of mineral deposits, add another layer of beauty to their creations.
Visitors often remark on the impressive details and colors within the rock, a unique feature that sets Petra apart. While the interior of the Palace Tomb is less ornate than its exterior, the play of light and shadow on the carved walls offers a glimpse into its past.
Exploring the Royal Tombs
Each tomb has its own distinct character, though time and erosion have softened their original sharpness. The Palace Tomb stands out for its immense size and its 'landscape' format, differing from the more vertical orientations of some other facades. The Nabataeans likely intended these as resting places for their rulers and prominent figures.
Many visitors find the collective grandeur of the Royal Tombs absolutely stunning, even with their weathered appearance. Imagining their former glory is part of the experience. The area also offers a starting point for trails leading to higher viewpoints, providing breathtaking panoramas of the ancient city.
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