Palace Tomb - A large building with a lot of arches and flags on top of it
1 / 10

Palace Tomb

4.9
·112 reviews·Uum Sayhoun, Jordan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, softer light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Palace Tomb - A large building with a lot of arches and flags on top of it

Palace Tomb

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, softer light

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.9
(112 reviews)

"Simply stunning! Details, colours, and history. Petra is huge and impressive, beyond words."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palace Tomb Facade

Palace Tomb Facade

Royal Tombs

One of Petra's largest and most intricate rock-hewn facades, showcasing stunning Nabataean artistry.

TikTok
Royal Tombs Collective

Royal Tombs Collective

East Cliffs

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

Reddit
Colors Within the Rock

Colors Within the Rock

Inside Palace Tomb

Marvel at the natural, swirling colors within the carved mountain rock, a unique geological and artistic display.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Petra Visit

Beat the crowds and the heat! Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photos and fewer people. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Reddit

Navigating the Vast Site

Petra is enormous! Wear comfortable shoes and plan your route. Many visitors recommend allocating at least a full day, if not two, to explore thoroughly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, softer light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Palace Tomb #petra #jordan is a Nabataean tomb in the Petra Archaeological Park. It is situated among the Royal Tombs, a line of prominent monumental facades on the east cliffs flanking the valley in which the city lies. At 49 meters wide and 46 meters tall, its rock-hewn façade is one of the largest in Petra. The tomb’s name is derived from its supposed resemblance to a Roman palace design po...
maariawaseem
376 likes • 6.8K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

Petra is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are vendors, but it's good to have your own supply. Reddit

reddit.com

The Treasury of Petra, practically no one around at sunset apart from the Bedouins packing up

reddit.com

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. TikTok

⏳ 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. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are vendors, but it's good to have your own supply. Reddit

📸 Best Light for Photos

Early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the tomb facades. TikTok

⏳ 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. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(112 reviews)

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

Intricate facades
Natural rock colors
Grand scale

What People Dislike

Eroded interiors
Limited inside detail

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Discounts may be available for Jordanian citizens, residents, and students. Check the official PDTRA website for details on eligibility and required documentation. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted and highly encouraged, especially water. This helps you stay hydrated and save money. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Exploring Petra with children can be an adventure! The Palace Tomb and the Royal Tombs offer impressive sights that can spark young imaginations. However, be prepared for a lot of walking, and consider the heat. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Petra can be an investment, but there are ways to manage costs. Purchase your tickets wisely, considering multi-day passes if you plan to explore extensively. Bringing your own food and water is crucial to avoid inflated prices within the park. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Nabataean Legacy

The Palace Tomb is a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab people who carved this magnificent city from the sandstone cliffs. Their mastery of water management and trade routes allowed Petra to flourish as a vital hub. The tomb's grand facade, though eroded, showcases their architectural prowess and artistic sensibilities. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Exploring the Royal Tombs

The Palace Tomb is part of a larger complex known as the Royal Tombs, a series of monumental facades carved into the east cliffs of Petra. These tombs, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Corinthian Tomb, collectively represent the pinnacle of Nabataean funerary architecture. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2