Djinn Blocks
Mysterious Nabataean stone monuments marking the entrance to Petra, often overlooked but rich in history and folklore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Djinn Blocks
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mysterious Nabataean stone monuments marking the entrance to Petra, often overlooked but rich in history and folklore.
"These ancient stone blocks are a fascinating, often missed, prelude to Petra's wonders."
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Rush
Many miss the Djinn Blocks by rushing to the Siq. Stop and admire these ancient tombs!
🐴 Horse Tip Negotiation
If taking a horse, agree on the tip beforehand to avoid guilt trips.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Djinn Blocks
Entrance path to the Siq
Mysterious, towering rectangular stone monuments believed to be Nabataean tombs or memorials.
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Bab es-Siq
Before the Siq entrance
The gateway to the Siq, offering a prelude to Petra's grandeur with ancient tombs and structures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Rush Past the Djinn Blocks
Understand the Horse Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Rush
Many miss the Djinn Blocks by rushing to the Siq. Stop and admire these ancient tombs!
🐴 Horse Tip Negotiation
If taking a horse, agree on the tip beforehand to avoid guilt trips.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Petra is vast! Consider 2 days to explore thoroughly without exhaustion.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Rush
Many miss the Djinn Blocks by rushing to the Siq. Stop and admire these ancient tombs!
🐴 Horse Tip Negotiation
If taking a horse, agree on the tip beforehand to avoid guilt trips.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Petra is vast! Consider 2 days to explore thoroughly without exhaustion.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Djinn Blocks to be an intriguing, often missed, introduction to Petra's ancient Nabataean architecture. While some find them less spectacular than later sites, their historical significance and the mystery surrounding their purpose are widely appreciated. They serve as a valuable prelude to the main attractions.
"Located about halfway between Petra Visitors Center and the entrance to the Siq. Many visitors miss the blocks in their hurry to reach the Siq. It's worth stopping to speculate about the purpose.
Some suggest they represent the start of tombs or associated with funeral dedications or the worship of water and fertility."
Russ Lacuata
"These stone "blocks" are located on the path to the Siq from Petra Visitor Center (just before the Obelisk tomb). They look unfinished but are actually Nabatean tombs weathered down by nature. Nothing spectacular or intricate to see here but they set the mood for the things to come."
Ankur Panchbudhe
"These are vertical rectangular blocks between visitor Centre and bab-el-siq which probably were tombs but later occupied by Bedouins."
Nasser Mahmood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Djinn Blocks are located on the main path from the Petra Visitor Centre towards the entrance of the Siq. You'll see them before you reach the narrow gorge.
Yes, there is parking available at the Petra Visitor Centre, which is a short walk from the Djinn Blocks.
Absolutely! Walking is the best way to experience the Djinn Blocks and the approach to the Siq.
While there isn't direct public transport to the Djinn Blocks themselves, buses run to Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. From there, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the Visitor Centre.
The most common approach is from the Petra Visitor Centre. The blocks are visible along the wide path leading to the Siq.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the Djinn Blocks are part of the Petra Archaeological Park, and you will need an entrance ticket to access them.
Ticket prices vary for international tourists, typically starting from 50 Jordanian Dinars for a one-day pass. Check the official Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) website for current pricing.
Yes, multi-day passes are available and recommended if you plan to explore Petra thoroughly, including areas beyond the Djinn Blocks.
Petra is generally open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer and 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the winter. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
It is highly recommended to purchase your Petra tickets online in advance to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Djinn Blocks are large, cubical Nabataean monuments carved into the rock face. They are believed to have served as tombs or memorials, and some theories suggest they were associated with the worship of gods. +1
They get their name from Bedouin folklore, which attributed them to spirits known as 'djinn'.
Yes, they are an impressive introduction to Nabataean architecture and set the stage for the wonders within Petra. Many visitors overlook them in their haste.
You can spend about 15-30 minutes admiring the Djinn Blocks and understanding their context before proceeding to the Siq.
The Djinn Blocks are located on the path to the Siq, which leads to the iconic Treasury. You'll also find other tombs and structures in the vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the rock textures.
Drones are generally prohibited within the Petra Archaeological Park for preservation and safety reasons.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the Djinn Blocks and the Siq. A good zoom lens can be helpful for details further into the site.
Photography is usually permitted in most areas, but flash photography might be restricted inside certain structures to protect ancient artwork.
The path leading up to the Djinn Blocks offers good vantage points. Experiment with different angles to capture their imposing presence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited on this initial stretch. While the blocks themselves are impressive, the real excitement for kids might be the possibility of seeing Bedouin guides with their horses. Just be mindful of the tips they expect, as mentioned by travelers.
The sheer scale of the ancient structures can be awe-inspiring for all ages, setting a grand tone for the rest of your visit.🚶 Budget Travelers
Be aware of the horse ride offers; while convenient, they come with expected tips that can add up. Walking is free and allows you to appreciate the surroundings at your own pace.
Consider packing your own food and water to save money on site, as prices can be higher within the park. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nabataean Legacy: Who Built Petra?
+1The Nabataeans were also adept water engineers, developing a complex system of dams, cisterns, and channels to manage scarce water resources in the desert. This allowed them to thrive in an arid environment and support a large population. The Djinn Blocks, though seemingly simple, are part of this larger narrative of a sophisticated civilization.
While the exact purpose of the Djinn Blocks remains debated, theories suggest they served as tombs, memorials, or even altars for religious ceremonies. Their imposing, cubical form might have symbolized deities, such as Dushara, the chief Nabataean god, who was often represented as a stone block.
Understanding the Djinn Blocks: Purpose and Folklore
Archaeological evidence suggests a more prosaic, yet equally fascinating, purpose. Many scholars believe these blocks served as tombs or memorials for prominent Nabataeans. Their weathered appearance, despite being carved, is a result of centuries of exposure to the elements.
These structures are significant because they represent an early form of Nabataean monumental architecture, predating some of the more elaborate facades like the Treasury. They offer a glimpse into the religious beliefs and funerary practices of this ancient civilization, making them a crucial, though often overlooked, part of the Petra experience.
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