Great Temple
An ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra is a breathtaking archaeological wonder and a testament to Nabataean ingenuity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Great Temple
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra is a breathtaking archaeological wonder and a testament to Nabataean ingenuity.
"The colours and temple front carved out of the rock are simply breathtaking."
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for exploring Petra!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. You can buy more inside, but it's pricier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Siq
Entrance to Petra
A narrow, winding gorge with towering sandstone cliffs, leading to the iconic Treasury.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
End of the Siq
The breathtaking facade carved directly into the rock face, a true marvel of ancient engineering.
The Great Temple
Colonnaded Street
Impressive ruins offering a glimpse into Petra's grand past, with ongoing archaeological work.
Monastery (Ad-Deir)
High in the hills
A monumental facade, larger than the Treasury, reached by a challenging but rewarding climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for exploring Petra!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. You can buy more inside, but it's pricier.
Petra, Wadi Musa, Jordan
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush Petra! At least two full days are recommended to see the main sites and hike to viewpoints.
💰 Consider a Guide
Local guides enhance the experience with historical context and can help navigate the vast site.
The Monastery in Wadi Musa, Petra (Jordan). A great hike to and wonderful views all around.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Prioritize comfort for exploring Petra!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. You can buy more inside, but it's pricier.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush Petra! At least two full days are recommended to see the main sites and hike to viewpoints.
💰 Consider a Guide
Local guides enhance the experience with historical context and can help navigate the vast site.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The Treasury Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic shots of the Great Temple and Colonnaded Street.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of Petra, particularly the Siq and the Treasury. The sheer scale and intricate rock carvings leave a lasting impression, with many recommending at least two days to explore. However, some find certain areas, like the Great Temple, to be less intact than expected, consisting mainly of ruins.
"It must have been a very grand structure in its days. Best viewed from far near to the church, to appreciate the entire temple. Recommended"
Eng Siong Lee
"Such a wonderful experience. From the entry down the Siq, a narrow tunnel between multicoloured cliffs, following the ancient water supply to the first view of the red temple as we turned the final corner into the open square we were in awe. The colours and temple front carved out of the rock are simply breathtaking. So much to then explore, the ruins of the ancient city and amphitheatre, the dwellings carved out of the cliffs our two day visit could not do the area justice. Justifiably one of the world's wonders."
John Lancaster
"There's nothing great about the Great Temple as of today - it's a bunch of broken columns, fallen pillars and worn stone steps around a reconstructed paved stone floor. Once upon a time, this apparently was a grand temple with tall columns, huge painted walls and big statues. There's active archeological work going on here (some parts are cordoned off) and this site may yield big things in future. The views of this place and the colonnaded street from the top of the Treasury Viewpoint trek are amazing."
Ankur Panchbudhe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is the JETT bus, which runs once daily from Amman to Petra and back. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or join a tour. Renting a car offers flexibility but be prepared for parking challenges.
The primary mode of transport within Petra is walking. For longer distances or to save time, you can hire donkeys, camels, or horse-drawn carriages, though walking is often recommended for appreciating the details.
Yes, the JETT bus is a reliable public transport option connecting Amman and Petra. Local taxis are also available within Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra.
Petra is approximately a 3-hour drive from Amman, covering a distance of about 230 kilometers (143 miles).
While there are no direct airport transfers to Petra, you can arrange private transfers from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman to Petra.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on your length of stay in Jordan. For tourists staying overnight, a one-day pass is typically around 50 JOD, with multi-day passes offering better value.
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. Check official sources for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase your Petra tickets online in advance to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during peak season.
If you are staying in Jordan for at least three nights and flying into Amman, the Jordan Pass often includes your Petra entrance fee and visa fees, making it a cost-effective option.
Discounts are typically available for Jordanian citizens and residents. Tourists usually pay the standard rate, but the Jordan Pass can offer savings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Great Temple is a significant archaeological site within Petra, characterized by its impressive ruins, including fallen columns and reconstructed paved floors. It offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient city.
While the Great Temple itself can be viewed relatively quickly, exploring the surrounding area and appreciating its scale might take 30-60 minutes. It's best viewed from afar or from the Treasury Viewpoint trek.
The Treasury Viewpoint trek offers spectacular panoramic views that include the Great Temple, the Colonnaded Street, and other ruins.
Yes, there is ongoing archaeological work at the Great Temple site, which means some areas may be cordoned off. This work promises future discoveries about the temple's past.
While its exact purpose is still being researched, the Great Temple is believed to have been a major civic and religious complex within Petra, showcasing the Nabataeans' architectural prowess.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hour casting a warm glow on the sandstone. The Siq is also less crowded then.
The Treasury, the Monastery, the Siq, and panoramic views from the Treasury Viewpoint trek are iconic photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture the intricate rock carvings.
Drone usage is generally prohibited within Petra to preserve the site and ensure visitor safety. Always check current regulations before your visit.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand facades and the Siq. A telephoto lens can be useful for details and distant shots. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Yes, specialized photography tours are available that can guide you to the best vantage points and times for capturing stunning images of Petra.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ancient City of Petra
Emerging from the Siq, visitors are met with the breathtaking facade of Al-Khazneh, the Treasury. This is the most famous monument in Petra, intricately carved directly into the cliff face. While many visitors focus on the Treasury, the ancient city extends much further. The Colonnaded Street leads to the Great Temple, a vast complex that showcases the scale of Nabataean architecture. Further exploration reveals numerous tombs, dwellings, and a Roman-style amphitheater, all carved into the surrounding mountains.
For those seeking unparalleled views, the hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) is a must. This monumental structure, larger than the Treasury, requires a climb of over 800 steps but rewards hikers with stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment. The sheer scale and preservation of Petra make it a truly immersive historical experience, with active archaeological work continuing to uncover its secrets.
The Great Temple: A Glimpse into Nabataean Grandeur
Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed a complex structure that likely served as a major civic and religious center for the Nabataeans. The scale of the temple suggests it played a crucial role in the city's public life. Visitors can appreciate the architectural ambition and engineering skills of the Nabataeans by examining the remaining foundations and the sheer size of the quarried stones.
While the Great Temple might not be as immediately striking as the Treasury, its historical significance is immense. The ongoing archaeological work promises to shed further light on its purpose and the daily lives of the people who once inhabited Petra. For an exceptional perspective, the Treasury Viewpoint trek provides stunning panoramic views that encompass the Great Temple and the broader landscape of the ancient city.
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