The Lost City of Petra‏

Petra (in Greek, means 'stone'. In Arabic it is called: "Al-batra") is a historical and archaeological city in the southern Jordanian governorate of Ma'an, that is famous for its rock-cut architecture. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved. It is a symbol of Jordan, as well as its most-visited tourist attraction. The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was introduced by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. It was described as "a rose-red city half as old as time", and in a Newdigate Prize-winning poem by John William Burgon: "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage." Enjoy some beautiful photography and information about this amazing travel destination!

Seeing Petra by candlelight. The beautiful red hues of the rocky city receive added warmth from the more than 1500 candles lighting the city while in the background, Bedouin music is playing.

Petra City is a sight not many get to see.

The beautiful red rock of the area makes this place as stunning as it was all those centuries ago, when Petra was carved out of it.

The Hadrien Gate and the Cardo Maximum in Petra. The rocky city started declining after the Roman conquered the area.

Even here there flowers blossom. The ancient Nabataean city of Petra became one of the new seventh wonders of the world.

A city of ancient tombs and forgotten history.

According to historic scrolls, Petra used to be a bustling city with over 20-30 thousand residents. Math suggests that about 10 people lived in each rock-cut residence.

A view of Petra's Monastery (Al-Deir).

The great temple of Petra was supposedly built in the century before the birth of Christ - 1st BC. This is one of the largest buildings in Petra.

These lucky travelers are visitng the treasury of Petra.

The small, almost hidden path to the city of Petra.

After passing through a crack in the rock, a long path (3300 feet) leads to the treasury monument, which is flanked by cliffs 262 feet (80 meters) tall. This area is called the Siq and is the most famous spot in Petra.

The amphitheater that, in ancient times, was said to hold more than 8,000 spectators. It was built at this spot to provide the best view of the tombs, that even 2000 years ago were quite numerous.

Petra is one of the most fascinating sites for archaeological investigation and the best place in the world to study ancient rock-cut architecture.

Tourists usual head down Petra's street of facades after seeing the treasury. This street is lined with tombs and the canyon itself is filled with large tombs for the rich and powerful, as well as small tombs for the poor.

The silk tomb.

Sandstone rock-cut tombs inside Petra.

A midnight pilgrimage to Petra.

The treasury of Petra. Still guarded.

To reach some of these tombs, a traveler would have to climb the mountain.

Facade of Al Khazneh in Petra. The treasury in the day of light.

The treasury by light of candles in the night.