From the ancient city of Petra - carved directly into the rocky landscape of southern Jordan. If you’ve seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you’ve probably seen the Treasury, Petra’s most easily recognizable building.

Built by the Nabataeans in the 3rd century BCE, Petra was a center for trade. Strategically located along the Frankincense Route, caravans would often pass through Petra on their way to Rome. However, it wasn’t until 1812 that Petra became widely known in the western world.

We arrived in Petra through the Siq, the city’s most notable entryway. The Siq is a narrow canyon that stretches on for nearly a mile, ending at Petra’s most well-known structure, The Treasury. Carved out of solid sandstone over 2,000 years ago, the Treasury is an architectural marvel. At around 150 feet tall, it is almost the same height as a 14-story building. It is difficult to imagine how a building of this size and detail was built without the use of modern-day construction equipment.

To get bird’s eye view of this magnificent building, we hiked to a little-known spot that overlooks the city. After our hike, we arranged our mode of transportation for the next leg of our journey: pack mules! My mule, Zuzu, made slow but steady progress up the rocky path of over 800 stairs leading to another of Petra’s popular buildings, the Monastery.

The Monastery is spectacular! Larger than the Treasury, the doorway alone is several stories tall.

Petra by Night. That night, we returned to Petra to experience the city a little differently. Three times a week, after nightfall, visitors can experience the Siq and Treasury lit only by candelight. We were invited early to help set-up the hundreds of candles. Once the candles were lit, we sat under the stars waiting for the other visitors to arrive. Participants of Petra by Night are asked not to talk as they make their way through the Siq, toward the Treasury. Everyone sits silently, sips tea, and listens to traditional Bedouin music on the rababa and flute.

Up Next: Head north to Umm Qais.

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