Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
B2
A1
10
Nymphaeum
D2
11
Petra Church (Byzantine Church)
C1
12
Qasr al-Bint
A2
13
Royal Palace
C2
14
Temenos
B2
B2
C1
17
Upper Market
C2
18
Upper Temenos
B3
Eating
A1
A1
Street of Facades
From the Treasury, the passage broadens into what is commonly referred to as the Outer
Siq. Riddling the walls of the Outer Siq are over 40 tombs and houses built by the
Nabataeans in a 'crow step' style reminiscent of Assyrian architecture. Colloquially
known as the Street of Facades, they are pleasingly accessible. That said, most people ig-
nore them, lured on by the majestic Theatre a few paces further on.
For those who prefer to savour the moment, there are a couple of tombs worth explor-
ing. The first tomb (number 67) is unusual in that it has a funeral chamber in the upper
storey. The low entryway highlights how the valley floor has risen over the centuries
thanks to the debris washed down during flash floods. Nearby, tomb 70 is unusual in that
it is freestanding, with a ziggurat-style top that makes it look like a miniature fort.
If you can stay your curiosity even longer, take the steps up to the High Place of Sacri-
fice from here (while you have the energy) and leave the Theatre either for the way down
or the way back from Petra city centre.
ANCIENT THOROUGHFARE
