Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nabataean Museum
Offline map
MUSEUM
( 9am-5pm, to 4pm Oct-Mar)
This small museum has an interesting display of artefacts
from the region, including mosaics. Explanations are in English. The museum, together
with a shop selling detailed maps and fixed-price, handmade jewellery sponsored by the
Queen Noor Foundation, shares the same building as the Basin Restaurant.
BACKDOOR TO PETRA
In the 1980s many of the Bdoul Bedouin, who had lived in Petra for generations, were resettled in villages such as
neighbouring Umm Sayhoun. At the end of this village, there is an access road into the old city of Petra. It would be
a pity to enter Petra this way on your first day (as the Siq is Petra's most spectacular highlight), but if you want a
shortcut to the Monastery thereafter, take a taxi to the gate at the top of this road and walk down. Note that you can't
buy tickets here and you can't enter without one so don't forget to bring your ticket with you.
Monastery (Al-Deir)
Offline map
Beyond the museum, hidden high up in the hills, is one of the legendary monuments of
Petra. The spectacular Monastery (known locally as Al-Deir;
Click here
)
is similar in
design to the Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high). Built in the 3rd century
BC as a Nabataean tomb, perhaps for King Obodas I (r 96-86 BC), the Monastery derives
its name from the crosses carved on the inside walls, suggesting that the building was
used as a church in Byzantine times. The courtyard in front of the Monastery was once
surrounded by columns and was probably used for sacred ceremonies.
Opposite the Monastery there's a strategically placed drinks stall in a cave with a row
of seats outside where you can sit and contemplate the majestic Hellenistic facade. It's
particularly spectacular from mid- to late afternoon when the setting sun draws out the
colour of the sandstone. Behind the drinks stand, tomb 468 is worth exploring for another
fine facade, some defaced carvings and excellent views.
Beyond the drinks stand a trail leads up to two lookouts, with stunning views west over
Wadi Araba towards Israel and the Palestinian Territories and south to the peak of Jebel
Haroun, topped by a small white shrine.
TOMB
