Petra, Jordan – World Heritage. A real adventure in a city carved into the rock.
The building industry and natural heritage wealth with which we are in Petra It is really admirable and makes this important archaeological site, a highly valuable place which will allow us internemos a real adventure, an enhanced adventure with what history has written, sculpted and maintained in these red rocks. Petra, its name comes from Greek and means STONE.
Petra, It sits in a valley between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan, a 230 kilometers Amman, its capital. From the entrance to Jordan and all the way of course to the finish to the road Petra is variable, moving from major cities to small towns, generally arid landscapes with some oasis with palm trees and other vegetation typical of the place. The road becomes the beginning of an adventure that can be enjoyed from the beginning.
In ancient times the nabateos They had it the capital of his kingdom, optimal position against possible attacks and important trade center since numerous transport used this step to bring valuable merchandise from throughout the area to Mediterranean, including precious incense at that time. Although actually in the eighth century BC, it would have been founded a city there by the edomitas and only centuries later occupied by the Nabateans.
Petra also he belonged to Roman empire, when Pompey in 64 BC conquest and annexed, granting autonomy to the Nabataeans to resolve some issues, taxes and charging them with the condition that these people defend the borders in favor of the Empire. It was in that period when buildings and facades are built in the Greek style, several of which are now in very good condition. The Romans made major infrastructure projects such as the reconstruction of the main street, continue to promote road used as a trade route that beyond the new sea routes began to grow and eventually harm to Petra.
Later, SII after Christ was part of the Eastern Roman Empire with Constantino, becoming part of the Byzantine Empire. With the evolution of Christianity began to build some churches. They are also built and expand other buildings and monuments such as theaters and aqueducts. Many affected later by earthquakes that occurred in the area. Petra also have been at some time by the Crusaders.
Around the V century AD, They were opening new trade routes and the city was in decline until it finally abandoned, to be rediscovered in the nineteenth century. In 1985, It was included by the UNESCO as part of the World Heritage.
It has spread and spread much the story of an adventurous Swiss national named Burckhardt, SXIX who earlier had discovered Petra after hearing stories about the existence of an ancient city in ruins hidden in the valley. To reach the site without arousing suspicion and to gain the trust of the locals, who believed infidels those who interfered in things of the past, he used a disguise of Arab and argued that it was a pilgrim who wanted to sacrifice a goat to the Prophet Aaron and which had come to his grave. Finally he could get to the place accompanied by a guide and take dimension of the importance of place, I am confirming that there was definitely town Petra. He extended his experience among other interested persons and a few years later came other explorers but at that time were not very good views visits to those sites by the tribes and the locals so it was neither simple nor fruitful expedition.
With the data collected, Burckhardt, could later write a book that was published ten years later after his death, thus opening the possibility for future explorers. Just in 1928 serious explorations and excavations were started and two years the public is allowed to visit.
A significant number of buildings with which we are true excavated rock carvings. As the man left his mark, so did the nature bequeathing passageways and tunnels that were formed by water erosion. The most outstanding proof perhaps of the action of nature appreciate precisely in the access channel, known as the Siq, a canyon in some places reaches 200 meters high and allows access to all from east. There is also another access to the mountains further north.
Access through as and from the visitor center to one of the best known buildings "The treasure”- Khatzné, It's about 2 kilometers. Many people will come out to offer their horses, donkeys or carts to transport from the Visitor Center to the entrance of as itself or to the Treasury one kilometer and a half later. Option that can take maybe one day visit if we make the ride several days, since making that journey simply walk it is rather interesting to do at least once.
In this first installment and before the entrance to the canyon, as, We not find several buildings, tombs, Carved into the rock including Tomb of the obelisks and the Tumba Djinn.
After crossing Bab al Siq – door Siq – , we get into the canyon itself. Look here seem not to grasp size show offers nature. The richness of colors, shapes and textures diversity offered by the rock, sandstone, make this particular place even more special and worthy of being appreciated. Well preserved despite the earthquakes that have hit the area to be located in a seismic zone. We find small passageways, competing with huge natural walls.
In both roadsides are aqueducts, excavated in the rock, you almost at floor level, another a little over a meter high, places where they could quench their thirst animals and people. The city could develop thanks to the conduction system and water supply made the Nabataeans, taking advantage of the location of Petra in a lower area allowing rainwater to accumulate and waterproof quality that has rock, which on the other hand, also caused problems in times of floods that were corrected with the modification of river beds. They can even be seen various facilities used for water accumulation, vital for the development of the city.
Among the most important buildings in Petra are The treasure – Khatzne – Y The monastery – Deir– .
The treasure It starts to show up as we finished our tour the Siq. The first lines of its façade looming flanked by high walls of the Siq, actually they produce an overwhelming sense of emotion. That's when we stop to admire her for the first time and of course then get to enjoy it, again and photography, as if to take her with us. Once we got to the front we see the architectural details in its red facade 28 meters wide 40 meters high. The facade is developed on two levels. The function that housed this building has not been firmly established, it could have been a tomb or temple. Its name (treasure) that some Bedouins believed that there had been a treasure hidden in the tholos, circular element in its facade. The interior is a single room that contrasts with the wealth seen in the facade elements.
And with imposing buildings and elaborate facades, Petra also find buildings and facades as simple most of which correspond to the first period, When the Nabataeans began to settle here and dig their homes into the rock. In the first century they are beginning to build monumental structures, such as the Monastery and Treasury. Influenced by the architecture styles from neighboring areas, mainly Hellenistic influence, They began using decorative details, in capitals and other elements on the facades, also printing their own style buildings. We found no pattern of streets, if a main avenue, most of the buildings were built on the terraces provides the natural terrain.
In addition to tombs and temples also we find a theater in Petra, built by the Nabateans and later expanded by the Romans, a street flanked by Roman columns and porticos construction, Temple of the Winged Lions, the Arch of Trajan, aqueducts and the remains of Byzantine churches of the Christian era, A along the route we will find countless facades and related buildings to houses, temples, tombs, that divert our attention and invite to make a stop on the way.
The monastery – Deir -, also excavated and carved in the rock, It has proportions of 48 meters high 50 meters wide. In the detail and design of its facade, also on two levels and with a tholos as outstanding element, Nabataeans have left the stamp of his own style that amalgamates with classic elements. Also inside is a simple room.
The climb to the Monastery It is truly amazing. As we climbed the views become more interesting as well also the whimsical shapes and reddish colors of the rocks, which will only bearable walking tour of some 30 minutes approximately, to finally reach the monastery itself.
I mention here some of the constructions dug in the rock and other building that we find in this amazing city.
– Obelisks Tomb and the Tomb Djinn, on the entrance road a few meters from the entrance.
– He as
– The treasure – Khazne –
– theater
– aqueducts
– aterrazadas tombs
– Corinthian graves Urn
– The North and South Walls
– La Tumba Turkmaniye
– Roman Road with porticoes and columns
– Arch of Trajan
– Temple of the Winged Lions
– The monastery – Deir –
– The Great Temple
– Temple Dushares
– Byzantine Church
– The museum
In 2016 thanks to new technologies satellites and drones, It has found a platform under which could be harbored a valuable monument to a kilometer of Petra. Researchers and archaeologists study the case. It could be a good reason to visit or revisit the site.
Recommendations for the visit to Petra
* The site is very large so it is advisable to make the visit in 2 O 3 days. In the area and not far off the general admission, there are numerous hotels where to stay comfortably. A tip to keep in mind a rest because after every visit is necessary because, beyond that you can do some horseback riding, camel or donkey, you walk much, is raised and lowered, and this really worth, so it is good to be well rested.
* To reach The Deir - The Monastery – , one of the richest and most imposing buildings of Petra is necessary to ascend around 800 steps, after crossing all Petra. The ascent on foot demands a 30 minutes without stopping long and about 45 minutes doing quiet, enjoying the place and taking the time to take pictures, which is recommended, then, to reach such impressive front facade, We have time to take a short break. There is also the option of climbing donkey starting from the base alongside the museum.
* The mountains and hills around Petra can also be visited on horseback riding with a guide. Paseo really highly recommended. We find guides all over the place with which we can agree as, when and where to make the ride, of course also negotiate the price. The views from the top are great. Depending on the time of year there q consider that in the mountains the temperatures are lower, therefore be alert and take adequate shelter.
Petra adventure is enhanced as the cultural and natural wealth that has added to our walk that we seek most times our spirit of adventure takes us to places that pique our interest .... learning.
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