Looking for an exotic destination?  Look no more, Jordan is your answer.

Situated between Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Jordan is known to many as an open-air museum.  The country is peaceful and calm amidst the "excitement" of its neighboring countries. Jordan is a wonderful place to visit, by its hospitable people whose immediate reaction to travelers is 'Welcome to Jordan.'

Jordan is a Kingdom layered in antiquity: from the work of Nabataean stonemasons to characters such as Moses and Lawrence of Arabia; from ancient cities and Biblical sites to desert castles, Crusader forts to Byzantine mosaics. With a reputation for being one of the most, friendly countries in the Middle East, Jordan is worth a visit to explore its immense sense of history and the many magnificent sites.

Remember seeing Petra in Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade? Find out more in Travel the World with Indiana Jones: Film Locations All Over the World.

Welcome to the magnificent ancient city of Petra

One site in particular and the most frequently visited in the Middle East is Petra, voted worldwide by over 100 million people as a New Wonder of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A vast and unique city, Petra was carved into a sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab civilization who settled in the region more than 2000 years ago.  The Nabataeans were nomadic people from Arabia who began to arrive and settle into the city.  By the 2nd century BC, Petra had become a bustling city center and was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.

Today, the remains of the city of Petra consists of the Royal Tombs, the Obelisk, Houses, Streets, Temples, a Theater, a Monastery and the Treasury.  On its inscription as a World Heritage Site, it was described as 'one of the most precious cultural properties of man's heritage.'

An important center for trade and commerce, Petra flourished until a disastrous earthquake destroyed many of its buildings and crippled its vital water irrigation systems. After Saladin's conquest of the Middle East in 1189, Petra was abandoned and the memory was lost to the West.

The rediscovery of Petra to the modern world

Petra and its ruins remained hidden to most of the world until a Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, disguised as an Arab, entered the Bedouin-occupied city in 1812. Burckhardt's accounts of his travels inspired other Western explorers and historians to further discover the ancient city.  David Roberts, a Scottish artist, created a number of accurate and detailed illustrations of the city in 1839.

The first real excavations of the site were in 1929 after the creation of "Transjordan" - the Kingdom of Jordan under British administration.  Since then, Petra has become the largest tourist attraction in Jordan with monumental exposure in Steven Spielberg movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, starring Harrison Ford in 1989.  As mentioned earlier, Petra has recently become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, causing even more popularity.

Guide to discovering the best of Petra for yourself

The Treasury is a stunning sight for tired travellers, appearing as you come to the end of the 45-minute scenic trail to explore the ancient city of Petra.  Once you arrive at the entrance of the Treasury, take some time to relax.  Take your photos prior to your walk towards the 3000 seat Roman-like Theater from the early 1st century AD created by the Nabateans but later enlarged by the Romans.   En route, you can climb, hike and observe the rock cut tombs and temple facades.

The Monastery.  My favorite site that is totally worth the climb is The Monastery, the largest carved monument in Petra.  The interior and exterior are similar to that of the Treasury and just as stunning.  The hike is not for the faint of heart: it takes 800 steps to reach it but there are also donkeys to assist you up the mountain.

Petra by Night.  Petra would not be complete unless you experience Petra by Night:   This amazing experience is done 3 nights per week and it is not to be missed.  The entire Siq (trail or hike throgh Petra) and Treasury are lit with over 1000 candles.  Your evening starts with a stroll down the Siq in complete silence to take in the incredible sights around you.  Once you arrive at the Treasury, guests sit on mats and listen to traditional Jordanian music played by local Bedouins. Just when you think that the music is about to come to an end, a musician with his flute appears out of the dark Treasury, making his way through the candles to stand before the crowds.  Your evening then winds down with a story about Petra and the Nabataeans.  The night is complete with the traditional Bedouin tea, to warm you up after feeling a chill run through your bones.     

For more information on visiting Petra or tours to Petra, visit: sti-me.com/index.php/petra-tour.

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