PETRA
The fabled city of Petra is one of the most remarkably romantic archaeological wonders on Earth. It is a "red-rose city half as old as time." Made instantly famous for it's "cameo" in an Indiana Jones movie, Petra is unique and wondrous. So much so that it was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The architecture begun by the Nabateans circa 100 BC incorporates the Greco-Roman influences that came later. The city declined eventually under the Romans circa 300 AD. The word Petra means "cleft in the rock" in Greek.
Located in modern Jordan, not far from the Dead Sea, Petra was re-discovered in 1812 when at that time it's many building facades, features and tombs became an instant sensation that remains so to this day, as Petra is still a well known and must-see popular tourist destination.
The most photographed and well known of the cliff carved buildings are two called "The Treasury" and "The Monastery". Ascetically beautiful, the intricate architectural detailing, decorative bas-relief carvings and exquisite Byzantine tiling make Petra a marvel that is described as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage."
The most photographed and well known of the cliff carved buildings are two called "The Treasury" and "The Monastery". Ascetically beautiful, the intricate architectural detailing, decorative bas-relief carvings and exquisite Byzantine tiling make Petra a marvel that is described as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage."
NSFW tile detail in the Byzantine Church
More of the intricate tile detailing foundinside the cliff-side buildings of Petra
The Treasury
The Monastery
The tombs of Petra
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