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Carved in time

Petra, located in Jordan, is a timeless architectural marvel capturing an ancient civilization’s essence through its rose-red rock-walled city, hidden treasures, and sculpted monuments. The city’s magnificence, from its entrance portal, the Siq, through the grand Treasury to the ancient city, reveals a testament to human creativity, strength, and resilience. Notably, the experience is like a humbling journey, bringing a deep connection to a forgotten past.

ad deir carved in sandstone
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Wonders of Petra

Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Jordan, is an impressive architectural wonder that showcases the long-lasting legacy of an ancient civilization. Visiting Petra was an adventure through time, exploring history, and connecting with a forgotten past.

Entering Petra: A Portal to the Past

Upon reaching the narrow entrance of the ancient city, the impressive beauty of the rose-red rock walls that protected Petra’s hidden treasures immediately captured my attention. It was like entering a portal to a world lost in time. The Siq, was a winding canyon flanked by cliffs soaring to the heavens. Instead of walking the distance, I took a donkey ride from the Sig.

The Siq was a pathway that had borne witness to countless traders, travelers, and caravans over the centuries. For a moment, I felt like a character in a story, walking the same path as the ancients.

The Treasury: A Glimpse of Ancient Grandeur

And then, as the Siq made its final turn, Petra’s showpiece was unveiled before my eyes—the Treasury. The sun reflected this magnificent façade with an otherworldly glow. This huge, imposing building was carved out of rocks with bare hands! Truly a wonder of the ancient world! The intricate carvings and columned entrance left me in awe.

narrow passage in rock formation near petra in jordan
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Wandering the Ancient City

From the Treasury, I wandered deeper into the city, discovering the sprawling tombs, temples, and monuments. The Royal Tombs, hewn from the rose-red cliffs, stood as silent reminders of Petra’s past glory. The Amphitheater, where gatherings and performances once echoed, lay nestled amidst the rocky amphitheater.

I ventured to the Monastery, the largest of Petra’s monuments. The view of Petra was stunning—a wide landscape of majestic rocks.

The Stories Petra Tells

Each corner of Petra held stories of its builders, the Nabateans, traders who visited, and the passage of time. The place seemed almost surreal, as if I had stepped into the very heart of an Indiana Jones movie.

A Testimony to Human Resilience and Artistry

Petra wasn’t just a place with stones and history, but also a symbol of human creativity, strength, and the skill of carving natural rock. Walking through its streets, I felt a deep connection with the past, as if I were an honored guest in the world’s most exquisite open-air museum.

Leaving Petra: A Humbling Journey Through Time

My visit to Petra was a humbling and spiritual journey through time. I was deeply impressed by the ancient city and the way it showed the lasting impact of human accomplishments. Petra will forever be etched in my memory as an enchanting tale of stone and sand, history, and wonder.

photographer taking photo of cave
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Petra is an incredible place to visit. It feels like traveling through time, with old stone walls and hidden secrets from a forgotten civilization. If you ever find yourself in Jordan, make sure Petra is on your must-visit list. It’s an experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left the rose-red city.

Have you visited Petra? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

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By Dr ANDREW C S KOH

Meet Dr. Andrew C S Koh—a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of roles and achievements. He excels as an author, publisher, blogger, podcaster, Bible teacher, cardiologist, and medical director. With an impressive repertoire of 40 published books to his name, he has proven his prowess as a prolific writer. Additionally, he pursued theology studies at Laidlaw College in Auckland, New Zealand, further enriching his knowledge and expertise.

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