Petra, Jordan

Petra, the Greek word for rock (hence the name of St. Petrus, whom Christ pronounced to be the rock upon which the Church will be built). In Jordan it refers to an archaeological site of a Nabataean city, including several buildings, all carved in the reddish stone of the Aqaba valley. The "Rose City" may be referred to in the Bible, and despite controversy about the exact dating, it is clearly ancient as well as spectacular.

Petra Jordan was declared a World Heritage Site almost 12 years ago (December 1985), and it is hardly unknown. Rather it is responsible to the largest touristic revenues in Jordan. The number of visitors is not limited, though the Middle East area is prone to political instability, a fact which influences the number of visitors.

As it is located in the Dead Sea area, it is literally in the middle of the desert, where climate is hot and dry throughout the year. It is probably better to plan a visit during March or October, though with proper planning anything is possible.

This is one of the most famous constructions in Petra, the monastery. 

 

 

Hi Carmen, Hoe gaan dit,

You are right.  This declaration will tremendousely increase the number of visitors there, and the place is not ready for that.   I am afraid it will change it's nature as well (easy going, nice quiet place will become noisy and crowded). 
No at present there is no limit to the number of visitors that can enter the place (Hope it be limitted soon).
Not recommanded to visit at winter (rain floods) and not in the summer (too hot).  So best time should be 01 March - end May and from mid September till end November.
Highly recommended,
Totsiens,
D"r D. Oron

Hi Carmen,

Here is an article that was written about exactly what you're talking about.  I'm not sure if Petra is ready for this status, but I think that in the end it could be good for the country, which needs a lot of developmental help.  The weather can get chilly in the winter, and summers can be very hot... so I'd say either fall or spring.  Weather is similar to Israel which is where I live now.  Any time of year though could really be fine.