Petra is possibly the most famous attraction in Jordan and is no doubt a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located in southern Jordan in the mountainous desert of the Wadi Araba (the ancient Valley of Moses) about 80km south of the Dead Sea. Built by the Nabataeans in the first centery, Petra was an important trading junction between Arabia and the Mediterranean from about 300 BC. Around 100 AD, Petra was taken over by the Romans and continued to flourish. What remains today is a magical place, abundant with temples, tombs, public buildings and a sophisticated water system. One day it might even be considered one of the ancient wonders of the world.
