Always dreamed of traveling to Jordan to see the rose-red city of Petra? Now’s the time to go, as the kingdom is celebrating a big anniversary this year: the 200th anniversary of the re-discovery of Petra by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, as well as the 50th anniversary of the filming of Lawrence of Arabia. (Lost to the western world for nearly a millennium before Burckhardt's adventure into Jordan, Petra’s secrets were closely guarded by local Bedouins.) A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient Nabatean city was carved into to the sandstone mountains in the 4th century B.C. In 2007, Petra was elected one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World."
When you first approach the Treasury through the narrow gorge called the Siq, the awe-inspiring sight takes your breath away. For some insider tips about visiting the site, be sure to check out our article.
Runners and fitness buffs may be interested to learn that the Petra Marathon 2012 will take place on September 8, 2012- on the exact anniversary date of Petra’s “re-discovery.”
Related Article: On Site at the 3rd Annual Jordan Travel Mart