The “Siq” (English: “Shaft”) is the Arabic name given to the unique entry way into ancient Petra
. It is a dim narrow gorge that winds along some 1.2 km to Petra’s iconic Al-Khazneh
(“The Treasury”). The siq was formed by a natural fault split apart by tectonic forces, later smoothed by water. The walls that enclose the siq are up to 180 m high.
At the entracne one can see the remains of a monumental arch that has survived until 1896. Along the siq noumerous votive niches carved into the walls suggest it was a viewed as a sacred entry by the Nabateans. Two sets of larger then life eroded reliefs portraying human figures and camels can also be seen along the Siq.
Book a Private Tour to Petra
Petra is in the southern part of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is about 2 hours drive from the Israeli border crossing near Eilat
, and takes 3-4 hours to explore. Entry into Jordan also requires setting a visa.
Contact me for a proposal of a full day tour of Petra
, with an optional visit also to Wadi Rum
.
Points of Interest in the Area
| Ad Deir |
Wadi Rum | |
Petra Night Tour | |
Eight Days Tour of Jordan |