PETRA

Petra is a historical and archaeological city in the southern Jordanian governorate of Maan, that is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the colour of the stone out of which it is carved.

Established possibly as early as 312 BCE as the capital city of the Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan, as well as its most-visited tourist attraction. It lies on the slope of Jebel al-Madhbah (identified by some as the biblical Mount Hor) in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

When to go:
Petra, as with most of Jordan, experiences a desert climate with very hot weather in summer (June to September) and cold winters (December to March). Summer temperatures can reach as high as 34 C; the best time to visit Petra is probably in spring or autumn, when the weather is most comfortable.

Average monthly temperature (°C)

GMT:
+2hrs (GMT +3 from April to October).

Language:
Arabic and English.

Currency:
Dinar (JOD).

Tourist/Visa/Health information:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival.

Flight Information:
Petra - Wadi Musa is 55 miles from King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba, Jordan).