Petra is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on Earth — an ancient city carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan. Built by the Nabataeans around 300 BC, Petra served as a thriving trade hub connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world.
Rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, Petra was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Its blend of Eastern and Hellenistic architecture remains unmatched.
Google Street View: Walk the Ancient City
🏛️ Petra in Google Street View
Walk through the narrow Siq canyon, stand before the iconic Treasury, and explore the Royal Tombs carved high into the cliff face — all in immersive 360°.
Enter the Lost City →What You Can Explore
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — Petra's most iconic facade, a 40-meter-tall Hellenistic masterpiece carved into pink sandstone, believed to be a royal tomb.
- The Siq Narrow Canyon — A dramatic 1.2-kilometer gorge with walls rising 80 meters on either side, serving as the main entrance to the city.
- Royal Tombs — A series of massive carved facades on the eastern cliff face, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Palace Tomb.
- Monastery (Ad-Deir) — An enormous 50-meter-wide facade reached by climbing 800 rock-cut steps, even larger than the Treasury.
- Great Temple — A sprawling complex covering 7,000 square meters, featuring ornate columns and a small theater.
💡 Pro Tip
In Street View, follow the path from the Siq entrance all the way to the Treasury for the most dramatic reveal — just as ancient visitors would have experienced it. The colors of the sandstone shift from gold to pink to deep red as you walk.
Fascinating Facts
- Ancient Engineering — The Nabataeans built an advanced water conduit system that channeled water throughout the desert city
- Only 15% Explored — Archaeologists estimate that 85% of Petra remains underground and unexcavated
- Sandstone Palette — The cliffs display natural bands of red, pink, orange, and yellow, giving Petra its famous rose-red appearance
- Lost for Centuries — After the Roman annexation and a major earthquake in 363 AD, Petra was abandoned and forgotten by the Western world for over 500 years
Enhance Your Virtual Visit
Recommended Gear for Virtual Travel
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Meta Quest 3S VR Headset
Experience Petra's towering facades and narrow canyons in immersive VR.
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"Petra: Lost City of Stone"
A richly illustrated guide to Petra's history, archaeology, and architecture.