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Die Felsenstadt Petra ist
eine der beeindruckendsten archäologischen Stätten der Welt und ein
UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe. Sie liegt im Süden Jordaniens in der Region Wadi
Musa und ist berühmt für ihre monumentalen
Felsbauten, die direkt aus dem rosaroten Sandstein gemeißelt wurden.
Petra war einst die Hauptstadt des Nabatäer-Reiches,
einer antiken Zivilisation, die zwischen dem 5. Jahrhundert v. Chr. und
dem 3. Jahrhundert n. Chr. blühte.
Geschichte von Petra:
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Nabatäer: Die Nabatäer waren ein arabisches Volk,
das Petra zu einer bedeutenden Handelsmetropole machte. Die Stadt
lag an wichtigen Karawanenrouten, die Weihrauch, Gewürze und andere
Luxusgüter transportierten.
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Blütezeit: Petra erreichte ihren Höhepunkt im 1.
Jahrhundert n. Chr. unter König Aretas IV.,
als die meisten der beeindruckenden Bauwerke entstanden.
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Römische Herrschaft: Im Jahr 106 n. Chr. wurde
Petra Teil des Römischen Reiches. Die Römer fügten der Stadt weitere
Bauwerke hinzu, darunter ein Theater und eine Säulenstraße.
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Niedergang: Nach dem Niedergang des
Nabatäer-Reiches und der Verlagerung der Handelsrouten verlor Petra
an Bedeutung. Naturkatastrophen wie Erdbeben trugen ebenfalls zum
Niedergang bei.
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Wiederentdeckung: Die westliche Welt erfuhr erst
1812 durch den Schweizer Entdecker Johann
Ludwig Burckhardt von Petra.
Highlights der Felsenstadt Petra:
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Al-Khazneh (Das Schatzhaus):
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Der Siq:
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Eine 1,2 Kilometer lange, enge Schlucht, die als Hauptzugang zur
Stadt dient. Der Siq ist ein beeindruckendes Natur- und
Kulturdenkmal und führt direkt zum Schatzhaus.
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Das Römische Theater:
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Ad-Deir (Das Kloster):
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Ein weiteres monumentales Felsbauwerk, das noch größer ist als
Al-Khazneh. Es liegt hoch oben in den Bergen und erfordert einen
anspruchsvollen Aufstieg, bietet aber einen atemberaubenden
Blick über Petra.
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Die Königlichen Gräber:
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Eine Reihe von prächtigen Felsgräbern, darunter das Urnengrab,
das Seidengrab, das Korinthische
Grab und das Palastgrab.
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Die Säulenstraße:
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Hoher Opferplatz (High Place of Sacrifice):
Besuch von Petra:
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Eintritt: Der Eintritt in Petra ist nicht billig,
aber es lohnt sich. Es gibt 1-, 2- und 3-Tage-Tickets.
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Beste Reisezeit: Die Monate März
bis Mai und September bis
November bieten angenehme Temperaturen. Im
Sommer kann es extrem heiß werden.
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Führungen: Ein lokaler Guide kann die Geschichte
und Bedeutung der Stätte lebendig werden lassen.
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Ausrüstung: Bequeme Schuhe, Sonnenschutz,
ausreichend Wasser und eine Kamera sind unerlässlich.
Tipps für Besucher:
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Früh ankommen: Petra öffnet früh am Morgen, und ein
früher Besuch hilft, die Menschenmassen zu vermeiden.
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Ausreichend Zeit einplanen: Petra ist riesig, und
es gibt viel zu sehen. Mindestens ein ganzer Tag sollte eingeplant
werden.
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Aufstieg zum Kloster (Ad-Deir): Der Aufstieg ist
anstrengend, aber die Aussicht und das Kloster selbst sind die Mühe
wert.
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Nachtbesuch (Petra by Night): An bestimmten Abenden
wird Petra von Kerzen beleuchtet, was eine magische Atmosphäre
schafft.
Bedeutung von Petra:
Petra ist nicht nur eine archäologische Stätte, sondern auch ein Symbol
für die kulturelle und historische Bedeutung des Nahen Ostens. Sie wurde
1985 in die Liste des UNESCO-Weltkulturerbes aufgenommen und zählt zu
den Neuen Sieben Weltwundern.
Die Felsenstadt Petra ist ein einzigartiges Reiseziel, das Besucher mit
ihrer Schönheit, Geschichte und geheimnisvollen Atmosphäre in den Bann
zieht. Ein Besuch in Petra ist wie eine Reise in eine vergangene Welt
und bleibt unvergesslich.
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The
Felsenstadt Petra
(translated as Rock City Petra)
is one of the most famous and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the
world. Located in southern
Jordan, Petra is an ancient city that was carved into the
vibrant rose-red sandstone
cliffs of the Jordanian desert.
Known for its stunning architecture, sophisticated water management
systems, and rich history, Petra was once the thriving capital of the
Nabatean Kingdom and
remains a symbol of ancient innovation and culture.
Overview of Petra (Felsenstadt
Petra):
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Petra is often
referred to as the "Rose
City" due to the color of the rock from which many of its
structures were carved, but it is also known as the
Felsenstadt (Rock
City) because the city itself is literally carved into the rock.
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The city was established
as early as the 4th century
BCE by the
Nabateans, a nomadic Arab tribe known for their skills in
trade, water conservation, and architecture.
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Petra flourished as a
major trading hub, connecting ancient civilizations through trade
routes that passed through the desert. It became the
capital of the
Nabatean Kingdom
and later fell under the control of the
Romans in 106 CE.
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In the 6th century CE,
Petra began to decline due to changes in trade routes and a series
of earthquakes
that damaged the city's infrastructure.
Key Features of Petra:
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The Siq:
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The Siq is a
narrow gorge
that serves as the main entrance to Petra. The
Siq is around
1.2 kilometers (0.75
miles) long, with towering cliffs that rise up to
80 meters (262 feet)
above the ground. Visitors walk through this natural passageway,
which gradually leads them to one of the most famous monuments
in Petra — Al-Khazneh
(The Treasury).
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Along the Siq,
visitors can see
carvings,
water channels, and remnants of the Nabatean's advanced
engineering systems. The journey through the Siq is a
dramatic approach
that builds anticipation as you make your way toward the heart
of Petra.
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Al-Khazneh (The Treasury):
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Al-Khazneh,
also known as The
Treasury, is Petra's most famous and iconic monument.
It is a massive tomb
carved into the sandstone cliffs, and its elaborate
Hellenistic-style
facade features
columns,
intricate carvings,
and a large urn at the top, which gave rise to legends about
hidden treasure.
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It was likely
built in the 1st
century CE as the
mausoleum for
a Nabatean king, most likely
Aretas IV.
The Treasury is one of the best-preserved and most visited sites
in Petra, and the view of it after walking through the Siq is
one of the highlights of a visit to the city.
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The Royal Tombs:
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Petra is home to
several royal tombs
carved into the cliffs, many of which are located in the
Valley of the Kings
area. These tombs, including the
Urn Tomb, the
Silk Tomb,
and the Corinthian
Tomb, are richly decorated and showcase the skill and
artistry of the Nabateans.
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The
Urn Tomb, in
particular, is one of the most famous, with its impressive
facade and well-preserved
interior. The
tombs are believed to have been used for the burials of Nabatean
kings and nobility.
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The Monastery (Ad Deir):
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The
Monastery
(known as Ad Deir)
is another impressive monument in Petra. Located at the top of a
steep hill, the Monastery is even larger than
Al-Khazneh
and is carved into the rock in a similar architectural style. It
is believed to have been used as a
temple or
place of worship.
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Visitors who make
the long climb
to the Monastery are rewarded with stunning views of Petra and
the surrounding desert landscape. The journey involves climbing
around 800 steps,
but the views are well worth the effort.
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The Roman Theater:
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The
Roman Theater
in Petra was carved into the rock and could hold about
3,000 spectators.
It was built by the Romans after they took control of Petra in
the 1st century CE.
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The theater is a
prime example of Roman
architecture and has been partially restored. It was
used for performances and public gatherings and remains a
significant feature of the city.
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Water Management Systems:
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The Nabateans were
known for their advanced
water management
systems, which allowed Petra to thrive in a desert
environment. The city had a network of
cisterns,
water channels,
and aqueducts
that collected and stored rainwater. These systems are still
visible today and showcase the ingenuity of the Nabateans in
ensuring the survival of their city.
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The
water channels
that run through the Siq are an excellent example of how the
Nabateans used the natural landscape to their advantage.
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The Great Temple:
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The
Great Temple
is another major site in Petra. It is a large, open-air complex
located in the Lower
Market Area and is believed to have been a place of
religious worship
and community
gathering.
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The temple is
partially excavated, but its sheer size and scale indicate that
it was an important building in the city.
Visiting Petra:
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How to Reach Petra:
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Petra is located
about 3 hours south of
Amman, the capital of Jordan, and can be accessed by
car or organized tour. Visitors can also reach Petra from
Aqaba, the
nearest port city, which is about a 2-hour drive away.
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The nearest
airport is King
Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, but
Queen Alia
International Airport in Amman is also a major gateway
for international travelers.
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When to Visit:
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The best times to
visit Petra are during the
spring (March
to May) and autumn
(September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
The summer months
can be very hot, with temperatures often exceeding
40°C (104°F),
so visiting in the cooler months is advisable.
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Petra is open
year-round, but it is recommended to visit early in the day to
avoid crowds and the heat.
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Petra by Night:
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Petra by Night
is a unique experience where visitors can explore Petra's Siq
and the Treasury under the glow of
thousands of candles.
The atmosphere is magical, offering a different and serene
perspective of the ancient city. This event is typically held on
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.
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Other Activities:
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Hiking is a
popular activity in Petra, as there are several trails that take
visitors to lesser-known tombs and viewpoints in the surrounding
hills. Jebel Haroun,
the mountain believed to be the burial site of
Aaron (the
brother of Moses), is another popular hike offering spectacular
views of the area.
Conclusion:
Petra, or
Felsenstadt Petra, is
an ancient Nabatean city
carved into the cliffs of southern
Jordan, renowned for
its incredible rock-cut architecture, tombs, temples, and
water management systems.
Visiting Petra is like stepping back in time to explore a once-thriving
desert city, offering a fascinating glimpse into the
Nabatean civilization.
From the Treasury
(Al-Khazneh) to the Monastery
(Ad Deir) and the
Roman Theater, Petra is a
world
heritage treasure that continues to captivate travelers from
around the globe.
Would you like more
information on specific Petra
landmarks, guided
tours, or tips for your
visit to Petra?
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Safaris
Bergsteigen
Wandern
Insewandern Weltweit
Europa
Inselwandern
Städtewandern
Paintings
Dirk Rauschenbach
Mail ccooly(
at) web.de
24.03.25 Copyright Dirk
Rauschenbach Koelnerstrasse 293 51702 Bergneustadt
Datenschutzerklaerung 02261 9788972 Mail ccooly(
at) web.de