A dramatic, narrow rock gorge allows entrance to the ancient city of Petra, a stone city with dwellings hewn into sandstone walls. This ancient capital city of the Nabataeans has roots that trace back to as early as the 4th or 5th century BC. Discovered by the West in the early 1800s, it has been referred to as "the rose city" for the color of the rock, and for obvious reason, "the carved city."

Situated in a mountainous area with limited access, it held a strategic position on an important trade route in the region. Today, Petra is the most important tourist attraction in Jordan.