Walking through the 1,2 km long narrow Siq with its 600 feet high vertical walls to the major sites of Petra is already an experience of its own. The former sacred way into Petra is spotted with niches for Gods. A sophisticated water system can be seen all along the way.
This mysterious rock ( Djinn block) stands guard in front of the entrace to the Siq.
The Siq was created once by tectonic forces which tore apart a single huge rock. On the left side you can see the carved out channel of the water way.
Part of a statue of an Nabatean trader with his camel.
The carved out tomb for the Nabatean king Aretas III (100 BC) with its Hellenistic facade is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
There are about 500 registerd tombs in Petra. 2 major earthquakes (4th and 6th century) destroyed the city of Petra. Bedouine tribes used the site for centuries and could keep it a secret until the beginning of the 19th century.
The Romans also left their footprints in the city by building many public buildings.
This typical Bedouine music instrument is the forerunner of the violine.
Theater carved out of the red lime stone seating 3000 people.
Many Bedouines live from offering camel and donkey rides. I decided to walk the path to the monastery. My left side of the body was still hurting from the fall the day before and also I lost trust in the camel.
Path up to the monastery
High up in the cliffs stands the monumental tomb called Monastery. The crosses inside are indicators that it was once used as a Byzantine church.
From the highest point one could see into Palestinien and Israel territory.
