Sunrise at Petra

Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans, a desert people who grew rich on the incense trade more than two thousand years ago. They carved temples and tombs directly into the rose-coloured sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan.

The rock changes colour with every hour of the day. In the early morning, the canyons are cool and blue, and the first light falling into the valley turns the cliffs pink and orange. At sunset the high places above the city glow red, while the valley below goes into shadow.

A sunrise over Petra is a gift for someone who loves the slow, astonishing work of people and time — a city made of stone that changes colour every morning.

The best season

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild and clear. Summer is hot by mid-morning; winter can bring cold nights and, rarely, snow on the red rock.

Where to watch

The paths above the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice look over the valley for sunset. For sunrise, the hills above Wadi Musa look across toward the rock city.