celebratingour 2 0 thyear - The Parklander Magazine

Previous page: A view of the TreasuryAbove: The spectabular entrance to PetraAbove right: The Amphitheatre which holds up to 3,000 peopleRight: The Urn TombPetra’s stunning architectural relics include the Monastery, whichoverlooks the valley and is reached by 800 steps cut into the rock cliffs.The Urn Tomb is one of a great many rock cut tombs and mausoleumssurrounded by mystery. Throughout time, the tomb structuresweakened and opened the way for tomb robbers to flourish. We willnever know what treasures may have been stored within these tombs.To enter the ancient city, one must first pass through a long, narrow,rock-strewn gorge, framed on both sides by towering, rose-coloredcliffs. The gorge narrows to form a slender opening in the cliff walls.As you approach that slit, you see one of Petra’s most spectacular andimpressive sights. The Treasury is the first dramatic image viewed asyou enter the ancient city. Its huge, exquisite, classical façade is carvedout of the natural rock face of the cliff.As you emerge from the narrow canyon passage toward the Treasury,the vast panorama of ancient Petra opens up before you, and is adaunting sight.I first visited Petra years ago, when few travelers sought out suchremote areas, and it was difficult to get there. I had to go to Jordan’scapital Amman to find a hotel, and travel to Petra from there. I hireda car and driver for the long trip to the outskirts of Petra, where Iwas met by friendly Bedouins leading horses for the balance of thejourney. I will never forget that ride on horseback over rough, rockysurfaces, and my views of the high canyon walls surrounding thelong path. Exiting the narrow gorge was a magical experience: theTreasury loomed directly before me, and rosy, rock-cut structuresappeared to be everywhere.Recently, I was on a cruise that made port in Aquaba. I had anopportunity to return to Petra, and discovered that it is very mucheasier to visit the ancient city today.Where, in the past, there was nothing but desert, today a small city hasgrown up adjacent to the archaeological site. All sorts of touristfacilities abound, from luxury hotels to basic pensiones. Eatingestablishments offer gourmet feasts or just plain pizza.Today there arepaved roads, tour buses and bathroom facilities.My first stop was at a modern visitors’ center, where I found interesting,informative and attractive exhibits. From the Visitors’ Center, youcan choose your own way to enter the ancient site. One way is to takethe very long walk over a rocky path through the canyon; or you canhire a donkey cart, or a horse, or camel, with a local guide.No matter how you arrive at the site, there is really nothing that canprepare you for your first glimpse of the ancient rose city. Once seen,ancient Petra will remain in your memory forever.Petra was designated a World Heritage Site in 1985. UNESCOdescribes the city as “…one of the most precious cultural properties ofman’s cultural heritage.”thePARKLANDER61