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TRAVELLER
wealth and carving skill meant it soon became filled
with colossal facades, temples andmore than 3,000
mausoleums. Inside these, the walls are full of votive
niches, cisterns and canals that reveal much about the
city’s chequered history. Away from the crowds, the
Wadi Mataha has caves that used to shelter the ancient
forges of the Nabataeans, while the royal tombs are
magnificent but rarely visited. And the Djebel al
Khubta, the massif that dominates the whole valley,
is a monument worthy of celebration in itself: the
path worn smooth by the centuries-old processions of
people carrying out sacrifices on the top.
All is not secure, however. Due to a number of
factors, including erosion, earthquakes and the sheer
numbers who visit, Petra regularly appears on the
World Monument Fund’s 100 Most Endangered
Sites of the world. But, thankfully, efforts are now
being taken to promote sustainable tourism, site
management and protection, which will, it is hoped,
preserve Petra for future generations of awe-struck
visitors. Here’s to many more anniversaries to come.
FEATURES
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AMMAN
The sandstone
in the region
displays an
extraordinary
range of colours
Right,
the
Obelisk Tomb
has two
storeys. The
top was for
interment and
the bottom
was where the
funeral rites
took place
easyJet
flies to...
Amman from London. See our insider guide on page
101. Book online at easyJet.com