Excursion Program
Conference Excursion on December 5, 2025
We offer our conference participants an unforgettable day trip to Jordan’s most famous landmark – the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra, the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.
Please make sure to register for this excursion in advance! The number of participants is limited to 50 people. The participation fee is 30 Jordanian Dinar.
Participants are responsible for the entrance fee. An overview is provided at the end.
Petra – Capital of the Nabataean Kingdom
Petra, the legendary rock city of Jordan, is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. The former capital of the Nabataean Kingdom was founded in the 4th century BC and quickly developed into an important trade center. Thanks to its strategic location at the intersection of major caravan routes, the city flourished for centuries. The Nabataeans were skilled builders and constructed impressive structures, including temples, tombs, and irrigation systems, which still bear witness to their advanced civilization.
In 106 AD, the Nabataean Kingdom was incorporated into the Roman Empire under Emperor Trajan and became the province of Arabia Petraea. While Petra lost its political independence with this annexation, it remained an important commercial and administrative center. The Romans invested in infrastructure, building roads and integrating Petra into their extensive transportation network.
Under Trajan’s rule, the city began to undergo a process of Romanization. In addition to the existing Nabataean architecture, new buildings in the Roman style were constructed, including the theater and the Colonnaded Street. The Roman occupation also altered the trade routes, causing Petra to gradually lose its economic significance. Nevertheless, the city remained an important hub within the Roman Empire until the 4th century.
By the 5th century AD, Petra fell into oblivion for reasons that remain unclear. It wasn’t until 1812 that the city was rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Jordan.
Day Trip to Petra and Highlights of the Visit
We will travel by coach from Madaba (hotels) via the Desert Highway to Wadi Musa, the town from where Petra is accessed. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. From the Visitor Center in Petra (tickets), a wide, gently sloping path leads into the archaeological site. Even in the first few meters, smaller rock tombs and stone-carved monuments can be seen, giving a first impression of the craftsmanship of the Nabataeans.
The Obelisk Tomb is one of Petra’s most striking monuments. It is carved into a rock face and is distinguished by four pyramid-shaped obelisks that give it its name. These obelisks likely symbolize deceased family members. Below the obelisks, there is a once richly decorated facade with a central niche, which likely served as the entrance to the tomb.
Below the Obelisk Tomb lies the so-called Bab-as-Siq Triclinium, a banquet hall carved into the rock that was used for ritual meals and memorial ceremonies. The interplay between the tomb and the cultic site demonstrates the complex religious symbolism of the Nabataeans and their connection between life and death.
Shortly thereafter, you will reach the Siq, a narrow gorge about 1.2 kilometers long that serves as the main access to the city. The towering rock walls rise up to 80 meters and form a natural gateway to Petra. This narrow passage was created by geological shifts and was later expanded by the Nabataeans through water channels and paving.
Along the walls, remnants of ancient inscriptions, god reliefs, and intricate water channels can be seen, which once directed the vital water into the city.
The Siq winds in gentle curves, gradually building anticipation for visitors. The last stretch of the path leads into a narrow bend—and then, suddenly, the breathtaking view of the Treasury unfolds. This moment is one of the most impressive experiences of a visit to Petra as the monumental facade of the Treasury slowly emerges from the shadow of the rock walls.
The Treasury (“Al-Khazneh”) is perhaps the most famous structure in Petra and a masterpiece of Nabataean architecture. The monumental facade is about 40 meters high and 25 meters wide, carved directly from the red sandstone. Its magnificent design features a blend of Hellenistic and Middle Eastern influences, with ornate columns, statues, and decorations. The upper part of the facade is adorned with an intricate urn relief, which was once believed to contain treasure—hence the name “Treasury.”
The interior of the Treasury is surprisingly simple compared to its imposing facade and consists of a main room with several smaller chambers. Historians speculate that the building originally served as a royal tomb, possibly for the Nabataean King Aretas IV. The impressive attention to detail and masterful stone craftsmanship make the Treasury one of the most fascinating relics of antiquity.
After a short break, it’s worth venturing further into the city. Along the way, you’ll discover numerous rock tombs, the Roman theater, and the Royal Tombs.
The Theater of Petra is another impressive structure in the city. Carved directly into the sandstone, it could once accommodate up to 8,500 spectators. Originally built by the Nabataeans, the theater was later expanded by the Romans, a fact reflected in its architectural design. It features a semi-circular seating area with multiple rows of seats arranged around a central stage. The theater’s acoustics were exceptional, allowing even large crowds to follow the performances. Today, the theater stands as a remarkable testament to the cultural and architectural fusion between the Nabataeans and the Romans.
The Royal Tombs are among the most impressive structures in Petra. These monumental tombs were likely the final resting places for high-ranking Nabataeans. Some of the most famous tombs include the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb.
The Urn Tomb is distinguished by its large, elevated facade and a magnificent urn at the top. It is believed to have served as the burial site of a significant Nabataean king.
The Silk Tomb stands out due to its spectacular, naturally marbled sandstone colors, making it one of the most visually striking tombs in Petra.
The Corinthian Tomb is stylistically similar to the Treasury but exhibits stronger Hellenistic influences.
The Palace Tomb is one of the largest tombs in Petra and earned its name due to its palace-like facade, which features multiple levels and decorative elements.
Not far from the Royal Tombs are the remains of several Byzantine churches dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The most famous of these is the so-called Petra Church, a basilica with impressive mosaic floors depicting biblical scenes, animals, and mythological motifs. The well-preserved mosaics testify to the high craftsmanship of the Byzantine artisans and are one of the most significant Christian legacies in Petra.
In addition to the Petra Church, there are other church ruins, including the so-called Blue-White Church and the Ridge Church. These churches were part of a Christian community that established itself in Petra after the decline of the Nabataean Kingdom. Their architecture and the remnants of liturgical structures provide insight into the religious life during the Byzantine era.
Petra as a Roman City
After the Roman conquest of Petra in 106 AD, the city was further developed and received numerous Roman structures. One of the most remarkable relics from this time is the Colonnaded Street, a wide, paved main road once lined with impressive columns. Along this street were shops, temples, and public buildings that reflected the bustling life of the city.
Another significant structure is the Great Temple Complex, which likely served as a religious or administrative center. It consists of a large terrace with several temple buildings and impressive staircases. Roman baths were also constructed, indicating the luxurious lifestyle in Petra during the Roman rule.
Qasr al-Bint is one of the few freestanding structures in Petra and was once an important temple of the Nabateans. The name means “Palace of the Pharaoh’s Daughter,” but it was actually a religious building, likely dedicated to the chief god of the Nabateans, Dushara. The temple stands on an elevated platform and is characterized by its massive walls and monumental architecture. Despite significant damage from earthquakes, parts of the structure are surprisingly well-preserved. Particularly impressive are the high door openings and the remnants of decorative elements that hint at the temple’s former grandeur. Qasr al-Bint is located near the Colonnaded Street and is considered one of Petra’s most important religious buildings.
Those who are fit can take on the challenging but rewarding ascent to the Monastery “Ad-Deir.” The more than 800 steps lead to a monumental structure with a breathtaking view over the surrounding desert landscape.
In the late afternoon, return trip to Madaba.
It is recommended to stay overnight in Wadi Musa and explore more of Petra. Hotels can assist with the return journey to Madaba or Amman.
It is advisable for non-Arabs to purchase a Jordan Pass online before visiting Petra to avoid the high entry fees for day tourists (see Venue / Jordan Pass).
