The word ‘Al-Khazneh translates to ‘The Treasury’ in Arabic. It is one of the elaborate temples in Petra which was occupied by the Arabs in ancient times. Once believed to have been the mausoleum of the Nabatean King Aretas IV, it is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jordan.
It was originally built as a mausoleum and crypt during the 1st century AD. However, since the place was carved from the cliff, many of the architectural details have eroded away. The sculptures are supposed to be mythological figures associated with the afterlife. You can find traces of burnt incense on the plaza which suggests that Al-Khazneh was once a pilgrimage site.
One can’t go inside Al-Khazneh. However, it’s just an empty chamber now. This is one of the most important archaeological sites of the city of Petra.
Petra is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is quite an affordable place to explore. This makes it a great tourist destination.
• As-Siq meaning ‘Shaft’ is a mystical corridor leading to Petra. Feel the magic as you walk through with towering over. This might be a bit scary as well
• Seeking some adventure? Take a hike to the very well-preserved Al-Deir Monastery. Enjoy a cup of fresh pomegranate juice and refresh yourself after the walk
• Feel the Roman influence on the city of Petra by strolling around the Colonnaded Street. This was built around 106 AD
• The Qasr al-Bint is the most important temples in Petra. This is the only freestanding building and is one of the fascinating places to visit
• Made of rock, the Petra Theatre was once expanded by Romans to hold 7000 people. It was damaged in the earthquake in 363 BC. However, it remains an important place to visit in Petra
• Do not miss the High Place of Sacrifice where you can enjoy some best views of Jordan. The place is accessible by hiking or you can take a donkey ride
Distance from Wadi Musa, Jordan to Al-Khazneh is 6.7 km
Taxi
Travel Time: 22 minutes
Fare: $14 to $ 18
• Keep your passport handy at all times. You have an option of taking a guide at an additional tour
• If you want some amazing pictures, climb the small cliff you can find on the right of the Treasury. You will get great pics of the Treasury sans the crowd
• Opt for the ‘Petra by Night’ tour for a truly magnificent experience. The 2-hour tour starts at 8:00 p.m. and the atmosphere is pure mystical
• The best time to visit would be from March to May and again from September to November. The weather is mild and pleasant making it easy to explore the place by walk
• You might find the restaurants there a bit pricey and the quality not so great. It’s better if you can carry some snacks or a light meal
• The weather can get quite unpredictable and harsh. Always keep a pair of sunglasses and a hat with you
• The colourful stones you may find at the local shops might have been chipped away from the historic structures. Be mindful while buying these
• Petra is quite a small place and can easily be explored on foot. However, you can rent a car if required
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
No
Entrance Fee
Adults: $ 127 per person
Children (Below 12 years): free
Time you can spend
1 to 2 hours
Weather
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