The Colonnaded Street

This area would have been the centre of ancient Petra. It was surrounded by palaces, temples and marketplaces. Only the stumps of the some of the original pillars forming the colonnade remain along with the outline of the Great Temple and some of the free-standing walls of Qasr al-Bint.
The rugged rocks and massive hills dominate the area.


The Nymphaeum at the start of the Colonnaded Street. Nothing remains of the original fountains, but this makes for a good stop to view the Colonnaded Street.
Ann by The Temenos Gate. Looking back from the far end of the Colonnaded Street, you can see in this photo some of the Royal Tombs in the background.

The Great Temple. Again, like other remains, this structure is called The Great Temple, but its purpose is unclear. It could just as well have been a civic or royal building housing a small theatre. What’s in a name?


Qasr al-Bint was the most important temple and the largest free standing building in the whole of Petra.
