Al-Siq: The Majestic Gateway to Petra

Al-Siq, the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan, makes the best entrance into the area. This narrow gorge, in some points no more than 3 meters wide, winds its way approximately 1.2 kilometers and ends at Petra's most elaborate ruin, “The Treasury”. The Siq is a natural geological fault split apart by tectonic forces and later worn smooth by water. The walls that enclose the Siq stand between 91–182 metres in height. As you walk through the Siq, you'll notice the remains of the original city gate to Petra. The Siq was used as the grand caravan entrance into Petra. Along both walls of the fissure are a number of votive niches containing baetyli, which suggest that the Siq was sacred to the Nabatean people. In 1998, a group of statues were uncovered when digging was conducted to lower the road. #christmastrip