Petra: The Capital of the Nabataean empire

Petra is an ancient city located in the southwestern part of Jordan. It was the center of an Arab kingdom in Hellenistic and Roman times. The city was built on a terrace, pierced from east to west by the Wadi Musa (the Valley of Moses). Petra is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. The city was once a thriving trading center and the capital of the Nabataean empire between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106. Petra was empty and in near ruin for centuries before being rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. The city's unique blend of Hellenistic, Roman, and Arab influences makes it a fascinating place for a winter getaway exploration. #christmastrip