Petra, Jordan
Coordinates: 30.321273, 35.463330
The Obelisk Tomb was constructed in the first century BCE in Petra.
The Obelisk Tomb is named after the four pyramid-shaped obelisks that decorate the top of this two-story structure.
It is an elaborate two story tomb carved from the solid rock. Its facade is an elaborate mixture of Egyptian, Greek, Indian and Nabataean architectural styles.
The bottom story is called a Triclinium (dining hall) for funeral celebrations.
The top story is the actual tomb.
The Obelisk symbolizes, according to ancient Egyptian belief, a place from which the soul takes off.
The facade of the four Obelisks, together with the eroded human figure in the centre, probably represented the five people buried in the tomb.
The façade of the Obelisk Tomb measures 15.98 m in width and 12.3 m in height. On the day that we visited it was packed with tourists like us.
This is quite the first attraction you encounter in Petra. It also combines symbols from different old civilization to symbolize the welcoming of all visitors
Know This
The Obelisk Tomb is located at a short distance from the entrance gate at Petra. It gives the first impression of Petra and creates an excitement in the mind about the other things inside Petra.
From the Visitor Centre just a short walk from the main trail, at your left, Obelisk Tomb is directly across the Djinn Blocks, right beside the road.
