AtlasIslamica

Colonnade Street

Believed to be the center of various types of commercial activities and transactions during the third century BC, The Colonnade Street continued to be used throughout the Byzantine period up until sixth century

Petra, Jordan

Coordinates: 30.328960, 35.444832

The street represents an original Nabataean creation, later refurbished during the period of Roman occupation.

It would have been one of the principal shopping streets of ancient Petra.The street was rebuilt in 106 BC with a width of 6 meters.

On the left of the portico street to the south, there is a set of stairs that leads to the courtyard, which is called the market.

This is believed to have been the heart of the city and center of various types of commercial activities and transactions during the third century BC.

The street continued to be used throughout the Byzantine period during the fourth and fifth centuries, until the sixth.

Even the Nabataeans and the Romans went shopping and here is where they did it.

Although only a few columns now remain it is an integral part of Petra taking you past the Nymphaeum, market area, church and long to the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint

The Great Temple, and the Temple of Dushares on the left. On your right, the Temple of the Winged Lions and the Byzantine Church would be visible, though you they require a short climb to properly see them.

If you don’t have time to properly explore this area, at least walk down the main path and see the Colonnaded Street.

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Still being excavated, expecially the main temple, it is a beautiful walk, and on a hot day, to grab water, snacks or shop today.