Petra, Jordan
Coordinates: 30.323008, 35.456193
The Siq (the Shaft) is the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan.
Also known as Siqit, it is a dim, narrow gorge (in some points no more than 3 metres (10 ft) wide) and winds its way approximately 1.2 kilometres and ends at Petra’s most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh (the Treasury).
The Siq has its own archaeological value. There are rock carvings as well as rock formations, which have a story of their own. The Siq opens on to the Al Khazneh (Treasury).
The Siq was used as the grand caravan entrance into Petra.
In many places in the gorge you almost do not see the sky anymore.
The design of this passage way was to protect the city.
A wide valley outside leading to the Siq is known as the Bab as-Siq (Gateway to the Siq).
Siq was sacred to the Nabatean people.
In 1998, a group of statues were uncovered when digging was conducted to lower the road by more than six feet.
Although the upper part is greatly eroded, it is still possible to recognise the figures of two merchants, each leading two camels. The figures are almost twice lifesize.
Underground chambers
Along the Siq are some underground chambers, the function of which has not yet been clarified.
The possibility that they were tombs has been excluded, and archaeologists find it difficult to believe that they were dwellings.
The majority consensus is that they housed the guards that defended the main entrance to Petra.
Know This
Just be aware of your surroundings, because the horse carriages travel at breakneck speed and seem to think they own the road. To get to the Siq, you’ll first walk thru the main gate and follow the path known as Bab As Siq, Gateway to the Siq (this distance is also about 1 km).
You can hire a donkey or a horse but it far better to walk.
It is definitely worth getting a local guide because there are many things to see that you would probably miss.
The entry to Petra is free of charge for Jordanians.
