Ancient Petra Photos – A City of Mysteries in Black and White

Petra has been described as a city of mysteries and nothing accentuates that more than seeing Petra photos in black and white.

Petra photos in black and white

Last Updated on 10/23/23 by Rose Palmer

The ancient city of Petra is Jordan’s premier historical site and also the country’s most visited tourist destination. It is also a popular photography subject.

I’ve shared some of my favorite Petra photos in my posts about our visit to Petra: Inside Petra by Night and Day – How to Spend 1 or 2 Days in Petra and 13 Petra Photography Tips for all Skill Levels.

This time, I just want to share my favorite Petra photos in black and white. Petra is known as the Rose City because of the pink hewed sandstone from which it was built. But taking away the color puts the emphasis on line, shape and scale and is particularly effective for emphasizing the unique architectural elements.

The Nabateans were a very successful trading culture that moved goods from as afar away as India, Egypt and Rome. Petra was the “in-your-face” product of their wealth that was meant to impress. They were also astounding engineers that were able to control and divert water in this dry land, moving it to their will and terraforming a lush oasis out of a desert environment.

My Petra Photos in black and white

The Nabateans also had a flair for the dramatic. The main entrance to their showcase city follows a mile long narrow rock fissure that twists and turns and builds a sense of anticipation.

Walking through the Siq in Petra to get to the Treasury
Walking through the Siq in Petra to get to the Treasury

Eventually, after a 30 minute walk, a crack opens up in the rock to reveal the first glimpse of the Treasury. As the first sight in Petra, it continues to awe today’s visitors much as it did those that came her 2 millennia ago.

The classic view of Petra's Treasury
The classic view of Petra’s Treasury

Early morning before the tourists arrive, it is just the local Bedouin with their horse and buggies and camels. It looks much like it must have done when westerners first discovered Petra 200 years ago.

Early morning in front of the Treasury
Early morning in front of the Treasury

Looking up at the Treasury, it is impressive to think this was carved out of the rock over 2000 years ago with just simple tools.

Looking up at Petra's Treasury
Looking up at Petra’s Treasury

But there is so much more to Petra than just the Treasury. The Street of Facades is a mountainside of tombs built by the Nabateans 2000 years ago.

The Street of Facades in Petra
The Street of Facades in Petra
A play of light on the tombs of the Street of Facades
A play of light on the tombs of the Street of Facades

For the living, there was a also a large theater that was carved out of the solid rock.

Looking downs on Petra's theater
Looking downs on Petra’s theater

These columns once formed part of a large meeting area in the living center of the city, all within sight of the great Royal Tombs in the distance.

Roman and Nabatean remains coexist at Petra
Roman and Nabatean remains coexist at Petra

The Monastery represents the Nabatean’s highest level of building and carving. This temple is reached after a long 40 minute uphill climb following the processional path that the Nabateans used. The 800 steps are well worth the effort.

On the path up to the Monastery
On the path up to the Monastery
Looking up at the Monastery
Looking up at the Monastery
Another view of the Monastery
Another view of the Monastery
Looking out at the Monastery through a cave in a rock
Looking out at the Monastery through a cave in a rock
A donkey in front of the Monastery
A donkey in front of the Monastery

After hours, for the Petra By Night event, the Treasury is lit by hundreds of candles.

The Treasury lit up with candles at night
The Treasury lit up with candles at night

Petra is Jordan’s most visited tourist site and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has also been named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. We still do not know much about the Nabatean culture, but what they left behind and has survived the eons is certainly impressive.

 

Other stories about my trips to Jordan you may like:

How to visit Petra in two days: Inside Petra By Night and Day: My Perfect 2 day Petra Itinerary

Learn how to take your most memorable images at Petra: 13 Petra Photography Tips For all Skill Levels.

A 10 day independent Israel and Jordan itinerary: Tips for a 10 Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary

A day at a Wadi Rum luxury camp: Desert Magic at a  Wadi Rum Luxury Camp in Jordan

How to spend a day in Jerusalem: One Day in Jerusalem – Where Three Religions Intersect

 

Please note that on my second trip to Jordan, I was hosted by the Jordan Tourism Board.

 

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

 

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