The City of Petra by Night

We had planned to visit Petra by night the day before visiting the area.

Mohammed, our driver, bought our tickets insisting we couldn’t change our minds later. He said “No regrets later, you can’t change your mind.” We didn’t understand why he would think we would change our minds, hello! Petra by night is a must see!

Well, the time came when regret was kicking in. We had spent more than 8 hours walking in the desert heat all over the city of Petra. We were exhausted from climbing through sandstone rock, and mild dehydration. We had finally reached our hotel, Mövenpick Resort Petra. We were laying on the rug with our feet up and all I kept saying was “We really don’t need to see it by night.”

We rested for a bit and made our way back to the entrance of Petra. Luckily, our hotel was right across the street. The sun was setting by the time we made it to the entrance line. We had an ice cream while we waited to get in. I think that’s what gave me the energy to make it back into Petra all the way to the Treasury, the temple in the stone.

We walked in the dark with a nice breeze for a while with our path lit by small candles. Our path was quiet, you could hear the whispers of the other visitors as they walked but could barely see them. It was pitch black in some areas where the candles were very spaced out. We made it to the Treasury, this time illuminated by a starry sky, candles and some artificial lights. It was a sight from a dream. Just like earlier in the day, I had the sensation that I couldn’t believe I was actually standing in front of this magnificent and ancient sight.

The City of Petra is a beautiful sight by day time, but once the sun sets this place turns to life in a magical way. I’m glad my friend insisted on going.

We had traditional music played by a Bedouin man, while another served tea to all the visitors. There was a small meditation and a pause to allow us all to make a wish. It was a peaceful time to enjoy that moment and the now.

If you have the chance to visit by night do it no matter how tired you might be.