The majestic Treasury

After the tortuous path of the two-kilometers Siq continues, widening out at times or suddenly narrowing, the majestic facade rises up before you, the one that Petra is so famous for. Coming out of the gorge, the rose-colored building begins to appear, revealing itself more and more with every step you take. And then you finally step out of the Siq, and there it is – the surreal Al Khazneh.

Although the function of the monument is still controversial, it is most likely that it served as a tomb. Nevertheless, because of its construction Bedouins called it “the pharaoh treasury” and the name thus stuck. It was probably built during the rain of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD).

There was an interesting legend saying that a pharaoh came across Petra while going after Jews, and he hid his wealth in one of the urns using magic. You can see the signs of rifle shots fired by the Bedouins in the attempt to pierce the tholos, hoping the “treasure” would fall down.