Little Petra

About

Little Petra is believed to have been built during the 1st century as a suburb of the famous Nabatean capital, as both an agricultural and residential center, and stopping point for traders on the Silk Road. Like its big sister, Little Petra was abandoned after the decline of the Nabataeans, and used only as a camp by Bedouin nomads until its excavation in the mid-20th century. Reached by a sun-blocking canyon, this free destination offers visitors a more immersive experience than Petra - you can explore the site freely. One of the most unique sights is a dining room discovered in 2010 that has Hellenistic-style frescoes considered to surpass even those at Herculaneum in Italy. It’s also worth taking a little time to visit the nearby archaeological site of Beidha - a neolithic settlement dating back to the 11th millennium BC.