The Treasury

One of the most elaborate temples in Petra is Al-Khazneh, aka The Treasury. It is among the most renowned points of interest in both the region and Jordan. Al-Khazneh was constructed as a mausoleum and crypt of the Nabatean King Aretas IV Philopatris at the dawn of the 1st century.

The structure of Al-Khazneh was carved out of a sandstone rock face. Its facade features magnificent figurative and floral components that resemble the Ptolemaic Palace Architecture of Alexandria. Unfortunately, many architectural details of this erection have eroded over the twenty centuries since it was sculptured from the cliff. The carvings are said to be of various mythological figures related to the afterlife. Therefore people find it a fascinating sight. Notably, this building became famous as the Treasury (or Al-Khazneh) at the dawn of the 19th century as the Bedouins of that area believed that there were treasures hidden in the urn on the top. The visitors cannot explore the Treasury from inside though there is nothing to see, just an empty room inside the structure. On the way to Al-Khazneh, spot the magnificent rock formations, carvings on pink sandstone cliffs, obelisks, fascinating water conduit systems, collonaded streets, and more.