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Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
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Landmark
Al-Khazneh, famously known as 'The Treasury,' is the most iconic monument in the ancient rock-cut city of Petra and a pinnacle of Nabataean architectural skill. Carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffside likely during the 1st century BC or 1st century AD, it is widely believed to have been a mausoleum for King Aretas IV. The facade stands 40 meters high and 25 meters wide, showcasing an intricate Hellenistic design with Corinthian columns, detailed friezes, and mythological figures. The name 'Treasury' derives from a Bedouin legend suggesting that an Egyptian Pharaoh hid his treasure in the stone urn at the very top of the structure. Bullet holes from Bedouin muskets are still visible on the urn, marking past attempts to release the rumored gold. Beyond the grand entrance lies a large, unadorned main hall that contrasts sharply with the ornate exterior. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Al-Khazneh serves as the ultimate symbol of Jordan's ancient history, revealed dramatically to visitors emerging from the narrow Siq canyon.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Rock carving · Treasury from above · Street of Facades
- Nearby: Wadi Dhana / Feynan (26 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 19 | 13 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 36 | 19 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 26 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, is the centerpiece of Petra and is accessible to all visitors of the archaeological park. It can be admired from the outside, but the interior is typically not open to the public.
Typical hours
The Petra archaeological park is typically open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with shorter hours in winter. The best time to visit the Treasury is early morning when the sunlight perfectly illuminates the facade.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, and the Treasury is one of the most photographed subjects in the world. For the best crowd-free shot, arrive very early in the morning and use a wide-angle lens.
Time needed
Allow at least 30 minutes just for the Treasury to view the facade from different angles and take photos. For the entire walk through the Siq and back, you should budget about 2-3 hours.
Combine with
Be sure to combine your visit to the Treasury with exploring Petra's other monuments, such as the Monastery Ad-Deir and the High Place of Sacrifice. The walk through the Siq, the remarkable gorge, is an experience in itself.
Getting there
Access to the Treasury is on foot through the Siq, a 1.2-kilometer-long gorge starting from the main entrance of Petra Park. Alternatively, you can rent a horse or a golf cart for the first part of the route.
Insider tip
Visit the Treasury early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and fewest tourists. It is best to book your Petra ticket online in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance.
Geography
Facts
- The structure is carved into the mountain side, not built from blocks.
- It was likely constructed between 60 BC and 50 AD.
- The facade features statues of Pollux and Castor, the Dioscuri.
- Local legends believed the urn contained solid gold coins.
- The main chamber is roughly 12 meters square and 10 meters high.
- It is the central attraction of the Petra Archaeological Park.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the inside of Al-Khazneh?
No, entering the interior is prohibited for the public to protect the monument.
When is the best time for photos?
In the morning between 9:00 and 11:00, when the sun shines directly on the facade.
Are there toilets nearby?
There are no toilets at the Treasury; they're at the Siq entrance or further in the valley.
How long is the walk from the entrance?
It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk through the Siq to the Treasury.
What does the name Al-Khazneh mean?
It means 'The Treasury' in Arabic.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury): where is it located?
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) is located in Jordan.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury): what is there to see?
Highlights include Rock carving, Treasury from above, Street of Facades.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury): why is it worth visiting?
Al-Khazneh, famously known as 'The Treasury,' is the most iconic monument in the ancient rock-cut city of Petra and a pinnacle of Nabataean architectural skill.
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History & landmarks
The Siq
The narrow canyon is the dramatic main entrance to the ancient city of Petra.
Great Temple of Petra
This vast monumental complex is located in the center of Petra.
Royal Tombs of Petra
This imposing row of tombs is carved into the rock face of Jabal al-Khubtha.
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
The Monastery is one of the largest monuments in Petra and requires climbing over 800 steps.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
This remote site north of Petra once served as a suburb for passing merchants.
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)
This mountain is the highest peak in the Petra area.
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Jabal al-Madhbah
A significant mountain in Petra, used by the Nabataeans as a sacred sacrificial site at the summit.
Petra
The ancient rock city carved from pink sandstone by the Nabataeans is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Sharah Mountains
A striking mountain massif near Petra, characterized by deep valleys and steep cliffs.
Jabal Harun
The highest peak in the Petra region, traditionally considered the burial site of Moses' brother Aaron.
Shobak Castle
A Crusader castle situated on a conical mountain, offering a dramatic and rugged appearance.
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