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Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)

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Landmark
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Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)

Weather…

Little Petra, locally known as Siq al-Barid, is located about five kilometers north of the main Petra archaeological park and served as a vital agricultural suburb and caravan stop for the ancient capital. The name Siq al-Barid translates to 'the cold canyon,' referring to its narrow walls that prevent sunlight from entering, keeping the passage cool even in peak summer. Like its larger counterpart, Little Petra features remarkable rock-cut structures, including temples, residential areas, and communal dining halls known as triclinia. A major highlight is the 'Painted House,' which contains rare 1st-century AD Nabataean ceiling frescoes depicting birds, grapevines, and floral motifs in a lush Hellenistic style. These paintings are among the few surviving examples of figurative Nabataean art in existence. Historians believe Little Petra was a hub for traders to rest and organize their goods before entering the sacred inner city, making it a crucial component of Petra's regional trade network.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C681115202325252319138
Rain mm453619104000171526

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) is an archaeological site open to visitors. There are no entry gates, but the site is usually patrolled by local guardians during daytime.
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Typical hours
The site is typically accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no fixed opening hours, but an early morning or late afternoon visit is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, but inside the rock-cut caves avoid flash to protect the fragile frescoes. Tripods are best used on the pathways.
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Time needed
A visit to Little Petra typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Those wanting to examine the caves and frescoes more closely should allow one hour and 15 minutes.
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Combine with
Little Petra is only about 10 kilometers north of Petra, making it good to combine with a visit to the main site. The surrounding desert landscapes also invite hiking.
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Getting there
Little Petra is reachable by car via a gravel road; access is usually possible for standard vehicles. Parking is available at the entrance of the Siq.
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Insider tip
Visit Little Petra early in the morning before the big groups arrive from Petra. Bring a flashlight to better see the darker corners of the rock-cut caves.

Geography

Coordinates
30.37340, 35.44280

Facts

  • Little Petra features its own miniature Siq, around 350 meters long.
  • The frescoes in the Painted House are unique to the Nabataean world.
  • The site served as a major trade depot for incense and spices.
  • Many of the carved rooms were used as storage for trade goods.
  • The area was inhabited by Bedouins until relatively recently.
  • It provides a clear view of the complex Nabataean irrigation systems.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ad-Deir (The Monastery)Ad-Deir (The Monastery)3 km · WExplore →
Royal Tombs of PetraRoyal Tombs of Petra4 km · WExplore →
The SiqThe Siq5 km · WExplore →
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)7 km · SWExplore →
Sharah MountainsSharah Mountains7 km · NWExplore →
Shobak CastleShobak Castle19 km · NEExplore →
Wadi GhuweirWadi Ghuweir21 km · NEExplore →
Wadi Dhana / FeynanWadi Dhana / Feynan22 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (4)

Bir Madhkur🏺 historical

The ruins of a Nabataean caravan station and Roman fort located on the ancient Incense Route.

Biclinium peint🏺 historical

A rock-cut chamber in Little Petra famous for its rare surviving frescoes of vine tendrils and birds.

Little Petra📍 landmark

A smaller canyon known as Siq al-Barid, featuring rock-cut facades used as a trading post for caravans.

Um Suwwanah🏺 historical

An archaeological site containing prehistoric flint tools and circular stone foundations on a desert plateau.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost to enter Little Petra?
No, entry is generally free of charge.
How do you get there from Petra?
There is a free shuttle from the Visitor Center, or a 15-min taxi ride.
What is special about Little Petra?
The well-preserved Nabataean ceiling paintings in the 'Painted House'.
Are there toilets and cafes?
Yes, there are toilets and simple Bedouin cafes at the entrance.
Can you hike from here to Petra?
Yes, the 'Backdoor Hike' to the Monastery starts here and takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): where is it located?
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) is located in Jordan.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): what is there to see?
Highlights include Bir Madhkur, Biclinium peint, Little Petra.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): why is it worth visiting?
Little Petra, locally known as Siq al-Barid, is located about five kilometers north of the main Petra archaeological park and served as a vital agricultural suburb and caravan stop for the ancient capital.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

🗺️
Ma'an
Ma'an is the largest city in Jordan's arid south.

History & landmarks

Ad-Deir (The Monastery) — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
The Monastery is one of the largest monuments in Petra and requires climbing over 800 steps.
Royal Tombs of Petra — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Royal Tombs of Petra
This imposing row of tombs is carved into the rock face of Jabal al-Khubtha.
Great Temple of Petra — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Great Temple of Petra
This vast monumental complex is located in the center of Petra.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
The famous Treasury is the most iconic monument of Petra.
The Siq — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
The Siq
The narrow canyon is the dramatic main entrance to the ancient city of Petra.
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)
This mountain is the highest peak in the Petra area.

More places

Petra — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Petra
The ancient rock city carved from pink sandstone by the Nabataeans is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Jabal al-Madhbah — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Jabal al-Madhbah
A significant mountain in Petra, used by the Nabataeans as a sacred sacrificial site at the summit.
Jabal Harun — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Jabal Harun
The highest peak in the Petra region, traditionally considered the burial site of Moses' brother Aaron.
Sharah Mountains — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Sharah Mountains
A striking mountain massif near Petra, characterized by deep valleys and steep cliffs.
Shobak Castle — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Shobak Castle
A Crusader castle situated on a conical mountain, offering a dramatic and rugged appearance.
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant
One of the largest photovoltaic plants in the region, helping to reduce Jordan's energy dependence.
🗺️
Eshidiya Phosphate Mine
Jordan's largest phosphate mine in the Ma'an Governorate, providing large quantities of raw materials for fertilizers.
Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO) — Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) (Jordan)
Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO)
A joint venture that produces phosphoric acid from local phosphate ores for export to India.