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Royal Tombs of Petra

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Royal Tombs are a collection of monumental facades carved into the East Cliff of Petra, representing some of the most sophisticated architecture in the ancient city. This grand group includes the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb, each showcasing unique artistic styles. The Urn Tomb, the most prominent, features a deep courtyard and a massive interior chamber that was converted into a Byzantine church in 447 AD. The Silk Tomb is celebrated for its extraordinary natural rock patterns, where multicolored layers of sandstone create a lively, shimmering effect across the facade. The Palace Tomb is the largest of the four, spanning 49 meters and designed to resemble a three-story Roman palace, reflecting the cosmopolitan influences on Nabataean culture. While their exact occupants remain unidentified, their sheer scale and prominent position overlooking the city center suggest they were reserved for Petra's ruling elite or deified kings.

Location: Jordan
Top sights: Mughar an-Nasara · Dorotheos' House · Carmine Tomb
Nearby: Wadi Dhana / Feynan (25 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

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Visiting

The Royal Tombs of Petra are part of the ancient rock-cut city and can be visited as part of a Petra ticket. The tombs are clearly visible from outside, but the interior is usually not accessible or limited.

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Typical hours

The archaeological site of Petra is typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, longer in summer. The Royal Tombs are accessible anytime during opening hours.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed in Petra, including at the Royal Tombs, without flash. Drones are strictly prohibited as the site is protected.

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Time needed

Viewing the Royal Tombs from outside takes about 20 to 30 minutes. For a walk through the entire site including the Siq and the Treasury, plan at least four hours.

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Combine with

Combine your visit to the tombs with the nearby Treasury and the Monastery of Petra. The nearby town of Wadi Musa provides restaurants and souvenir shops.

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Getting there

The Royal Tombs are located inside Petra, about a 20-minute walk from the entrance. They can be reached on foot or by donkey taxi rented on site.

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Insider tip

Visit the tombs early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer tourists. Wear comfortable hiking shoes as the terrain is rocky.

Geography

Coordinates

30.33230, 35.44680

Facts

The Palace Tomb is the widest structure in Petra at 49 meters.
The Urn Tomb features an open terrace supported by massive arches.
Silk Tomb's vibrant colors are entirely natural geological layers.
Corinthian Tomb shows a mix of Nabataean 'horns' and Greek columns.
The Byzantine conversion of the Urn Tomb happened in 447 AD.
The tombs were likely painted and plastered in antiquity.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Petra<1 km · SWExplore →

The Siq2 km · NWExplore →

Ad-Deir (The Monastery)2 km · SExplore →

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)4 km · EExplore →

Sharah Mountains4 km · NExplore →

Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)5 km · SExplore →

Shobak Castle22 km · NEExplore →

Wadi Ghuweir25 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Royal Tombs of Petra (4)

Mughar an-Nasara 📍 landmark

Known as the 'Caves of the Christians', these rock-cut tombs feature engraved crosses from the Byzantine period.

Dorotheos' House 📍 landmark

A large Nabataean complex featuring multiple rock-cut rooms and an architecturally designed facade.

Carmine Tomb 📍 landmark

This rock-cut tomb owes its name to the deep red and carmine hues of the natural sandstone.

Boys of Ramadan Viewpoint 🌿 nature

This viewpoint has a spectacular outlook from above onto the entire row of Royal Tombs.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which tombs belong to the Royal Tombs?

These include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb.

Can you go inside the tombs?

Yes, most of the interior chambers are accessible, but they are usually empty.

How strenuous is the walk there?

You have to climb some stairs, but it's much easier than the walk to the Monastery.

When is the best light for photography?

Late afternoon, when the sun makes the facades glow in reddish hues.

Why is it called the Silk Tomb?

Because of the beautiful natural swirls and colors of the sandstone in the facade.

Royal Tombs of Petra: where is it located?

Royal Tombs of Petra is located in Jordan.

Royal Tombs of Petra: what is there to see?

Highlights include Mughar an-Nasara, Dorotheos' House, Carmine Tomb.

Royal Tombs of Petra: when is the best time to visit?

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

Royal Tombs of Petra: why is it worth visiting?

The Royal Tombs are a collection of monumental facades carved into the East Cliff of Petra, representing some of the most sophisticated architecture in the ancient city.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Royal Tombs of Petra

Best time to visit & climate