Jordan: Petra – Treasury (Al Kazneh) & the Facades

As you descend down the narrow slot canyon of Wadi Musa, nothing can prepare you for the sight of the Treasury that opens up rather dramatically between the vertical walls. This is the most beautiful temple building carved out of blood-red rock face in the entire Petra city. Facing north, it’s protected from direct sunlight which probably helped it preservation; it was built in the 1st century BC. The name Treasury comes from the Arabic Al Kazneh, since it was thought that a treasury was hidden in the urn on the second floor. Beduins shot at it in hopes of cracking it open, but it is actually solid rock…. As you continue from the Treasury, you enter the street of Fasades – the canyon walls are all carved into cathedral like doors and caves and dwellings are everywhere.