High Place of Sacrifice

About This Activity

The High Place of Sacrifice (Al-Madhbah) is a Nabataean ritual altar carved into the summit of Jabal Madbah, the mountain above Petra's city centre. The climb of around 800 rock-cut steps takes approximately 45 minutes but rewards with the most panoramic views in Petra — a hawk's-eye perspective across the valley of rose-red cliffs, tombs, and the distant desert. The ritual platform at the top includes libation channels, an altar, and drainage gutters carved directly into the bedrock. On the descent via the western route, you pass the Lion Triclinium, the Garden Tomb, and the Roman Soldier Tomb in a quieter section of Petra rarely crowded.