Royal Tombs of Petra
Petra, Jordan
About This Activity
The Royal Tombs are a group of grand Nabataean tomb façades carved high into the eastern cliff face above Petra's main street (Colonnaded Street). The four main tombs — the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb — display the extraordinary variety of Nabataean carving styles across several centuries. The Urn Tomb's interior was converted into a Byzantine church in 446 CE. Climbing to the Royal Tombs' terrace (accessible via a long staircase from the Colonnaded Street) rewards with sweeping views across Petra's valley and the mountains beyond. The late-afternoon light turns the sandstone a deep red-orange, making this the best time to visit.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 27 of our curated itineraries.
Best 5 Days in Jordan — Budget
Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum
Best 7 Days in Jordan — Art & Culture
Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum
Best 7 Days in Jordan — History
Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum
Best 7 Days in Jordan — Adventure
Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum
Best 7 Days in Jordan — Relaxed Pace
Amman → Petra
Best 7 Days in Jordan — Budget
Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum
More Activities in Petra
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Walk the Siq canyon to Petra's iconic Treasury — the rose-red Nabataean façade carved directly into the cliff
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Hike 850 rock-cut steps to Petra's largest carved monument — the Monastery, even more dramatic than the Treasury
The Siq Canyon Walk
Walk the 1.2km Siq — Petra's dramatic narrow gorge lined with ancient water channels and carved votives
Petra by Night
Walk the candlelit Siq after dark to see the Treasury illuminated by 1,500 candles — a magical evening experience
High Place of Sacrifice
Hike to Petra's ritual altar on the mountain summit for panoramic views over the ancient city
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Explore Little Petra's uncrowded narrow canyon with carved caves, painted ceilings, and Nabataean triclinia
Free Day in Petra
A free day to explore Petra's more remote trails, Little Petra, or simply relax in Wadi Musa