Siq

The Siq is a narrow, natural rock gorge that forms the main entrance corridor to the archaeological site of Petra in southern Jordan. It is roughly 1.2 kilometres long and is the principal approach used for access to Petra’s most famous monuments.

The Siq leads directly to the rock-cut façade known as the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) at Petra’s main entrance and is the dramatic prelude to the archaeological city. Its winding passage is flanked by steep sandstone walls, water channels and carved niches, and visitors walk the length of the gorge along the ancient paved route.

The gorge is primarily a natural geological fault and gorge formed in sandstone, but it was used and modified by the Nabataean civilization in the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. The Nabataeans installed paved surfaces, water-management channels and rock-cut features along the Siq to control flash floods and to enhance the ceremonial approach to Petra.

The Siq sits within the Petra archaeological park in Ma’an Governorate, immediately adjacent to the modern town of Wadi Musa in southern Jordan, and forms the main eastern approach into Petra’s central area.

• Dimensions: The narrow gorge is roughly 1.2 kilometres long with rock walls rising to around 80 metres in places, producing dramatic light and shadow effects.
• Best light: Best photographed early morning or late afternoon when light angles emphasize the carved facades at the gorge mouth and the Treasury beyond.