Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) | Petra

Information

Landmark: Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
City: Petra
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra, Jordan, Asia

Al-Khazneh, or The Treasury, is a rock-cut temple carved into the sandstone cliffs of Petra, Jordan. Originally built as a mausoleum and crypt for the Nabataean King Aretas IV in the 1st century CE, it serves as the most iconic landmark of the ancient city.

Visual Characteristics

The Treasury features a 40-meter-high Hellenistic-style facade carved directly into the rose-red canyon face. The architecture includes a lower level with a portico of six Corinthian columns and an upper level consisting of a central tholos (circular temple) flanked by two broken pediments. The stone is predominantly Nubian sandstone, exhibiting deep pink and ochre hues that change intensity based on the angle of sunlight.

Location & Access Logistics

Location: Petra Archeological Park, Jordan.

Access: Situated at the western exit of the Siq. Access is pedestrian-only, requiring a 1.2 km walk through the canyon from the main entrance.

Tickets: Entry requires a Petra site ticket or Jordan Pass.

Hours: Daily, 06:30 – 17:30.

Historical & Engineering Origin

Constructed by the Nabataeans, the structure was carved from the top down to eliminate the need for scaffolding. Despite its name, it was not a treasury but a royal tomb. The name "Al-Khazneh" originates from a local Bedouin legend claiming that an Egyptian pharaoh hid his treasure in the stone urn at the top of the facade.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Urn: A 3.5-meter-high stone urn at the center of the upper level. Bullet holes are visible on its surface, left by Bedouins who historically fired at it in attempts to "release" the legendary gold.

Sculptural Details: The facade is decorated with mythological figures, including Castor and Pollux, Amazons, and Victorian-style dancers, though many are significantly eroded.

Viewpoints: Several steep hiking trails, such as the Al-Khubtha trail, lead to high-altitude viewpoints overlooking the structure.

Petra by Night: A separate ticketed event where the plaza in front of the Treasury is illuminated by thousands of candles.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Plaza: A large sandy clearing in front of the monument used as a rest point.

Refreshments: Small kiosks nearby sell water, tea, and local snacks.

Communication: Mobile signal is weak and inconsistent due to the deep canyon walls.

Accessibility: The ground is uneven sand and gravel; electric club cars can be hired at the Visitor Center to reach the Treasury plaza.

Best Time to Visit

The facade is fully illuminated by direct sunlight between 09:00 and 11:00, depending on the season. To avoid high-volume crowds, arrival at the site entrance by 06:30 is recommended.

Facts & Legends

The interior consists of a plain, square main chamber and three smaller antechambers. Unlike the exterior, the interior has no decorative carvings. The structure gained massive global recognition after appearing in the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.