Corinthian Tomb | Petra

Information

Landmark: Corinthian Tomb
City: Petra
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Corinthian Tomb, Petra, Jordan, Asia

The Corinthian Tomb is a massive rock-cut structure located within the Royal Tombs complex on the eastern cliff of Petra. It stands between the Silk Tomb and the Palace Tomb, overlooking the central valley.

Visual Characteristics

The facade is 27.5 meters wide and 26 meters high, featuring a lower level with eight Corinthian columns and four entrances. The upper level is a replica of the Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) design, consisting of a central tholos flanked by two broken pediments. The sandstone exhibits significant weathering, which has blurred the intricate floral carvings on the capitals and the architectural moldings.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated 2.7 kilometers from the Petra Visitor Center. Access is via the main trail through the Siq, passing the Theater and following the elevated path along the King’s Wall. The final approach involves a stone staircase and a gravel ledge; no motorized vehicles are permitted beyond the Treasury area except for authorized electric carts.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Built between 40 and 70 AD during the Nabataean period, the tomb served as a royal burial site. It is an example of "Baroque" Nabataean architecture, blending local rock-cutting traditions with Hellenistic styles imported from Alexandria and Rome. The structure is carved into Cambrian-Ordovician sandstone, which is prone to exfoliation and wind erosion.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can examine the weathered Corinthian capitals and the asymmetrical layout of the doorways, which differ from the more precise Treasury facade. The platform in front of the tomb provides a viewing point for the Byzantine Church and the Temple of the Winged Lions across the valley. Entry into the interior chambers is permitted, revealing multiple burial niches.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no infrastructure at the tomb itself. The nearest water vendors and basic restrooms are located 500 meters south near the Theater or 600 meters west at the Colonnaded Street. The interior of the tomb offers shade, but the exterior platform is fully exposed to sunlight. 4G cellular signal is available.

Best Time to Visit

The facade is best illuminated for photography in the late afternoon (16:30–17:30) when the sun hits the eastern cliffs directly. Visiting during the early morning provides cooler temperatures for the ascent, though the structure remains in shadow until midday.

Facts & Legends

The tomb’s name is a modern archaeological designation based on its column style; however, the lack of inscriptions means the specific royal occupant remains unidentified. It is notably less preserved than its neighbors, likely due to a lower-quality vein of sandstone that was more susceptible to water damage.