Jebel al-Madhbah | Petra

Information

Landmark: Jebel al-Madhbah
City: Petra
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Jebel al-Madhbah, Petra, Jordan, Asia

Jebel al-Madhbah is a prominent mountain peak in the Petra Archaeological Park, situated directly above the city center. It is most recognized as the location of the High Place of Sacrifice, a major Nabataean cultic complex.

Visual Characteristics

The mountain is composed of red-and-white Cambrian sandstone, characterized by steep vertical cliffs and a flattened, rock-cut summit. The peak features two 6-meter-tall obelisks carved directly from the bedrock, a massive rectangular courtyard, and a raised sacrificial altar. The terrain is rugged, with weathered rock surfaces and ancient, narrow stone staircases integrated into the natural slopes.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the Petra Visitor Center in Wadi Musa. Access is exclusively on foot via a steep rock-cut trail that begins near the Street of Facades and The Theatre. The ascent involves several hundred steps and takes 30 to 45 minutes. A second, longer route descends through Wadi Farasa towards the Qasr al-Bint. No motorized transport is available.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Jebel al-Madhbah was established as a sacred site by the Nabataeans in the 1st century BC. It served as an open-air sanctuary dedicated to the gods Dushara and Al-Uzza. Geologically, the mountain belongs to the Umm Ishrin formation, which provides the characteristic rose-red hue seen throughout the Petra basin.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the sacrificial altar, the circular libation basins, and the rock-cut drainage channels. The peak offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, and the distant Jabal Haroun (Mount Aaron). Landscape photography and high-altitude trekking are the primary activities.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no permanent buildings or restrooms on the mountain. A small Bedouin-run tea stall near the obelisks provides bottled water and shaded seating under fabric canopies. Shaded spots are limited to the lee side of large boulders and the interiors of small caves. 4G cellular signal is consistently available at the summit.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (07:00–09:00) is the optimal time for the ascent to avoid peak heat and high wind speeds. For photography, late afternoon provides the best lighting as the sun illuminates the Royal Tombs across the valley and the surrounding desert ranges to the west.

Facts & Legends

The peak is often identified by some biblical scholars as the "true" Mount Sinai due to its location, the presence of the ancient sacrificial altar, and the prominent twin obelisks, though this remains a subject of academic debate.