Lawrence’s House | Wadi Rum

Information

Landmark: Lawrence’s House
City: Wadi Rum
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Lawrence’s House, Wadi Rum, Jordan, Asia

Lawrence's House consists of the remnants of a stone building situated in the heart of the Wadi Rum Protected Area. While named after the British officer T.E. Lawrence, the site is built upon the foundations of a Nabataean structure used for water storage and as a rest stop for trade caravans.

Visual Characteristics

The site features three standing exterior walls constructed from roughly hewn red sandstone blocks, lacking a roof or internal flooring. It is positioned at the base of a steep sandstone slope covered in hundreds of small rock cairns balanced on ledges. The surrounding terrain is a wide sandy basin characterized by deep red dunes and vertical rock massifs.

Location & Access Logistics

The ruins are located approximately 11km south of Wadi Rum Village within the protected desert zone. Access is restricted to 4x4 vehicles, camels, or foot travel; standard passenger cars cannot navigate the soft sand tracks. Most visitors arrive via guided jeep tours originating from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. There is no paved infrastructure or formal parking; vehicles stop in the open sand directly in front of the structure.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original foundation dates to the Nabataean era (approx. 1st century BC to 1st century AD). During the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918, T.E. Lawrence reportedly utilized the site as a tactical base and residence during his time in the desert. The structure is built into a natural wind-sheltered nook of a sandstone mountain, typical of ancient desert architecture designed to mitigate heat.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the interior of the ruins and climb the rock slope directly behind the house. This elevated vantage point provides a panoramic view of the red sand dunes and the expanse of the Rum Valley. A traditional Bedouin tent is frequently located nearby, offering a shaded area for tea and rest.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site has no modern infrastructure such as restrooms, paved paths, or visitor centers. All amenities are located 11km away in Rum Village or at the main Visitor Center. 4G cellular signal is weak to non-existent due to the surrounding mountain ranges. Shade is provided only by the mountain shadows or the adjacent Bedouin tent.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is the late afternoon, between 3:00 PM and sunset, when the light turns deep red and enhances the sandstone texture. The cooler months of October through April are recommended for the climb behind the house. Midday visits in summer are hazardous due to high surface temperatures and lack of overhead cover.

Facts & Legends

While the structure is titled "Lawrence's House," historical evidence suggests he likely slept in a traditional Bedouin tent nearby rather than the stone ruins themselves. A local secret is that the cairns built by visitors on the hillside are dismantled by wind or locals periodically, yet the tradition persists as a symbolic marker for travelers reaching this central desert point.