Silk Tomb | Petra

The Silk Tomb is a Nabataean funerary monument located in the Royal Tombs group on the western slope of the Jabal al-Khubtha mountain in Petra. It is positioned between the Urn Tomb and the Corinthian Tomb along the main eastern cliff face.

Visual Characteristics

The facade is characterized by intense natural coloration, featuring swirling bands of pink, yellow, ochre, and grey minerals within the sandstone. It is smaller than the adjacent Urn Tomb, with a flattened architectural style that has suffered significant wind erosion. The design includes four pilasters and a central doorway topped by a double-cornice pediment, typical of the Nabataean classical influence.

Location & Access Logistics

The tomb is located 2.6 kilometers from the Petra Visitor Center. Access requires walking through the Siq and past the Theater, followed by an uphill hike toward the Royal Tombs plateau. The site is accessed via the same stone staircase system that serves the Urn Tomb, moving north along the cliff base.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed in the 1st century AD, the Silk Tomb was carved as a burial site for high-ranking Nabataean citizens or royalty. The name is a modern designation derived from the visual texture of the rock, which resembles rippling silk fabric due to the high concentration of iron and manganese oxides in the Cambrian-era sandstone.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is the observation of the rock strata, which are considered the most vivid in the entire archaeological park. Visitors can walk directly up to the facade to examine the mineral patterns. Photography is the main draw, as the colors shift in intensity based on the angle of the sun.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no amenities at this specific tomb. The closest restrooms and food vendors are located in the valley near the Theater, approximately 400 meters away. There is no shade available on the platform in front of the tomb; however, the small interior chamber provides shelter from direct sun. 4G signal is generally available.

Best Time to Visit

The facade is best viewed in the late afternoon (16:00–17:30) when the setting sun highlights the color bands. In the morning, the tomb remains in the shadow of the mountain, which flattens the appearance of the mineral swirls. Dry weather is preferred, as moisture can alter the perceived color of the rock.

Facts & Legends

While it lacks the massive scale of the Palace Tomb or the religious history of the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb is geologically unique; the specific erosion patterns here have exposed deeper, more vibrant layers of sandstone than are visible anywhere else in the King's Wall.

Nearby Landmarks

Urn Tomb: 0.1km South

Corinthian Tomb: 0.05km North

Palace Tomb: 0.15km North

The Nabataean Theater: 0.4km Southwest