After a quiet walk along the Siq, the Petra moment that everyone awaits appears in front of your: the magnificent Al Kazneh, alias the Treasury. A magical moment, a step back in time.
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TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - The Treasury
What is the Treasury?
The Treasury is the most famous monument in Petra due to its 40 meter high facade with detailed ornaments. It is also named al-Kazneh
The role of this monument is still a mystery.
Planning Tips to admiring the Treasury
- Early morning yor will not have anyone in front of it but it will not be lit up yet
- There are 2 platforms to observe it from above: one official, and another one that should not be reached without a guide
- More info and planning tips on my detailed guide to help you plan your visit to Petra
Discovering the Treasury from the Siq
Through the narrow canyon, I got my first glimpse of the Treasury: the delicate details contrasting with the raw rocks of the the Siq. I stopped and enjoy the moment. The walk along the Siq was so long that the excitement has built up and I decided to make it last just a little longer before stepping outside in front of it.
An impressive facade
And as I woke up early and was there at the opening at 6am, I enjoyed this discovery with less than 10 people around. That early in the morning the Treasury is not yet illuminated by the sun but it is still magnificent. Its façade has two levels with columns and reaches 40 m high.
The other main facade in Petra is the Monastery, less decorated but very impressive. Have a look to the dedicated article.
Lighting and colors
During the day, the treasury changes colors as the sun goes up and illuminates it. When fully lit the colors are really nice but I you see less of the details. If you want to know at what time it will be fully illuminated, check the live webcam a few days before going (and don’t forget the time difference!). For me in May, it was at 10 am.
Be sure to have a lot of space on your memory card because most people I saw, just like me, could not stop taking pictures of it!!!
The Treasury from above
As far as I know there are 2 places where you can see the Treasury from above. One that is accessible from the main path climbing stairs. I did not do this hike but saw the platform across from the Siq with people there and the small tent.
I personally saw it from the other side on a rock platform along the cliff. I was hiking the Madras Trail and my guide suggested we could make a detour to reach that platform but the hike was a bit difficult. Although I am not very fit, I could not miss the opportunity.
And the effort was worth it as you can see from those pictures. A completely different feeling from up there!
But be careful, do not attempt to find these place by yourself. I strongly recommend going with a guide. We met a couple who was lost. Lucky we were here.
And to give you an idea of how is the space to observe it from the floor, here is a view of the tourists admiring the Treasury.
Want to see MORE of JORDAN?
Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Jordan Travel Guide.
Incredible structure, don’t you think?
This is amazing! I am so grateful for these tips! I am planning a trip there early November and hoping to make the most of my trip.
Thanks for your comment Raine.
Glad I could help 🙂
I wish you a wonderful trip.
Thank you for all this amazing trips! me I’, planimg traveling there on April this year and I can’t wait ! any tips about a good camera ? very grateful thanks !!
Thanks Lily
Choosing a camera is a very complex question…
All I can tell you is that you need a lens with a very wide angle so as not to feel frustrated and be able to capture de whole Treasury 🙂
Have a wonderful trip!