Petra, the ancient city carved into the red-rose sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan, has long been a source of fascination for filmmakers, authors, and audiences worldwide. With its grand structures, atmospheric passageways, and dramatic landscapes, Petra has served as the backdrop for numerous famous films, TV shows, and books. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, an avid reader, or just a curious traveler, exploring Petra’s filming locations offers an intriguing glimpse into the world of cinema and literature.

Famous Films Shot in Petra

Petra’s striking scenery has captured the imaginations of filmmakers, making it a popular location for a variety of films. Here are some of the most prominent films shot in Petra:

1. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)  – Directed by Steven Spielberg, this classic adventure film features Petra’s Al Khazneh (The Treasury) as the final resting place of the Holy Grail.
2. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)  – Directed by Michael Bay, this action-packed sequel uses the iconic cliffs of Petra as a backdrop for one of its key scenes.
3. The Mummy Returns (2001)  – Directed by Stephen Sommers, this adventurous sequel features several scenes shot in Petra, showcasing its awe-inspiring architecture.
4. Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977)  – This fantasy film directed by Sam Wanamaker, features several scenes shot in the ancient city of Petra.
5. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)  – Petra’s unique landscape serves as the backdrop for some of the film’s thrilling fight sequences.
6. Queen of the Desert (2015)  – Werner Herzog’s historical drama about Gertrude Bell, the British political officer and archaeologist, includes several scenes shot in Petra.
7. Kajraare (2010)  – This Bollywood film, directed by Pooja Bhatt, features the stunning landscapes of Petra.

TV Shows Set in Petra

Petra’s enchanting landscapes and unique architecture have also served as the setting for several popular TV shows:

1. Ancient Worlds (2010)  – This BBC documentary series features an episode dedicated to Petra, exploring its history and architecture.
2. The Story of God with Morgan Freeman (2016)  – This National Geographic series explores various aspects of religion, with one episode featuring Petra as a place of pilgrimage.
3. Lost Kingdoms of South America (2013)  – This BBC Four series features an episode on the Nabateans, the ancient people who built Petra.
4. An Idiot Abroad (2010-2012)  – This British travel documentary comedy television series, starring Karl Pilkington, features an episode where Pilkington visits Petra.

Animated Films Set in Petra

The magical city of Petra has also found its way into the world of animation:

1. Aladdin (1992)  – While not explicitly set in Petra, the design of the fictional city of Agrabah in Disney’s Aladdin was reportedly inspired by it.
2. Transformers Prime (2010-2013)  – This animated television series features an episode where a battle takes place in the ruins of Petra.
3. Tad, the Lost Explorer (2012)  – This Spanish animated adventure comedy film includes several scenes set in Petra.

Famous Books Set in Petra

Petra’s rich history and stunning landscapes have provided a captivating setting for numerous literary works:

1. “Married to a Bedouin”  by Marguerite van Geldermalsen – This memoir of a New Zealand woman who lived in Petra with her Bedouin husband provides fascinating insights into Petra’s culture and lifestyle.
2. “Appointment with Death”  by Agatha Christie – This famous detective novel by the Queen of Crime is set in Petra and features her iconic detective, Hercule Poirot.
3. “Left Behind Series”  by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins – In this popular Christian fiction series, Petra is depicted as a place of refuge during the end times.
4. “Petra: The Rose Red City”  by John William Burgon – This classic poem brought the then-little-known city of Petra to the attention of the western world.
5. “The Eagle in the Sand”  by Simon Scarrow – This historical novel set in the Roman era features a thrilling storyline set in Petra.
6. “The Miracle of Petra”  by Hilt Tatum – This contemporary novel explores the prophetic significance of Petra in biblical prophecy.

Exploring Petra’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

To fully immerse yourself in Petra’s film history, there are several key locations you must visit:

1. The Siq  – This dramatic, narrow gorge, which leads into the city, has been featured in numerous films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
2. Al Khazneh (The Treasury)  – Perhaps the most iconic and most photographed monument in Petra, Al Khazneh has been showcased in several films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
3. The Monastery (Ad Deir)  – This colossal monument, carved out of a rock face, is another popular filming location in Petra.
4. The Theatre  – This ancient Nabatean theatre, cut into the hillside, has been used as a backdrop in several films.
5. The Royal Tombs  – These elaborate tombs, carved into the eastern cliff face, provide a stunning backdrop for any scene.
6. High Place of Sacrifice  – This ancient ceremonial site offers panoramic views of Petra and has appeared in several TV documentaries.
7. Street of Facades  – This row of Nabatean tombs has been used as a filming location for numerous films and documentaries due to its unique architecture.

Where to Sleep in Petra

When it comes to accommodation, Petra offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference.

Budget:

1. Petra Gate Hostel  – This budget-friendly hostel offers clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere. It’s located just a short walk from the entrance to Petra.
2. Rocky Mountain Hotel  – This affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the Petra mountains.
3. Valentine Inn  – This budget inn offers simple, clean accommodation and a free shuttle service to the Petra site.

Luxury:

1. Mí¶venpick Resort Petra  – Located just outside the entrance to Petra, this five-star resort offers luxurious rooms, several dining options, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Petra hills.
2. Petra Marriott Hotel  – This luxury hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and stunning mountain views.
3. The Old Village Resort  – Located on a hill overlooking Petra, this luxury resort offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Where to Eat in Petra

From traditional Jordanian cuisine to international dishes, Petra offers a range of dining options:

Budget:

1. The Petra Kitchen  – This restaurant offers a unique dining experience where you can prepare your own Jordanian dishes.
2. Al Qantarah  – A restaurant offering a mix of Jordanian and Middle Eastern dishes at reasonable prices.
3. Sandstone Restaurant  – This budget-friendly restaurant offers a range of dishes, from local Jordanian food to pizzas and pastas.

Luxury:

1. Al Iwan Restaurant  – Located in the Mí¶venpick Resort Petra, this restaurant serves a range of Mediterranean and international dishes.
2. Al Maqa’ad Bar  – Located in the Old Village Resort, this bar offers a range of cocktails and snacks in a relaxing atmosphere.
3. Al Qantarah  – While reasonably priced, this restaurant also offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring traditional Jordanian cuisine.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Central Petra

Start your day at the Petra Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the history of the site. From there, walk through the Siq to reach Al Khazneh, perhaps the most iconic monument in Petra. After lunch, visit the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabatean tombs. Finish the day with a hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice for stunning sunset views over Petra.

Day 2: Outer Petra

Start the day with a hike up to Ad Deir, also known as the Monastery. After lunch, visit the Great Temple, one of the largest Nabatean structures in Petra. Finish the day with a visit to the Petra Church, home to some magnificent Byzantine mosaics.

Day 3: Petra by Night and Wadi Rum

Start your day with a visit to Little Petra, a smaller Nabatean site located a few kilometers north of Petra. In the evening, return to Petra for the Petra by Night experience, where Al Khazneh is lit up by hundreds of candles. On the next day, consider a trip to Wadi Rum, a stunning desert landscape about an hour’s drive from Petra, which has been used as a filming location for films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.

Local Legends and Curiosities About Petra’s Film Industry

Petra’s film industry is full of interesting tales and trivia. For instance, the filming of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in Petra led to a surge in tourism, with the site often being referred to as “The Lost City of Indiana Jones”.

Another curiosity is that despite Petra’s popularity as a filming location, the site remains a sacred place for the local Bedouin community, who still inhabit the area and often work as tour guides or sell handicrafts to tourists.

Hidden Gems in Petra

While Petra’s main trail takes in the most famous sights, there are several lesser-known but equally fascinating places to explore:

1. The Lion Triclinium  – This small, carved banqueting hall is decorated with reliefs of two lions and is a short detour off the main trail.
2. Al Beidha (Little Petra)  – Often overlooked by tourists, Little Petra is a smaller Nabatean site located a few kilometers north of Petra.
3. Aaron’s Tomb  – A challenging hike or donkey ride takes you to this sacred site, believed to be the tomb of Aaron, the brother of Moses.

What to Pack for a Trip to Petra

When packing for your trip to Petra, keep in mind that the weather can be hot during the day and cool at night. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Pack lightweight clothing for the day and a warm jacket for the evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and water bottle are also essential. During winter, temperatures can drop, so pack a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Petra’s Filming Locations

The best way to explore Petra is on foot, although horse-drawn carriages and donkeys are available for hire. The main trail through Petra is about 4km long and takes in most of the major sights. Some of the more remote locations, like Ad Deir and the High Place of Sacrifice, involve steep climbs. For these, it’s possible to hire a donkey or a camel, although these should be used responsibly to avoid animal mistreatment.

Conclusion

From its iconic Al Khazneh to its lesser-known corners, Petra has served as the backdrop for countless narratives, both on screen and in print. Exploring this ancient city allows you to walk in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, follow the narrative arcs of beloved novels, and immerse yourself in the stories that have shaped Petra’s cinematic and literary legacy. So grab your fedora, pack your suitcase, and set off on a thrilling journey through Petra’s cinematic landscape.