Petra is one of the world's most extraordinary ancient cities, hidden among the rose-red mountains of southern Jordan. Carved directly into sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its magnificent rock-cut architecture, narrow canyons, and mysterious ancient history.Known as the Rose City, Petra was once the thriving capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and an important trading hub connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.