This is the pathway through the mountain that leads to the rose-red city of Petra in Jordan. Petra was the ancient city of a people called the Nabataeans. It’s a mysterious place that dates to 600 BC. The journey into Petra begins with a donkey ride down the steep mountainside until you reach the floor of the valley. Then you follow a narrow track through towering stone canyons.

At the end of the track you get your first tantalizing glimpse of the city of Petra, above.

Theories differ as to the function of Petra. Some think it was a ceremonial religious city, others think the Nabataeans actually lived there.

All the buildings and monuments are carved out of the soft red sandstone. There were public baths, garden, waterworks, and an amphitheatre.

This building is named “The Treasury”, and it is the first building you see as you emerge from the narrow passage through the rock walls.

I visited Petra in 1978 and would love to go back again. If you’d like to see more of the buildings and monuments, you can go to www.nabataea.net/.