Treasury (al-Khazneh)

The Basics

The Treasury is perhaps the most instantly recognizable attraction in the ancient city of Petra, carved from red desert sandstone more than 2,000 years ago by a lost civilization known as the Nabateans. Despite the name, the Treasury (al-Khazneh in Arabic) was, most likely, a mausoleum, not a storehouse: The twin statues on its front are the Greek demigods Castor and Pollux. Movie fans will recognize it as the place where Indiana Jones did battle for the holy grail in the classic adventure movie.

Set in the lower levels of the city, the Treasury is an essential stop on almost all Petra tours. Tickets are required to access the site. Compared to the 1-day entrance tickets, 2-day and 3-day tickets are excellent value and allow you to explore other areas of the city. Both day and night tours of Petra are available, some of which include horse rides or camel rides.

Things to Know Before You Go

• One of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra is a must for first-time visitors and history lovers.

• Approach through the Siq: The Treasury slowly coming into view through the narrow canyon is one of travel’s great sights.

• If you’re visiting without a guide, expect to be pestered by aspiring guides and donkey boys.

How to Get There

Petra sits just below the tourist town of Wadi Musa, which has minibus connections to both Amman and Aqaba. Taxis are available if you’d prefer not to walk the couple of miles to the site. There’s ample accommodation in Wadi Musa for those who want to take a deep dive into Petra, and full-day tours of the ancient site are available from both Amman and Aqaba.

When to Get There

Summer temperatures of 100°F (38°C) are not uncommon in Jordan, while December and January can be colder than you’d expect of the Middle East. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to visit. If exploring Petra in summer, aim to arrive early in the day to beat the midday heat: The site opens at 6am.

Indiana Jones at Petra

InIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Harrison Ford gallops down the Siq canyon to the Treasury in a dramatic chase. Horses are available for hire if you’d like to attempt a slower-paced re-creation, and fedoras are on sale at the entrance. For cinematic views of the Treasury, seek out the steep path that starts just beyond the Royal Tombs.

How long is the walk to the Treasury in Petra?

The walk to The Treasury from the start of the Siq—a narrow canyon that leads into the Petra archaeological site—is about .75 miles (1.2 kilometers) long and takes around 20 minutes if you walk briskly. Some people opt to go by donkey instead, but the journey takes just as long either way.

What is the best time to visit The Treasury for optimal lighting and fewer crowds?

The best time to visit The Treasury for optimal lighting is first thing in the day when the early-morning light casts a golden glow over the site. Alternatively, come on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening to see the Petra by Night light show, when The Treasury is illuminated by candlelight.

Are guided tours available for exploring The Treasury, and are they recommended?

Yes, guided tours are available for exploring The Treasury, and they are a great idea if you want to learn about the history of the site and Petra overall. Petra day tours from Amman or Aqaba include transportation and sometimes stop at the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum.

Is there an entrance fee to visit The Treasury, and how can I purchase tickets?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit The Treasury and the rest of the Petra archaeological site. Some tours include tickets. Otherwise, you can buy them at the Petra Visitor Site. Visitors who spend at least one night in Jordan get a discount, and 1-, 2-, or 3-day tickets are available.

What is the recommended duration for a visit to fully appreciate The Treasury and its surroundings?

A single-day visit is enough if you just want to see The Treasury and other parts of Petra. However, to truly get a feel for Petra and visit further away attractions such as The Monastery, give yourself at least two days at the site.

Can I combine visiting The Treasury with other key sites within the Petra archaeological complex?

Yes, you can combine visiting The Treasury with other key sites at Petra, and most people do. The Treasury is the first major structure you’ll see when you enter the site via the Siq, but there's plenty more to see, from the Byzantine Church to The Monastery.