Little Petra (Siq alBarid) Tourism

Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, is an archaeological site located north of the main Petra site in Jordan. It is believed to have served as a suburb of Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabateans, and it dates back to the 1st century AD. Visitors to Little Petra enter through a narrow 350-meter long gorge, which reveals a picturesque and smaller-scale version of Petra. The site features carved tomans, temples, water channels, and cisterns, with some structures still retaining traces of ancient frescoes. Little Petra includes a miniature version of Al-Khazneh ('The Treasury'), called 'The Painted House,' adorned with well-preserved Nabatean wall paintings. Despite its size, the site offers a unique glimpse into the architectural prowess and the daily life of the Nabateans. There are dining areas carved into the rock, indicating that Little Petra may have been a commercial suburb hosting traders and visitors. The tranquility of the site provides a contrast to the more frequented areas of Petra, allowing visitors to explore the history in a more peaceful setting.