Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)★★
Little Petra — The Little Sister
9 km north of Petra lies Siq al-Barid, better known as “Little Petra” — a smaller version of the large rock city, which likely served as a suburb and caravanserai. Here, trade caravans stopped before entering Petra.
The special thing about Little Petra: Entry is free, there are hardly any tourists, and the atmosphere is more intimate than in the big sister. A short Siq (350 meters) leads into a valley with three extensions, where temple facades, dining rooms (triclinia), and residential caves are located.
Highlight: A triclinium with preserved ceiling painting — vine tendrils, erotes, and birds in bright colors, the only known Nabataean wall painting. It shows the Hellenistic influence on Nabataean art.
From Little Petra, a hiking trail (approx. 2–3 hours, medium-difficult, only recommended with a guide) leads directly to the Monastery Ad-Deir in Petra — one of the most beautiful hikes in Jordan, forming the “backdoor” to Petra.
💡 Tipp
Visit Little Petra on the afternoon of the day before your Petra visit. It is a perfect introduction, free of charge, and gives you a feel for Nabataean architecture without the hustle of the big sister.
