Discover the Story of Petra by Night Event

What You’ll See in the Story of Petra by Night

01.05.25 5 minutes reading

Discover the Story of Petra Like Never Before: A New Projection Experience at Petra by Night

This season at Petra by Night, we’re offering something truly special — a powerful new projection show that tells the story of Petra using light, sound, and holograms. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Treasury, this show brings Petra’s history to life in a magical and unforgettable way.

1. The Carving of Petra

The show begins by showing how the Nabataeans carved Petra’s buildings directly into the rock. Through creative light projections, you’ll see the process come alive, as if ancient stonemasons are carving the Treasury before your eyes.

2. The Story of King Aretas IV

We then introduce you to King Aretas IV, one of Petra’s greatest rulers. Using 3D effects and holograms, we tell the story of his leadership and how he turned Petra into a powerful and rich capital. His rule marked the golden age of the Nabataeans.

3. The History of Petra

Next, the projection takes you on a journey through Petra’s rich history. You’ll see how it became a center of trade, culture, and architecture. The show highlights the many civilizations that influenced Petra, from the Nabataeans to the Romans.

4. The Great Earthquake

One dramatic part of the show recreates the powerful earthquake that damaged Petra centuries ago. With sound effects and shaking light visuals, you’ll experience the moment the city was forever changed.

5. Petra’s Amazing Water System

Finally, the show explains how the Nabataeans built a smart and advanced water system in the desert. Using animated theories, we show how they collected, stored, and moved water, a key reason Petra was able to survive and grow in such a dry area.

Art and Imagination After the Show

At the end of the show, guests can enjoy a 15-minute photo session while we display artistic versions of Petra on the Treasury. These include colorful, dream-like, and traditional styles — showing Petra not only as it was, but as it continues to inspire the world today.

What’s happening in Petra
Explore stories, moments, and behind-the-scenes highlights that bring Petra’s magic to life after dark.
17.10.25

Explore Petra by Night: A Noc Tourism Experience

When the sun dips behind Petra’s red cliffs and the desert hushes into silence, a different world awakens. The rose-red city, carved by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, transforms into a realm of candlelight, stars, and whispers of history — an experience unlike any daytime visit.This is Petra by Night — where time slows, senses heighten, and ancient stories come alive beneath the desert sky. The Art of Noctourism Noctourism isn’t just sightseeing after dark — it’s a celebration of stillness and soul. In Petra, the journey begins with a candle-lit path through the Siq, a narrow canyon that glows like a ribbon of amber light. Each step echoes softly against sandstone walls, leading you toward the heart of the experience — the Treasury.Here, surrounded by flickering candles and the hum of silence, you’ll witness Petra as the Nabataeans might have seen it under the stars — pure, quiet, and eternal. Stargazing in the Ancient City Far from the glare of modern cities, Petra offers one of the clearest desert skies in Jordan. On moonless nights, constellations unfold in breathtaking clarity — Orion’s Belt, the Pleiades, and the Milky Way sweeping over the sandstone cliffs.As you sit before the Treasury, look up — the same stars that once guided ancient traders across the Silk Road now illuminate your path. It’s not just stargazing; it’s time travel. Tranquility and Reflection There’s a rare calm that descends on Petra after dark. The air cools, the crowds fade, and the site breathes again. The experience invites reflection — a moment to feel the weight of history and the lightness of silence.Each candle flame mirrors a heartbeat, and each shadow tells a story of resilience and wonder. For many, Petra by Night is not only a visit — it’s a meditation. Night Photography: Capturing the Magic For photographers, Petra by Night is a dreamscape. Long exposures reveal a tapestry of light and shadow — golden candles flickering against deep indigo skies. The Treasury, illuminated in soft hues, becomes an ethereal canvas for your lens.Whether you’re a professional with a tripod or a traveler with a smartphone, the challenge and reward are the same: capturing the soul of Petra without breaking its silence. A Journey Beyond Time Petra by Night is more than an attraction — it’s an invitation to rediscover wonder. It reminds us that beauty thrives in quiet moments, and that sometimes, the most powerful experiences happen when the world is asleep. So when the stars rise over the desert, walk the Siq once more. The candles will lead your way, and the echoes of history will welcome you home.
30.05.25

When Does Petra by Night Operate? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to visit the rose-red city of Petra, don’t miss the opportunity to experience its most enchanting event — Petra by Night. As the sun sets and the crowds disperse, a completely different kind of magic takes over the ancient city. The Treasury glows with hundreds of candles, traditional melodies fill the canyon, and the spirit of the Nabataeans seems to awaken in the stillness of the night. But when exactly does this unforgettable experience take place? Petra by Night Schedule Days of Operation: Sunday to Thursday (5 nights per week, all year round) No shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Can be booked privately.  Show Timing: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM We kindly ask guests to arrive at the Petra Visitor Center no later than 8:10 PM to ensure a timely start and a peaceful walk through the Siq. Where It Happens The event takes place at the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — the crown jewel of Petra — reached by a candlelit walk through the breathtaking Siq canyon. Tips for Visitors Tickets: Can be purchased at the Petra Visitor Center or in advance through selected tour operators. Dress warmly: Evenings in Petra can be cooler than expected, especially outside of summer. Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the walk to the Treasury takes about 30–40 minutes. Photography: Flash photography is discouraged to preserve the peaceful atmosphere. Why These Nights? Operating from Sunday through Thursday allows Petra by Night to remain a tranquil, crowd-controlled experience. These weekday evenings offer an ideal setting for guests to enjoy the site in silence, away from weekend tourism spikes and large events. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a romantic traveler, or a curious explorer, Petra by Night promises a spiritual and unforgettable journey. It’s not just a show — it’s an emotional encounter with history, nature, and the stars. A Night to Remember Petra by Night is more than just a tour — it’s a timeless sensory experience that reconnects you with nature, history, and imagination. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to witness Petra as few ever do.
23.04.25

The Art of Mapping on the Treasury – Breathing Light into Ancient Stone

Few places in the world can match the majesty of Petra. And fewer still can claim to bring its stories to life quite like the projection mapping experience on the Treasury during Petra by Night. This is not just light on stone—it’s art on history, a dialogue between ancient craftsmanship and modern creativity. At Petra, the past doesn’t just speak—it glows. A Global Rarity, A Local Wonder Projection mapping has taken the world by storm—seen on castles in Europe, skyscrapers in Asia, and public art spaces across the globe. But here, in the heart of the Jordanian desert, it takes on an entirely new meaning. To project onto the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)—a 2,000-year-old façade carved into the sandstone cliffs—is not simply a technical feat. It’s an act of reverence. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. That makes this experience one of the only regular projection mappings in the world performed on such an ancient and sacred monument. Telling Stories in Light Each show is carefully crafted to celebrate Petra’s history, culture, and ingenuity. From the advanced Nabataean water systems to the city’s role as a crossroads of trade and tradition, every visual is designed to illuminate—not just the façade, but the minds and hearts of the audience. Using precision technology, light dances across the columns and statues, recreating scenes of Nabataean kings, desert caravans, and celestial myths. The carvings come to life, almost as if whispering their stories to those who gather in awe. Magic in Every Detail What makes it magical is not only the contrast of modern light against ancient rock—but how naturally the two blend. The sandstone’s textures, weathered by centuries, become part of the canvas. The light wraps around each detail, respecting the structure’s integrity while enhancing its form. As the colors shift and music fills the air, guests are transported—not just to another time, but to another way of seeing time. More Than a Show—A Tribute This mapping experience is not entertainment alone—it is a tribute. A tribute to the Nabataeans, to Jordan, to every soul who has walked these paths over millennia. It is created with care, permission, and purpose—to bring Petra’s legacy to new generations without ever overshadowing its soul. And when the final light fades and the Treasury returns to darkness, visitors are left not with flashing lights, but with a quiet memory, like an ancient secret just shared.