Petra has long mesmerised travellers with its Nabataean grandeur, but beyond its rose-red sandstone lies a tapestry of stories waiting to be uncovered. At Petra By Night, we’re reimagining storytelling through cutting-edge projection mapping - where technology and history meet to reveal the city’s most overlooked chapters.
A New Light on Byzantine Petra
“Petra is not just carved in stone - it’s layered with centuries of human creativity and faith”.
Our latest visual narrative is inspired by Petra’s Byzantine era (4th–7th century AD), a period often overshadowed by its Nabataean and Roman heritage. This transformative chapter marked the arrival of Christianity in Petra and left traces of early Byzantine art and architecture across the ancient city.
Through high-resolution, mosaic-style projections, the Treasury is transformed into a breathtaking canvas, echoing the intricate designs and vibrant colours of early Christian artistry. Visitors are invited to witness Petra in a way that transcends time - where light, colour, and imagination bring history alive under the stars.
Where History Meets Technology
Projection mapping allows us to breathe new life into Petra’s façades without touching or altering the original stonework. As stunning visuals wash over the Treasury, guests are immersed in an experience that is both innovative and deeply respectful of Petra’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“We see technology not as a replacement for heritage, but as a bridge that connects modern audiences to ancient stories”.
Preserving the Past. Illuminating the Present.
At Petra By Night, our mission is to celebrate and preserve Petra’s rich cultural legacy while offering visitors unforgettable encounters with its beauty. The Byzantine projection not only captivates visually but also educates, inspiring a deeper appreciation for Petra’s diverse historical layers.
An Unforgettable Experience Under the Stars
As darkness falls and the desert sky fills with stars, Petra comes alive in a whole new way. The projection mapping show is more than an artistic performance - it’s a journey into history, faith, and imagination.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to rediscover its magic, Petra By Night offers an extraordinary perspective on one of the world’s greatest wonders.
“Light transforms Petra not just visually, but emotionally - making every visitor a part of its living story”.
Experience the Magic of Petra By Night
Join us as we uncover Petra’s hidden history and celebrate its timeless beauty with an evening of light, art, and storytelling.
Preserving the past. Illuminating the present.
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Candle Experience
12.04.25
The Candlelit Path to Wonder at Petra by Night
Imagine walking for two kilometers through a narrow, winding canyon, with only the soft glow of 2,000 real candles guiding your way. No electric lights. No screens. Just flickering flames, the sound of your footsteps, and the silent majesty of the ancient rocks rising around you.
This is the entrance to Petra by Night—a journey not only through space, but through history, mystery, and magic.
The Siq - Nature’s Gateway
The candlelit walk begins at the entrance to the Siq, Petra’s dramatic natural gorge carved over centuries by water and time. It’s the same path the Nabataeans once walked, the same route traders and travelers took on their way to the great city hidden in the cliffs.
But at night, under a blanket of stars and surrounded by the gentle glow of candlelight, the Siq becomes something entirely different—a passage to wonder.
2,000 Real Candles, One Magical Path
Every evening before the show, a dedicated team hand-places 2,000 real candles along the 2km stretch of the Siq and in front of the Treasury. These are not artificial lights or LED simulations. They are sustainable, real flames—part of our commitment to preserving the natural atmosphere while minimizing our environmental impact.
The candles are chosen carefully, with containers and placement designed to protect the rock and surrounding nature. It’s a slow, thoughtful process. One candle at a time. One moment of light added to the dark.
The result? A breathtaking pathway of flickering firelight that guides you gently through the canyon like a river of stars on the ground.
More Than Light—A Feeling
What makes this walk unforgettable isn’t just the beauty. It’s the feeling. A deep sense of peace. Of leaving behind the modern world and stepping into something sacred. You slow down. You breathe differently. You begin to listen—to the silence, to your thoughts, and to the presence of history surrounding you.
As you walk, the light reflects off the sandstone, changing its colors—sometimes soft pink, sometimes deep gold. Shadows dance on ancient walls, as if Petra itself is remembering its stories.
A Sustainable Ritual
At Petra by Night, we believe that experiences like these should not only be beautiful but also respectful of the environment. That’s why we use eco-friendly, sustainable candles, designed to burn cleanly and leave no waste behind.
Each candle is part of a greater ritual—honoring Petra’s past while preserving its future.
The Destination - A City in the Dark
And just when you think the walk itself is the main event, you arrive. The Siq opens to reveal the Treasury, glowing softly with hundreds more candles at its base. You’ve reached Petra’s heart—but the journey there has already transformed you.