RacingThePlanet: The 20-Year Race Finishes in the UNESCO Site of Petra

To make RacingThePlanet: The 20-Year Race even more special, the race finishes in the UNESCO Heritage Site of Petra. This is the only race that has this privilege!

The final finish line at Petra, Jordan

It is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Middle East, it has also been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and has great historical and cultural significance.

You will get to experience the wonder and mystery of Petra - the ancient Rose City of Jordan! It is like taking a journey back in time to a bygone era where the desert sands held secrets and the rock formations whispered stories. This is a place where the awe-inspiring beauty of nature meets the awe-inspiring ingenuity of human craftsmanship.

As you enter through the winding Siq, you will be transported to a world unlike any other. Carved into the sandstone cliffs, the architecture of Petra is an engineering marvel that has stood the test of time. From the intricate carvings of the Treasury building to the towering Monastery, every structure in Petra is a testament to the creativity and skill of the Nabataean people.

On the course at RacingThePlanet: The 20-Year Race

But Petra isn't just a place to marvel at ancient ruins - it's a place to connect with the history and culture. The perfect way to end the race after experiencing the beauty of the surrounding area, the welcoming Bedouin communities for a rich and diverse experience.

This is ultimate way to experience the magic of Petra and feel like a real-life Indiana Jones.

Petra is considered a unique and special place for several reasons. One of the most striking features of Petra is its incredible rock-cut architecture. The Nabataeans were skilled in carving and engineering, and they used these skills to create a stunning array of temples, tombs, and other buildings, all carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. The most famous of these is the Treasury building, which is adorned with intricate carvings and was likely used as a royal tomb.

Petra is an ancient city located in the southern part of Jordan. It is also known as the "Rose City" due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved.

Petra was built by the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab tribe, around 312 BCE, and was an important trading hub in the ancient world. The city is famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture, including the famous Treasury building, which is carved into a sandstone cliff.

Petra was forgotten by the Western world for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The city was an important center of trade in the ancient world, linking the Red Sea with the Mediterranean. It was also a hub for various cultures, including the Nabataeans, Romans, and Byzantines, who all left their mark on the city.

Petra is also known for its stunning natural surroundings. The city is located in a narrow valley surrounded by towering cliffs, and visitors must walk through a winding, narrow gorge known as the Siq to reach the main site. Along the way, visitors can see the beautiful colors and patterns of the sandstone cliffs, as well as the occasional glimpse of the city's impressive buildings.

All of these factors combine to make Petra a truly unique and special place, and one that is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Petra is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. In recent years, the number of visitors to Petra has been steadily increasing, with over 800,000 people visiting the site in 2019.

Visitors to Petra typically spend several hours exploring the site, although some may choose to stay longer to fully immerse themselves in the history and culture of the city. Many visitors choose to start their visit by walking through the Siq, which is the narrow gorge that leads to the main site. Once inside the site, visitors can explore the various buildings and structures, including the Treasury, the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs.

Overall, a visit to Petra is a unique and unforgettable experience, and one that many people remember for a lifetime.