Carved into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan, Petra is a historical and archaeological treasure. This ancient city, known as the “Rose City” due to the color of the stone, was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most famous structure in Petra is Al-Khazneh, or “The Treasury,” which is an intricate temple façade carved into the rock. Walking through the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads to Petra, is a surreal experience, and witnessing the iconic Treasury building emerge from the rocks is nothing short of a dream.
If spirituality entices you along with meditative chants and riveting discussions with monks and nuns fascinate you, monasteries are your peaceful retreats. Housing monks and nuns, monasteries are a place to live in seclusion where the inhabitants explore faith. An array of religions has monasteries, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, where the people who chose this path believe in living humbly. The Greek root meaning of the term “monastery” itself signifies living alone. Not everyone can adopt such a lifestyle, albeit experiencing it for a while can bestow peace to the soul. This is a guide to remote monasteries on earth.