Hotels near Petra Theatre

The Petra Theatre is a 1st-century AD Roman-style amphitheatre carved directly into the cliff face - 7000 seats arranged in 45 rows around a central performance area. The lower tiers were carved entirely from the bedrock; the upper rows were built from quarried stone. The Romans expanded the structure after the 106 AD annexation; the visible cuts at the back of the seating area show where the Nabateans had previously cut tomb facades that were partly demolished to make room for theatre seating.

The 363 AD earthquake destroyed much of the stage and orchestra; what remains is the carved-into-cliff seating section. The theatre sits immediately south of the Royal Tombs and is the focal point of the central Nabatean street. The view from the upper seats across to the Royal Tombs is among Petra's most photogenic angles. Free with Petra ticket. Allow 30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Sit in the top row of the theatre at sunset for the panoramic view across to the Royal Tombs - the eastern cliffs catch the last light and the colours are spectacular. The acoustics are still excellent; clap once from the centre to hear the slow echo.