The ruins of Petra, the ancient Nabatean capital in today's Jordan, constitute one of the most extraordinary and fascinating monumental complexes of the ancient world for the outstanding quality of the architecture and for the city's remarkable position, set amidst rugged hills and narrow gorges. From the fantastic Khasneh to the gigantic Deir, from the spectacular Urn Tomb to the mysterious Temple of the Winged Lions, every monument is described in detail and examined in relation to the complex historical and artistic events of the Rose-red City, the evolution of which is analyzed at length in the introductory chapter. Petra is not unique for its architecture alone. Here, Mother Nature has achieved one of her most original creations, defying her very own rules, laid down at the beginning of time - improbable geometry, unbelievable colors, contrasts that would by unthinkable elsewhere. The illustrations in this book pay tribute to this splendor and make it a work of rare emotional impact.