Jordan Guide
Petra and around
The East Cliff
About 250m beyond the theatre, just before the Wadi Musa makes its sharp left turn, solid, modern steps lead to the East Cliff, looming up to the right above the city centre. This whole elbow of Jebel al-Khubtha is ranged with some of Petra's most impressive facades, collectively known as the Royal Tombs. If you have anything more than half a day in the city, you should fit them in; the climb is easy and the views are marvellous. From down below, in the direct, reddish light of late afternoon, the entire cliff seems to glow with an inner translucence, and is one of the sights of Petra. However, it's probably best to aim to be up here in the morning shadows, with the sun lighting up the valley and the mountains opposite.
From right to left, the first tomb on the cliff – separate from the big ones, and missable if you're short of time – is the Tomb of Unayshu, viewed in profile from the Outer Siq and easiest to get to by scrambling up the rocks opposite the High Place staircase. This is part of a complete Nabatean tomb complex, and features a once-porticoed courtyard in front, with a triclinium to one side.