al-Siq

The Treasury, as seen from al-Siq

Al-Siq (translated: the shaft) is the entrance to the ancient city of Petra in south Jordan. It is a dark and narrow gorge (in places only 3-4 metres wide) that leads to the inside of Petra.

It is a natural geological feature formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks and serving as a waterway flowing into Wadi Musa. At the end of the narrow gorge stands Petra's most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh (The Treasury) hewn directly out of the sandstone cliff.