Obelisk Tomb

The Obelisk Tomb is a notable monument in Petra near Wadi Musa, on the way to the Siq Pass. This is an ancient tomb and funeral hall, which was sculptured from sandstone rock. Notably, the Obelisk tomb is one of the first monuments visitors see when visiting the legendary Petra city.

You will find this tomb to your left as you enter through the Siq to the narrow walkway. The whole mausoleum was remarkably carved into the rock face. There is splendid beauty and significance in this ancient tomb that is unique in Nabataean architecture. It beautifully comprises two distinct rock-cut structures, constructed correspondingly during the reign of Malchus II (40 - 70 AD). The top part is the tomb itself, whereas the bottom is known as Bab Al-Siq, which is a triclinium (a roman name for a room or hall for organizing rituals of funeral or feasts to honour the dead). The triclinium is carved in a very classical approach, affected by erosion over time. It is believed to have been carved by the Nabateans in the 1st century, much before the tomb. Visitors can explore the details of carvings. The tomb got its name from the four obelisks that stand out.