Wadi Musa

Ma'an Governorate (Wadi Musa), Jordan

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Wadi Musa, also called the Valley of Moses, is a small town in the Ma’an Governorate of southern Jordan that serves as the main gateway to the ancient city of Petra, located about 3.5 kilometers away. It is the administrative center of the Petra Department and sits at the entrance to the wadi, or valley, leading up to the famous archaeological site carved into the surrounding sandstone cliffs. The town is named after a local spring, ‘Ain Musa, linked in tradition to the biblical story of Moses striking a rock to bring forth water for his followers. Wadi Musa has grown around tourism, with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators clustered along its main streets, catering to hundreds of thousands of visitors who come each year to explore Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its setting amid rugged desert hills and distinctive red‑rock scenery gives it a striking, dramatic backdrop that hints at the landscape awaiting visitors inside the nearby archaeological park.