The High Place of Sacrifice

Starting from a point close to the theatre, the path to the High Place of Sacrifice climbs steeply at first. After a little way, the ascent becomes gentler, and eventually the path emerges into a level open space atop a small massif overlooking the site. To the right are a cluster of rock outcrops, and on these can be seen the remains of a free-standing building that once housed the priests, and a carved obelisk. A little further on lies the High Place.

The High Place itself has been carved flat, and drainage channels have been cut into the rock to allow the blood of sacrificial animals to drain away. To the right, you can look down on the King's Wall and the Royal Tombs, while looking straight ahead, there is an impressive panorama of the whole site. The Khazneh and the amphitheatre are behind you and to your right as you look north.

The highest point is surmounted by an obelisk, and the path then continues downwards past this. As the path turns and descends - in some places quite dramatically - it passes some smaller monuments, including the Lion Fountain and a collection of smaller tombs, notably the Garden Tomb and the Tomb of the Roman Soldier.

The trail finally emerges onto the level ground of the Wadi Farasa, an area of sand and scrub crossed by barely-distinguishable paths. Along the way, some of the rock outcrops harbour rock dwellings which are still inhabited by local Bedouin. From this area, a path leads north towards the centre of the city in the Wadi Musa.