Deserted Film Sets Frozen in Hollywood History
26. Petra Soundstage, Jordan: Indiana Jones' Temple Still Echoes
The ancient city of Petra famously stood in for the temple housing the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). While not a constructed set, the film transformed Petra’s iconic Al Khazneh into cinematic legend. Though not abandoned, the site has inherited layers of pop culture identity—it now draws fans who seek not just archaeological wonder, but echoes of Spielberg’s magic. With no props or signage left behind, only those who’ve seen the film recognize the site’s double life. Petra is a rare fusion of real-world grandeur and film mythology—quiet, imposing, and unforgettable.
