What is the Monastery near Petra?

Ad Deir, also spelled ad-Dayr and el-Deir, is a monumental building carved out of rock in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. The Deir was probably carved in the mid-first century AD.



The "Monastery," known locally as Ad Deir, is one of the largest and most spectacular monuments in the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, Jordan. Carved directly into a sandstone cliff in the mid-1st century AD, its facade measures 47 meters high and 48 meters wide, making it even larger than the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh). To reach it, visitors must climb a grueling 800-step path up the mountainside, which takes about 40 to 60 minutes on foot. Despite its name, it was originally a Nabataean tomb or cultic chamber, likely dedicated to the deified King Obodas I. The name "Monastery" came much later, in the Byzantine era, when the structure was repurposed as a Christian church, evidenced by several crosses carved into its interior walls. The site offers breathtaking views of the Wadi Araba valley and serves as a powerful testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Nabataeans, who successfully blended Hellenistic and Mesopotamian styles.

The monastery near Petra is known as Ad Deir (also spelled Ad-Deir or Ad Deir). It is one of the most iconic and impressive monuments in the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, located in southern Jordan. Ad Deir is often referred to simply as “The Monastery” due to its later use as a Christian monastic site, though it was originally built as a Nabatean tomb or temple in the 1st century AD.

Key Features of Ad Deir:

  • Architecture: Similar to the famous Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) in Petra, Ad Deir is carved directly into the sandstone rock face. It features a grand facade with classical Nabatean architectural elements, including columns, pediments, and niches.
  • Size: Ad Deir is larger than Al-Khazneh, standing approximately 50 meters (164 feet) wide and 45 meters (148 feet) tall.
  • Location: It is situated high in the mountains, requiring a challenging hike of about 800 steps (or a longer, winding path) to reach from the main area of Petra. The trek is rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Purpose: While its exact original purpose is debated, it is believed to have been a tomb or a temple dedicated to the Nabatean king Obodas I. Later, during the Byzantine period, it was repurposed as a Christian monastery, which is why it is called “The Monastery.”

Ad Deir is a must-see for visitors to Petra and is often considered one of the highlights of the site due to its remote location, stunning architecture, and the panoramic views it offers.

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Today the Petra Archaeological Park includes hundreds of monuments from different periods in history including the marvelous Monastery also known as Al Dayr. Apart from the Petra Treasury, Al Dayr is the most visited monument in Petra.

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The Monastery, for example, was a temple which also featured a great dining room. There is also the Theatre, which, as its name suggests, is a theatre built after the Hellenistic fashion. There are also spaces that have been identified as markets, and an audience hall found in the Great Temple.

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Hidden high in the hills, the Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra. Similar in design to the Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high), it was built in the 3rd century BCE as a Nabataean tomb.

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The seventh and final site was the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, unknown to much of the world before 1989. That year, the city's carved rose-red sandstone facades were featured in the blockbuster film Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. In the film, Petra stood in for where Indiana Jones finds the Holy Grail.

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Because they left no written historical records, little is known about the Nabateans, who built the beautiful rose-red city of Petra and resided there from before 500 BC to hundreds of years after the city's annexation to Rome in AD 106. It is clear that they were skilled traders, engineers, and hydrologists.

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Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Monastery Trail is 2.5km / 1.6 miles return from the end of the Petra Main Trail (4km in). Medium walk, steep with lots of stairs, but not too long (in my opinion, the Petra map says hard).

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Petra as described earlier is a city, of course you can get inside archaeological lost city (You will pay 70$ for a ticket to get inside ). But if you mean to get inside “Al khazneh” the Treasury of Petra, then; unfortunately, you can't!

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While there is certainly enough to occupy yourself for five or more days, two to three days is sufficient to visit all of the highlights in and around the park. One day--or worse yet a morning or afternoon--is likely to bring some disappointment to those who have traveled a great distance.

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Petra is well-equipped with toilets, with toilet blocks at the visitor's centre, near the Theatre and museum. There are also portaloos at the start of the Siq and at a couple of cafés.

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No, it wasn't easy but it wasn't as hard and terrifying as I expected it to be either. So if you are worried about it, just remember to take your time, take breaks as required, and bring water. Hiking to the Petra Monastery is not a race- so do it at your own pace.

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Al-Deir, alias the Monastery is the largest monument of Petra. Although very impressive, it is less known as more difficult to reach. Indeed, you need to climb roughly 850 steps to get the privilege to admire it. But it is worth it, and I am not the only one to say it.

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Petra, ancient city, centre of an Arab kingdom in Hellenistic and Roman times, the ruins of which are in southwest Jordan.

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Petra's importance declined as sea trade routes emerged, and after an earthquake in 363 destroyed many structures. In the Byzantine era, several Christian churches were built, but the city continued to decline and, by the early Islamic era, it was abandoned except for a handful of nomads.

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Here's a list of 22 facts you might not know about this beautiful historical city in southern Jordan.
  • Petra is popularly called The Lost City. ...
  • Petra is also known as the Rose City. ...
  • Petra is one of the oldest cities in the world. ...
  • Petra means rocks. ...
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site. ...
  • Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.


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A World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the 7 wonders of the world, the ancient city of Petra is located in the southern desert landscapes of Jordan.

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The Holy Chalice vessel, or Santo Cáliz, is an agate cup preserved in the Cathedral of Valencia. It is the object most commonly credited as being the actual Holy Grail used by Jesus during the Last Supper. It is preserved in a chapel consecrated to it, where it still attracts the faithful on pilgrimage.

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Petra began as a main stopping point for Nabataean and foreign traders. These nomadic merchants carried textiles, incense, spices, ivory, and other precious goods grown or manufactured in Arabia, Asia, and Africa. As the trade market grew, so did Petra.

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