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What is the name of the Monastery in Petra?

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.



The "Monastery" in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, is officially known as Ad Deir. It is one of the largest and most impressive monuments in the entire Petra Archaeological Park, even larger than the more famous "Treasury" (Al-Khazneh). Carved directly into a sandstone cliff face during the 1st century AD, Ad Deir stands approximately 45 meters high and 50 meters wide. Its name "The Monastery" likely comes from the crosses carved on its interior walls during the Byzantine era when the structure was reused as a Christian church. To reach Ad Deir, visitors must climb a grueling but scenic path of roughly 800 hand-cut stone steps through the mountains. The effort is rewarded not only by the sight of the massive facade but also by the "Great View" points located nearby, which offer panoramic vistas of the Wadi Araba desert and the border with Israel. In 2026, it remains a "must-see" for any traveler to Jordan, though it is recommended to start the hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert heat and the bulk of the crowds.

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The Petra Great Temple | The Great Temple. The Great Temple. The Great Temple is now recognized to have been one of the main buildings of the ancient city of Petra. It seems probable that the ancient Nabataeans wished to compete with other city centers in the embellishment of their city.

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The Main Trail - Hiking up Following the main trail, the journey from the Basin to the Monastery takes around 40 minutes. There are about 800 steps to the top. This is one of the more challenging walks at Petra, but it's not a particularly difficult hike. There are just lots of steps and the path is uneven at times.

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Medium walk, steep with lots of stairs, but not too long (in my opinion, the Petra map says hard). Allow 2 hours return from the start of the Petra Monastery Trail, or 2.5 – 3 hours if you walk a bit slower or want to linger at the Monastery.

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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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Following the main trail, the journey from the Basin to the Monastery takes around 40 minutes. There are about 800 steps to the top. This is one of the more challenging walks at Petra, but it's not a particularly difficult hike. There are just lots of steps and the path is uneven at times.

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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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According to Arab tradition, Petra is the spot where Musa (Moses) struck a rock with his staff and water came forth, and where Moses' brother, Harun (Aaron), is buried, at Mount Hor, known today as Jabal Haroun or Mount Aaron.

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The easiest way to get to Petra is to join a guided tour. This option is much more expensive, but it's the most convenient one. You let someone else do all the planning and you sit back and enjoy your day. There are tour packages available from Amman and Aqaba in Jordan, or Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat in Israel.

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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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Over time, the city was lost to the outside world. More than 500 years would pass before the ancient city was rediscovered by Western explorers. A stone block inscribed with a cross was found at the Petra Church. Today, Bedouins inhabit the area of Petra.

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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 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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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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Camel Ride in Wadi Rum & Petra is optional for 15 JD / $ 21 USD per camel per hour. You don't need to book it in advance and can be arranged upon arrival to Petra or Wadi Rum.

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The best time to see Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon, so plan for an early start, or arrive the evening before to stay in one of the comfortable hotels in Petra.

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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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There isn't a strict Petra dress code as such. It's the biggest tourist attraction in Jordan, so people pretty much wear what they like when they visit Petra, However, bear in mind that the site of Petra is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking.

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The trail for the Little Petra to Petra Walk starts at the left of the car park, behind the souvenir shops (it really isn't obvious!). From here the track goes out into the desert following jeep tracks, and you pass by Bedouin tents, goats, camels and the occasional stray dog that loved menacingly barking at us.

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