Al Deir Monastery
Description:
One of the unique treasures of Jordan is the city of Petra, carved into a sheer rock by the Nabateans, a hardworking Arab people. They settled here about 2,000 years ago and turned Petra into an important center for the silk and spice trade.
One of the brightest sights of the city is the monastery of al-Deir. The name “monastery” is quite inaccurate. In the interior of the building, registered crosses were found, indicating that it was a Nabatean temple dedicated to King Obodas I, who ruled in the first century AD. Carved into the rock structure had an area of about 250 square meters, and a height of 80 meters. Its facade was decorated with two pediments and columns turning into a rock. The interior consisted of a hall with double staircases leading to a niche. On the left side of the facade is a steep path leading to the upper tier of al-Deir, which is a favorite place for local children to play.
In the cave, opposite the monastery, there is a cafe with a large selection of soft drinks. Here you can relax in the shade, admiring the unique monument. From the rocks located behind the cafe, a beautiful panorama of the mysterious Petra opens - a real miracle created by Nature and Man.