Ad Deir Monastery Petra Jordan Visitor Recommendation

Ad Deir Petra Monastery

Powerful, massive and one of the absolute highlights of the World Heritage Petra. Even if the Way to the monastery Although it's full of steps and strenuous, it's worth it. The sandstone structure of Ad Deir is one of the largest structures in Jordan's rock city, is exceptionally well preserved, and simply impressive. It is almost 50 meters high, almost as wide, and was built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD.

The model for the design of the facade was the so-called Al Khazneh Treasure House. However, Ad Deir was not a rock tomb, but was used for religious gatherings. An inscription nearby suggests that the Nabataean king Obodas was worshiped there, who was elevated to god after his death. Later Ad Deir was used as a Christian chapel. The incised cross symbols in the interior meant that the building was named a monastery.

I look breathlessly at the monumental facade of the monastery. My heart is pounding, and not just from the ascent. It's unbelievable what people built 1900 years ago. Incredible that this is still preserved today and what a gift that I can stand here today and be amazed. We humans seem very small in front of this boulder artfully formed into a building. Even the timeline seems to bow down, because the smile of the here and now nestles closely against the whisper of yesterday.

AGE ™

If you want to visit this sight in Petra, follow this Ad Deir Trail.
Alternatively, a hike between Little Petra and Petra is possible.

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