Great Temple, Petra

Name: Great Temple
Address: Petra, Jordan

#2 among attractions in Petra

Historical place, Sacred and religious sites, Architecture, Ruins

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Facts and practical information

The Great Temple of Petra, a breathtaking historical landmark nestled in the heart of Jordan's ancient city, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Nabataeans. This archaeological marvel, believed to have been constructed around the 1st century BC, is an integral part of the Petra Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Great Temple is one of the most significant structures within Petra, covering an area of about 7,000 square meters. Its grandeur and scale suggest that it played a vital role in the religious and civic life of the Nabataean civilization. Unlike the famed Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), the Great Temple is not carved into the rock face but built from freestanding blocks of stone, showcasing an advanced level of urban planning and construction.

Visitors to the Great Temple can marvel at the remains of the triple-arched entrance, colossal columns, and the intricate carvings that have withstood the test of time. The temple complex includes a lower temenos (sacred precinct) and an upper temenos, hinting at a highly organized layout typical of Hellenistic architecture. The presence of a massive theater adjacent to the temple also implies the site's importance as a social and cultural hub.

While much of the Great Temple remains in ruins, ongoing excavations and restorations provide a glimpse into its past glory. Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of intricate water channels and reservoirs, which showcase the Nabataeans' sophisticated engineering skills.

For tourists planning to visit Petra, the Great Temple is a stop not to be missed. It is accessible via the main entrance to Petra, following the Siq, a narrow gorge leading into the city. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water, as exploring Petra involves significant walking, often in hot conditions. The Great Temple can be visited throughout the year, with early morning or late afternoon offering the best light for photography and cooler temperatures for exploration.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 30°19'44"N, 35°26'33"E

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Petra Jordan

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Day trips

Great Temple – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Siq, Al-Khazneh, Petra Theater, Qasr al-Bint.

0.6 miSE
Narrow walkway through rock walls
Siq, Petra
16 min walk • The Siq is a breathtaking gorge that serves as the main entrance to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, a testament to nature's artistry and human ingenuity. This narrow passageway, hemmed in by towering cliffs, stretches for about 1.2 kilometers and leads directly...
0.7 miSE
Historical place, Ruins
Al-Khazneh, Wadi Musa
19 min walk • Al-Khazneh, often referred to as The Treasury, is a breathtaking ancient structure carved directly into the pink sandstone cliffs of Wadi Musa in Jordan. This historical landmark, renowned for its Hellenistic architecture blended with Eastern traditions, is one of the...
0.4 miSE
Theater, Ancient Roman architecture
Petra Theater, Wadi Musa
10 min walk • Petra Theater is a first century AD Nabataean theatre situated 600 m from the centre of Petra. Substantial part of the theater was carved out of solid rock, while the scaena and exterior wall were constructed.
~760 ftW
Temple
Qasr al-Bint, Petra
4 min walk • Qasr al-Bint, nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Nabataeans. This monumental structure, believed to have been built in the 1st century CE, is one of the few freestanding buildings in...
0.9 miNW
Vernacular architecture, Memorial
Ad Deir, Petra
25 min walk • Ad Deir, also known as The Monastery, is an awe-inspiring historical landmark tucked away in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. This monumental structure is carved directly into the pink sandstone cliffs, exemplifying the architectural prowess of the Nabateans who...
~930 ftNE
Ruins, Church
Byzantine Church, Petra
5 min walk • The Byzantine Church at Petra is a prime example of monumental architecture in Byzantine Petra. It sits on elevated ground in the city center, north of the so-called Colonnaded Street.
0.6 miS
Memorial
Tomb of the Roman Soldier, Petra
15 min walk • The Tomb of the Soldier, also called the Tomb of the Roman Soldier, is one of the best-preserved tombs in the ancient city of Petra.
~1130 ftNE
Church
Ridge Church, Petra
6 min walk • The Ridge Church is one of several churches in the ruined city of Petra, Jordan. The Ridge Church is thought to be the oldest church building in Petra, built on the ridge overlooking the city in the 3rd or 4th century built of Nabatean and Roman material.
0.6 miSE
Mountain
Jebel al-Madhbah, Petra
15 min walk • Jebel al-Madhbah is a mountain at Petra, Jordan, at whose peak there is a large Nabataean ritual site centered around an altar.
0.5 miSE
Temple
Temple of the Winged Lions, Petra
14 min walk • The Temple of the Winged Lions is a large Nabatean temple complex located in Petra, Jordan, and dated to the reign of King Aretas IV.
~660 ftW
Vernacular architecture, Temple
Al-Khazneh, Petra
4 min walk • Al-Khazneh is one of the most elaborate temples in Petra, a city of the Nabatean Kingdom inhabited by the Arabs in ancient times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Great Temple?

Nearby attractions include Al-Khazneh, Petra (4 min walk), Qasr al-Bint, Petra (4 min walk), Byzantine Church, Petra (5 min walk), Ridge Church, Petra (6 min walk).