The Great Temple of Petra, located in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, is a magnificent structure that has stood the test of time. This temple was built by the Nabateans, a nomadic Arab tribe, in the 1st century BC, and is considered one of the most impressive structures in Petra. The temple is richly decorated with columns, pediments, and sculptures. The entrance is marked by a monumental arch, one of the iconic symbols of Petra.
The Petra Great temple (by Bernard Gagnon CC BY-SA 3.0)The Petra Great Temple is not only a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Nabateans, but it also provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of this ancient civilization.
The temple was built in the 1st century BC and served as a place of worship for the Nabatean people, who were heavily influenced by Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures.
The temple was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who is credited with being the first Westerner to lay eyes on Petra and the Great Temple. Since then, the temple has been extensively studied and preserved, and it remains one of the most important archeological sites in the Middle East.
As you walk down the Siq, the main entrance from the east, you'll see marvelous attractions such as the famous Petra Treasury. This is followed by the Street of Facades, where you'll see the path leading to the Petra Royal Tombs.
The Colonadded Street, from the Temple to the Royal tombsThe Columns of the Colonnaded Street can be seen about 200 meters from the Treasury, and the Great Temple is located a few meters south of the main road, on an elevated ground
The temple itself is a thing of beauty and a great place to take in the intricate details and marvel at the Nabatean's architectural skills.
As you enter the temple, you will be greeted by a large, open courtyard, surrounded by columns and porticos. The walls of the courtyard are adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes from the Nabatean culture, such as camel caravans, hunting scenes, and agricultural activities.
Beyond the courtyard is the main chamber, which is said to have served as a place of worship. The chamber is beautifully preserved, with an altar in the center.
The Great Temple, PetraRecently conducted excavations near the Great Temple in Petra have uncovered the remains of what appears to be a public pool and accompanying gardens. The area was previously believed to have served as a marketplace due to its expansive and open layout. However, through the use of the ground-penetrating radar, archeologists made the surprising discovery of the pool.
Not far from the temple, you'll find some of the most popular and interesting spots in the entire Archeological Park:
These mausoleums, dedicated to the greatest of Nabatean Kings, were carved into the rosy cliffs in order to impress: every visitor in ancient times could see their splendor from the main street, and tourists still say they're magnificent. You can feel like Indiana Johns as you explore the mighty 3-story Palace Tomb, take interesting pics of the colorful Silk Tomb, and see the mysterious Urn Tomb.
Running from the Siq to the western hills, this used to be Petra's main route. Dozens of columns stood here 2,000 years ago, and many still do. Visitors love to use these columns to frame their photos and videos.
This Theater combines Hellenistic design with local Nabatean elements and was carved into the rock. The acoustics are great, and so are the pictures visitors take.
The Petra Museum has great exhibits that will show you the abundance of relics and tools excavated from the site, and beautiful statues found at the Great Temple. The story of the Nabatean kingdom's rise and fall is fascinating, and the museum tells it very well.
A Temple Column, from the Museum's collection (by Michael Gunther CC BY-SA 3.0)
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