Overview:

Qasr al-Deir, is a Hellenistic-Roman era monastery in the ancient desert city of Petra in Jordan. Located in the center of Petra, the Monastery stands on a hill overlooking the whole city and is said to be over 2000 years old. The facade of the Monastery is very impressive, and is made with the red Petra sandstone. Inside the Monastery you can find staircases carved into the walls with Greek inscriptions, and many incredible symbols. The interior is even more impressive, featuring large chambers, domes, and halls with intricate designs carved into the walls. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

1. Greek influence - This ancient structure is believed to have been inspired by the Greek architectural style of the Late Hellenistic period. 2. Random stones - Unlike many other monuments in Petra, the stones used to construct Qasr al-Deir were not neatly cut but instead randomly arranged. 3. Striking details - Despite being simple in design, Qasr al-Deir is adorned with intricate, interlacing geometric patterns for additional visual appeal. 4. Massive size - Measuring 220 x 220 feet, this large monastery comprises of a colossal, central courtyard, and four smaller, conjoined courtyards. 5. Two storeys - Qasr al-Deir features an upper and a lower storey. The upper storey features several colonnades and a balustrade. 6. Substantial remains - Qasr al-Deir has withstood the test of time quite well, with several features such as its corner towers, stairways, and arched, doorwarys remaining intact. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Qasr al-Deir (Monastery) is an ancient rock-cut temple in the city of Petra, Jordan. It is considered to be one of the most important monuments in the city and the oldest building there. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been created sometime during the first century BCE. It is believed to have been used as a center for worship, though its exact purpose is not known. The name Qasr al-Deir means "Monastery of the Temple". It consists of a large central building set on a high platform surrounded by smaller buildings, tombs, and other structures. The walls are decorated with painted reliefs and sculptures depicting religious and mythological scenes. The entrance to the temple is on the east side, and visitors enter through an impressive archway. Inside, there is a large hall with a sloping ceiling and several large columns. The columns are decorated with carvings of plant life, and the walls are covered with painted reliefs. The most notable feature of the Qasr al-Deir is its large round central chamber. This circular room is known as the Kaaba and is considered to be the holiest room in the temple. It is believed that the Kaaba was used for ritual sacrifices and is one of the few places in Petra where sacrifices still take place today. The site is a popular tourist attraction and is frequently visited by archaeologists, historians, and tourists from all over the world. Qasr al-Deir is an important part of the Jordanian culture and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Qasr Al-Deir, or Monastery of the Monks, is one of the largest monuments in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. 2. It is believed to have been built in the first century AD and served as a retreat for Christian monks who lived nearby. 3. The structure is largely decorated with carved sandstone reliefs from the Nabataean era. 4. It measures 47.5 meters wide by 50.7 meters long and is 28 meters high. 5. The façade consists of four large towers, three on either side. 6. The grand stairway leading up to the entrance is made up of six flights of steps, flanked by carving depicting animals and a guardian figure, possibly the biblical figure Aaron. 7. Inside the building, the ceiling is decorated with intricate carved designs, and natural lighting is provided by a series of indirect windows. 8. The building faces east, and is thought to have been used as a kind of watchtower during its heyday. 9. It is the most visited monument in Petra, according to archaeologists. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.