Uncover the secrets of the Temple of Petra. Learn about its fascinating design, Nabatean influences, and significance in Petra’s history.
The Temple of Petra, a significant architectural monument in the heart of Petra, is currently under excavation by a team of archaeologists from Brown University in the United States, in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The area of the temple covers 7,000 square meters (76,000 square feet) and is comprised of various sections, including a main entrance, a sacred courtyard, twin buildings, wide stairs, and an upper sacred courtyard leading to the Holy of Holies. The temple’s design, with its red and white colors, stands out against the surrounding environment. Built in a four-column style with sturdy walls, the temple showcases Nabatean architectural elements similar to Qasr al-Bint in the western part of Petra. The columns of the portico reach a height of about 15 meters (45 feet), indicating an overall height of at least 18 meters (57 feet) for the temple. The temple’s dimensions are 28 meters (84 feet) in width and approximately 40 meters (120 feet) in length, accessible through a ladder to the temple’s lobby. The friezes adorned with stylized rose shapes and column heads inspired by the acanthus plant suggest that the temple was constructed by the Nabataeans in the late first century AD, blending local traditions with classical influences in their architectural style.
Explore the remarkable architecture and historical significance of the Temple of Petra. Learn about its design, excavation, and cultural importance now by reserving your Petra tour trip while visiting Jordan highlights.