Great Temple | Petra

Information

Landmark: Great Temple
City: Petra
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Great Temple, Petra, Jordan, Asia

The Great Temple is a massive Nabataean religious and administrative complex located on the southern slope of the Colonnaded Street in Petra. It is the largest freestanding building in the archaeological park, covering an area of approximately 7,560 square meters.

Visual Characteristics

The complex features a monumental entrance with a grand staircase leading to a lower temenos (sacred area) and an upper temenos. The architecture is characterized by triple-colonnaded porticos with distinct elephant-headed capitals carved from limestone. A small semi-circular theatron (council chamber) is situated within the central core of the upper temple, surrounded by red-and-white stuccoed walls and floral floor mosaics.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located 3.1 kilometers from the Petra Visitor Center. Access is via the main trail through the Siq, passing the Treasury and the Theater, and continuing to the center of the Colonnaded Street. The temple is situated on an elevated terrace south of the road and is accessible by stone ramps and staircases.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction began in the late 1st century BC under Nabataean King Aretas IV and continued through the 1st century AD. While originally thought to be a temple dedicated to a Nabataean deity, archaeological evidence suggests it served as a royal reception hall or civic administrative center. The structure was built using local sandstone and imported limestone, significantly modified after the Roman annexation in 106 AD.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the lower temenos with its triple colonnade and ascend to the upper level to view the unique theatron. The site provides one of the few opportunities in Petra to see intact floor mosaics and complex subterranean water systems. Photography from the upper tiers offers clear views across the Colonnaded Street toward the Byzantine Church.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is fully exposed to the sun and wind, with no overhead protection. There are no facilities within the temple complex itself; the nearest restrooms and food vendors are located 300 meters west at the Basin or 100 meters east along the Colonnaded Street. 4G cellular coverage is reliable throughout the open site.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-morning (10:00–12:00) provides the best direct light for viewing the interior theatron and mosaics. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid high temperatures, as the light-colored stone reflects heat intensely.

Facts & Legends

The discovery of "elephant-headed capitals" at the Great Temple was a significant archaeological find, as it highlighted the Nabataeans' extensive trade connections with India and their willingness to incorporate exotic, non-classical motifs into their royal architecture.