Lot’s Cave & Sanctuary of Saint Lot | Dead Sea

Lot's Cave and the Sanctuary of Saint Lot is an archaeological complex situated on a steep mountainside overlooking the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea. It is located near the modern town of Ghor as-Safi, at the lowest point on the earth's surface.

Visual Characteristics

The complex consists of a natural limestone cave integrated into a Byzantine-era church. The church ruins feature black basalt columns, white marble accents, and three distinct aisles paved with intricate floor mosaics depicting birds and floral motifs. A stone-lined reservoir and several vaulted residential rooms are carved into the surrounding rock face, which is composed of reddish sandstone and sedimentary limestone.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is accessed via the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65), approximately 150 kilometers south of Amman. Visitors must park at the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth and ascend a steep, 300-step stone staircase to reach the cave. Private vehicle is the most efficient means of transport; while public minibuses from Amman to Ghor as-Safi exist, they require a taxi transfer to the site entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Archaeological evidence indicates human use of the cave dating back to the Bronze Age. In the 5th and 6th centuries AD, Byzantine monks built a sanctuary and monastery around the cave, identifying it as the biblical site where Lot and his daughters sought refuge following the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Geologically, the cave is a natural karstic opening formed by water erosion in the limestone cliffs of the Jordan Rift Valley.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the interior of the cave and view the well-preserved 7th-century mosaic inscriptions on the church floor. Photography is a primary activity, specifically capturing the view of the Lisan Peninsula and the Dead Sea from the sanctuary entrance. The ascent offers observation of the complex hydraulic systems used by ancient monks to collect rainwater.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A modern visitor center and museum are located at the base of the hill, featuring public restrooms and air-conditioning. There is no shade along the steep staircase ascent, though the cave interior is naturally cool. 4G cellular signal is available at the museum level but becomes intermittent at the cave site. Basic snacks and water are available at the museum shop.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal months for visiting are from November to March to avoid the extreme heat of the Ghor region, where temperatures can exceed 45°C in summer. Early morning (08:00 to 10:00) provides the most comfortable conditions for the physical climb and the best lighting for the mosaics. The site is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Facts & Legends

According to the Book of Genesis and local tradition, the cave is the location where Lot’s daughters gave birth to the progenitors of the Moabite and Ammonite peoples. A verified historical oddity is the discovery of 3,500-year-old grape seeds and textiles inside the cave, indicating it was used for storage long before it became a Christian pilgrimage site.

Nearby Landmarks

Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth (0.2km West)

Ghor as-Safi (1.5km South)

Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve (35.0km North)

Wadi Hasa (8.0km South)