Urn Tomb | Petra

The Urn Tomb is a monumental Nabataean sepulcher located on the eastern cliff face of the King's Wall in Petra. It stands as the largest and most prominent structure within the Royal Tombs complex, overlooking the main city center.

Visual Characteristics

The tomb features a massive facade carved from solid sandstone, characterized by a deep recessed portico and two rows of arched vaults supporting a wide courtyard. The central chamber measures approximately 18 by 20 meters, with interior walls exhibiting smooth-cut stone and naturally occurring colorful mineral veins. A large stone urn sits atop the triangular pediment, which is flanked by three distinct burial niches above the main entablature.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated 2.5 kilometers from the Petra Visitor Center. Visitors must traverse the Siq, pass The Theatre, and then ascend a series of stone staircases built into the western slope of the Jabal al-Khubtha mountain. There is no vehicle access to the base of the tomb; the final 50 meters involve a steep climb.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Carved during the reign of Nabataean King Malichus II or Aretas IV in the 1st century AD, the structure was originally intended as a royal mausoleum. In 447 AD, under the direction of Bishop Jason, the interior was repurposed as a Byzantine Church, resulting in the leveling of the floor and the carving of three apses into the rear wall.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the main chamber to view the transition from Nabataean tomb architecture to Byzantine ecclesiastical design. The elevated terrace offers a panoramic view of the Colonnaded Street and the Great Temple. Photography is most effective from the lower valley floor to capture the scale of the vaults.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The interior provides total shade and a significant temperature drop from the exterior valley. There are no restrooms or water vendors at the tomb level; the nearest facilities are located at the base of the hill near the Theater. 4G cell signal is generally stable due to the tomb's elevated, outward-facing position.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon (15:00–17:00) is the optimal time for viewing, as the setting sun directly illuminates the western-facing facade, turning the sandstone a deep orange-red. During winter months, the site is prone to cold winds due to its height.

Facts & Legends

The vaulted substructures beneath the courtyard are locally known as "The Prison," based on a folk legend that the Nabataeans used the dark chambers to hold captives, though they were actually structural supports for the terrace.

Nearby Landmarks

Silk Tomb: 0.1km North

Corinthian Tomb: 0.15km North

Palace Tomb: 0.2km North

The Nabataean Theater: 0.3km South