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Great Temple of Petra

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Great Temple of Petra is the largest archaeological complex in the city's central district, sprawling across an area of approximately 7,000 square meters. Constructed during the late 1st century BC under the Nabataean kings, it likely functioned as a major civic and religious center rather than a purely sacred site. Extensive excavations by Brown University starting in 1993 revealed a multi-tiered sanctuary consisting of a lower courtyard (temenos), grand staircases, and triple-colonnaded walkways. One of the most remarkable features of the Great Temple is the discovery of a 600-seat theater (odeon) built into the interior of the upper temple structure, which was likely used for administrative meetings or council sessions. The site is also famous for its unique elephant-headed capitals, highlighting the extensive trade networks that linked the Nabataeans to India and Africa. Despite being heavily damaged by the catastrophic earthquake of 363 AD, the standing columns and reconstructed walls still offer a powerful testament to the architectural ambition of the ancient Nabataean capital.

Location: Jordan
Top sights: Painted Room · Umm al Biyara · Crusaders Castle
Nearby: Wadi Dhana / Feynan (26 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	8	11	15	20	23	25	25	23	19	13	8
Rain mm	45	36	19	10	4	0	0	0	1	7	15	26

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Great Temple is an open-air archaeological site located in the heart of Petra. Visitors can walk through the vast complex, exploring the grand staircase, columns, and remnants of Nabataean architecture during the park's opening hours.

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Typical hours

Petra's opening hours typically follow daylight hours, varying by season. The Great Temple has no separate schedule; it is accessible during the entire park opening period. Check official sources for current timings.

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Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted throughout the Great Temple area and Petra park. Avoid using flash near ancient carvings and respect any restricted zones for preservation of the site.

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Time needed

Allocate at least 45 minutes to explore the Great Temple thoroughly. Given its central location, you can easily spend more time combining it with other nearby monuments.

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Combine with

Combine your visit to the Great Temple with the nearby Treasury and the Monastery for a full day of exploration. The Siq and the Royal Tombs are also within easy walking distance.

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Getting there

Access to the Great Temple is on foot from the Petra visitor center through the iconic Siq canyon. The site involves uneven stone steps and is not wheelchair accessible.

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Insider tip

A top tip is to begin your tour at the Great Temple early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and large tour groups. Carry sufficient water and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for the uneven, rocky paths.

Geography

Coordinates

30.32830, 35.44390

Facts

The complex was discovered to have been two stories high.
It features a central 'Theatron' used for public functions.
More than 348 elephant-headed capitals were documented at the site.
The lower Temenos is paved with large hexagonal stones.
Water was supplied via sophisticated terracotta channels.
The earthquake in 363 AD marked the end of its functional life.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Petra<1 km · NEExplore →

Ad-Deir (The Monastery)2 km · SEExplore →

The Siq2 km · NExplore →

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)4 km · EExplore →

Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)4 km · SExplore →

Sharah Mountains4 km · NExplore →

Shobak Castle23 km · NEExplore →

Wadi Ghuweir25 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Great Temple of Petra (6)

Painted Room 🏺 historical

A rare interior chamber featuring Nabataean wall paintings with floral and bird motifs.

Umm al Biyara 🌿 nature

A prominent flat-topped mountain hosting an ancient Edomite settlement site and panoramic views.

Crusaders Castle 🏺 historical

The ruins of a small 12th-century Crusader fortress situated on the strategic Al-Habis peak.

Pharaumn Column 🏺 historical

A solitary standing column representing the final remains of a once-monumental Nabataean temple.

Exedra 📍 landmark

A semicircular recessed area with stone seating used for public gatherings.

Upper Market 📍 landmark

A large open plaza believed to have served as a central trading hub for the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Great Temple located?

In the center of Petra, south of the Colonnaded Street.

Was it actually a temple?

Archaeologists still debate; it might have been a senate hall or a palace instead.

What is the highlight of the complex?

The small theater (Odeon) located inside the building structure.

Is climbing on the ruins allowed?

You can walk on the stairs and platforms, but avoid loose masonry.

Are there any mosaics?

Nearby at the Byzantine Church there are famous mosaics, but fewer in the temple itself.

Great Temple of Petra: where is it located?

Great Temple of Petra is located in Jordan.

Great Temple of Petra: what is there to see?

Highlights include Painted Room, Umm al Biyara, Crusaders Castle.

Great Temple of Petra: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Great Temple of Petra: why is it worth visiting?

The Great Temple of Petra is the largest archaeological complex in the city's central district, sprawling across an area of approximately 7,000 square meters.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Great Temple of Petra

Best time to visit & climate