THE MONASTERY

At 158 feet tall, the Monastery is one of the largest monuments in all of Petra. Also, relatively well-preserved, the architecture is a beautiful sight to behold. The structure was originally built by the Nabataeans, but was later claimed by Christians and a cross was carved into the wall in the main hall. Hence the name, monastery.

The design of the building revolved around the movements of the sun and during the solstices, certain aspects of the Monastery are brightly lit up. As you walk the grounds of the monastery, you see a simple sundial with the following times posted next to it:

• 6:00 am
• 4:00 pm
• 3:00 pm
• 7:00 am
• 11:00 am
• 1:00 pm
• 11:00 am