History:

The archeologists studied the fragments that were found at the site. After a careful study they came to a conclusion that the temple was been constructed in the late first century BC. Also it is believed that the temple was further developed in the early first century AD. The temple was in use up to the Byzantine period that is up to the fifth century.

As the name suggest the structure is understood as a temple model and most probably dedicated to Dushara who is the major divinity of Petra. The great temple is also assumed as a huge palace with an assembly hall as a small thetare as well as a bouleuterion is found within the complex. Written reports regarding the various assemblies that took place in Petra that took place during that particular period are being found.

The rubble as well as the huge amount of dust had hid the temple till 1992 when it was discovered. The excavation as well as the restoration work of the temple were started in 1993 and are going on even today.

What to See:

The great temple is a freestanding building. It is supposed to be the largest freestanding building in Petra. The area covered by the great temple is around 7,560 sq.m. The height of the temple from the Colonnaded Street is about 25 m. The Colonnaded Street is the major street in the city also it runs through the primeval center of the city. An archaeological proof confirms that the height of the temple was around 57 feet tall.

The building of the temple comprises of a Lower Temenos. A staircase from the Lower Temenos connects it to the upper Temenos. It is believed that the temple was located on the upper Temenos. the Lower Temenos is cemented with huge stones which are hexagonal in shape. The west as well as the east side of the Lower Temenos is enclosed with the triple arcade. The number of columns in the arcade is around 96-120.

Each and every arcade shows you the way up to the small apse. The apse at the west has played a very significant role for the temple. The temple was reconstructed many times. Also the temple was filled with an artifact which includes lamps, coins as well as ceramics. The carved elephant which was found in the temple did surprise the archaeologists. At the back the East Exedra a huge container was found.

The east as well as the west walkways are located on the Upper Temenos do border the temple. Four columns made up of sandstone which are stood on the limestone base are erected in the front of the temple. In the center of the temple, an assembly is positioned. The assembly has 5 rows of seating arrangements and is semicircular in shape.

How to reach:

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is located very near to the Great temple. The extra trip is easily accomplished with the help of various public transport choices that are easily available. You can hail a cab or can rent a car.

When to visit:

The time from mid-January up to May is the best time to visit the Great temple.

Opening timings:

The Great temple is open from sunrise to the sunset.

History:

It is believed that the church was originally constructed in 450 AD. It is stated that the church is constructed over the Roman and Nabataean remnants. It was a very important church during the 5th and 6th century AD. An earthquake took place near the church in 363 AD. It is described as the major reason for the decline of Petra.

The church had a single apse when it for constructed in 450 AD. The church had only one entrance gate. In the southern passageway the Mosaic of season is been placed.

The church was earlier remodeled in 500-550 AD. Apses were constructed on both the sides of the church. Also the newly constructed building was 2-storey vestibule built. New wall paintings were created. The nave of the church was also paved. Also the screens were chancel. A pulpit was also constructed. New mosaics were installed from the northern passageway up to the southern passageway.

The church was remodeled for the second time in 600 AD. The remodeling of the church was interrupted by a sudden fire that took place in the church. The church thus stood still as dilapidated. Later it was destroyed in the earthquakes that took place in the region.

Kenneth W. Russell discovered the Petra Church in the year 1990. He died in the year 1992. In the year 1992-98 the site of the church was being excavated. American center of Oriental research took its responsibility. The excavation was funded by the United States Agency for International development.

The 152 Papyrus scrolls which were present in the ruins of the church were been uncovered in December 1993. The scrolls that were found are declared as the largest collection of the old written stuff that was ever found in Jordan. The materials were carbonized because of the fire that took place in the early seventh century. The translation of the fabrics written material is still going on. Information regarding the life of people in Petra as well as the records of a complete family is found to be written of the scrolls. The scrolls have information from 528 AD up to 582 AD. During this period, Petra had witnessed around 3 Byzantine emperors namely Justinian followed by Justin II which was later followed by Tiberius II. A will that divides the properties among the three brothers was also found. The divisions included not just the property but also the slaves and the vineyards. It is believed that the scroll was the family files that belonged to the archdeacon Theodorus who was Obodianos’s son.

What to see:

The excavation of the Petra church is already completed. The church is now conserved in a defensive tent covers and the walls which had no walls. The basilica is 3-aisled. The length of the passageway is 26 meters and the width is about 15m. On the eastern end there are almost 3 apses while there around 3 gateways on the western side. It is believed that the remains of the Roman period as well as the Nabataean period was utilized for the construction of the church as well as its capital also its door jambs and the different relief’s.

The beautiful mosaics which are very well-preserved are placed on the either sides of the Petra Church’s aisles. The length of each side is 70 sq.meters. The mosaics have design of various animals which includes local as well as foreign animals and also mythological creatures. Personifications of the ocean, season, earth and wisdom are also parts of the mosaics. You will come across the important remnants of the naves’ pavement which was been made out of marble and had some geometrical designs made up with the help of the stones.

The baptistery and the atrium are positioned to the nave’s west. It is said that the bapistery was been constructed in the middle of the fifth century. The bapistery is known to be the largest as well as the best conserved baptistery that is located in the whole Near East. A baptismal font which has the shape of the cross is placed at the southwest corner in the Sulk. The font is easily accessed with the help of the constructed steps. The baptismal font is being surrounded by 4 different columns which acted as the support system for the canopy.

How to reach:

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is the nearest located airport the further journey is easily achieved with the help of various public transportation options that are easily available. You can hire a taxi or cab or also rent a car.

When to visit:

The best time to visit Petra is from mid-January up to the month of May.

Opening timings:

The church is opened for the visitors from morning six to evening six.

Cost:

The entrance fees at the site keeps changing so make sure about the entrance cost before visiting the site. Also try and book the tickets before hand to avoid the crowd.