The Monastery (Ad Deir) (Petra) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

The Monastery, also known as Ad Deir, is a monumental building carved out of rock in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Believed to have been built in the 3rd century BCE as a Nabataean temple, it later served as a Christian monastery, which is where it gets its current name. Its large facade and remote location within the site have made it one of Petra's most iconic and visited landmarks.

The Monastery is located within the Petra Archaeological Park. Visitors typically enter the park at the Visitor Centre and walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge, to reach the ancient city center. From there, it's a steep climb up approximately 800 steps to reach The Monastery. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to ascend, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.

The best time to visit Ad Deir is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat of midday. The light is also particularly beautiful for photography during these times. Petra's peak tourist season is from March to May and from September to November, so visiting outside of these months can result in a less crowded experience.