Ad DeirAbout Ad Deir
Ad Deir, commonly called the Monastery, is a large rock-cut monument in the archaeological city of Petra in southern Jordan. It dates to the 1st century AD and is one of Petra’s most monumental facades.
The facade is carved directly into the sandstone cliff and has a broad central doorway leading to a single large chamber; the front measures roughly 50 meters wide and 45 meters high. Access involves a steep trail that includes a climb of about 800 rock-cut steps and offers wide views over the surrounding plateau and valleys. The site is a major photo and sunset viewpoint within the Petra complex.
Carved by the Nabataeans in the 1st century AD, the structure appears to have served ceremonial or funerary purposes. During the Byzantine period it was reused as a Christian monastery, which is the source of its modern name.
Sits on a high plateau within the Petra archaeological park in Ma’an Governorate, roughly northwest of the main Siq and visitor area near Wadi Musa; it occupies a prominent position above the central Petra valley.
- Dimensions: The carved facade measures roughly 50 meters across and about 45 meters high, making it one of Petra’s largest rock-cut monuments.
- Access and time: Reached by a steep climb of roughly 800 rock-cut steps from the lower parts of the site; allow 30-60 minutes from Petra’s main area depending on pace.
Nearby Attractions to Ad Deir
Best Time to Visit Ad Deir
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Petra and climb to Ad Deir; summer can be very hot and winter nights cold.
Weather & Climate near Ad Deir
Ad Deir's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 3° - 12° | 6° | 36 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 2.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.3h |
| February | Very Good | 4° - 14° | 7° | 33 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.0h |
| March | Excellent | 7° - 18° | 12° | 28 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 3.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 11° - 23° | 17° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 48% | 3.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 15° - 28° | 21° | 3 mm | clear | 41% | 3.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 0 mm | clear | 40% | 3.0 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 25° | 0 mm | clear | 41% | 2.9 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 25° | 0 mm | clear | 46% | 2.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 17° - 30° | 23° | 0 mm | clear | 51% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 14° - 26° | 20° | 2 mm | clear | 52% | 2.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.3h |
| November | Excellent | 9° - 19° | 14° | 13 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
| December | Very Good | 4° - 14° | 8° | 33 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
How to Get to Ad Deir
Ad Deir sits within Petra Archaeological Park near Wadi Musa. From Petra’s Visitor Centre follow the main trail through the Siq and beyond; the Monastery is reached by a marked trail and a long climb of stone steps (approx. 45-60 minutes from the Basin of Petra). Petra is about 235 km south of Amman (approx. 3-4 hours by car).
Tips for Visiting Ad Deir
- Climb the roughly 800 steps early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
- Bring water and sturdy shoes - the ascent is long and exposed with loose rock on sections near the top.
- Pause on the upper terraces to watch the light; the Monastery's facade is carved in a higher, wind-scoured style than the Treasury.