El-Deir in Petra

El-Deir, the monastery is a colossal building built in first century BC within a mountain. With fifty meter wide and 55 meter tall façade, El-Deir has an eight meter tall doorway. Though the purpose of this construction by the Nabateans is unknown, the influence of Greek architecture is apparent. The entire structure has been beautifully carved out of the rock face and the historic building is worth visiting for its amazing architectural work. The best time to climb El-Deir is in the afternoon, when the path is in shade and the sun is shining on the façade of the Monastery. The walk up this site is an hour’s climb to the northwest of the city of Petra.