The Church Complex of Petra

The Petra Church Complex, built upon earlier Nabataean structures and tombs, consists of three churches: the Ridge Church, Blue Chapel, and Petra Church.

Named for its strategic location high above the city center of Petra, the Ridge Church is a simple structure with two wings flanking the nave, separated by five columns on each side. Under the nave lies a large cistern collecting rainwater from the roof. Dating back to the late 4th or early 5th century, the Ridge Church was constructed using materials from Nabatean and Roman sources.

As for the Blue Chapel, named for its four blue Egyptian granite columns likely relocated from a nearby Nabataean monument, it is believed to have been built around the mid-5th century, contemporaneously with the Petra Church. The Blue Chapel could have served as a pilgrimage hostel or a church official's residence.

Meanwhile, the Petra Church, a tripartite basilica measuring approximately 26 meters east to west and 15 meters north to south, with three inscribed apses and corresponding entrances, was likely erected in the latter half of the 5th century AD. Its well-preserved mosaic floor is adorned with beautiful illustrations inside circular medallions, depicting various motifs including animals, birds, humans, vegetation, vessels, and symbolic personifications of the four seasons, the ocean, earth, and wisdom.


You May Also Like
Opening Hours
  • Daily from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM