Al Dayr Trail 2

Trail overview

The Dayr 2 Trail begins at the entrance of Wadi as-Siyyagh and extends to the magnificent monument ad-Dayr (the monastery). As you embark on this journey, you'll encounter rock-cut Nabataean houses carved into the cliff faces on both sides of the wadi. These houses are part of a larger complex consisting of six interconnected caves, featuring intricately decorated painted stucco that dates back to the 1st century BC. The vibrant artwork provides a glimpse into the artistic skills and daily life of the Nabataeans. Continuing towards Siyyagh Spring, you'll discover one of the historical quarries where the Nabataeans extracted stone for their temples and residences. Near the spring, a carved stele with an inscription dedicated to Al-Uzza highlights the Nabataean reverence for deities associated with water, a crucial element for survival in this arid region. The associations between water and worship are evident throughout Petra and other Nabataean Sites. The trail concludes with a steep ascent to ad-Dayr, so it's important to come prepared with ample water, wear a hat, and choose comfortable footwear. Exploring these ancient quarries and springs offers a fascinating insight into the Nabataean civilization, showcasing both their engineering prowess and their spiritual practices.

Trail Details

Starting Point: Petra/Qasr al Bint/Wadi as Siyyagh

Endpoint: Petra/al Dayr

Category: Heritage/Environmental/Geological

Distance: 1.9 Km/2493 Steps

Calories Burn: 100 Calories

Duration: 1.30 - 1.45 Hours/Non-stop

Grade: Moderate/Difficult

Tour: One-way

Qasr al Bint Temple Complex   

Qasr al-Bint, also known as the Palace of the Pharaoh's Daughter, stands as Petra's oldest and most esteemed temple complex. Legend suggests a pharaoh hid his treasure in Petra's Treasury urn, promising his daughter's hand in marriage to the engineer who could supply water to the palace. The temple, almost square and reaching 23 meters high, showcases Hellenistic architecture. It served as Petra's main temple, with priests entering while worshippers remained outside for rituals. Accessible via marble steps, its northern facade boasts four Corinthian columns. Inside, a rear sanctuary features three compartments, possibly dedicated to Dushara, the main Nabataean god. Dating back to the first half of the 1st century AD, the temple may have been a pilgrimage site. Numerous water channels near the site support the legend's claim. Qasr al-Bint remains a testament to Petra's rich history and religious significance, drawing visitors to marvel at its architectural grandeur and cultural heritage.

The Painted Room of Wadi as-Siyyagh   

Discovered in 1979 by the inspector of antiquities in Petra, the Painted Room of Wadi as-Siyyagh is a charming example of a Nabataean residence. This cave was likely part of a larger Nabataean housing complex consisting of several interconnected caves with multiple rooms. The walls of the cave are adorned with stucco painted in vibrant colors, featuring drawings of doorways framed by pale blue bands on orange or dark red backgrounds. The architectural frescoes on the south and west walls depict doorways topped with cornices and pediments. Notably, a winged sphinx, possibly influenced by Greek mythology, is depicted above one doorway. The cave’s ceiling was plastered and includes a circular, molded central roundel. The frescoes reflect a blend of Nabataean, Greek, and Roman influences, showcasing the rich cultural interactions in the region during ancient times. Part of the frescoes was cleaned and restored in 1980. Dated to the 1st century BC, the Painted Room offers invaluable insights into the artistic and cultural exchanges that shaped Petra's history.

Wadi es-Siyyagh Sandstone Quarry   

Situated in the Wadi as-Siyyagh region, this quarry stands out as one of the largest in Petra. Named after its surrounding valley, the Wadi as-Siyyagh Sandstone Quarry primarily extracts sandstone from the Umm Ishrin Sandstone Formation, a key component of the Rum Sandstone Group. This particular sandstone is known for its distinctive mauve to reddish-brown hue, considerable hardness, massiveness, and medium to coarse grain size, making it ideal for construction. Recent archaeological studies have revealed that many of the stone blocks used in the construction of the iconic Qasr al-Bint were quarried here. The quarry stretches from east to west, in alignment with the natural trend of Wadi as-Siyyagh, and spans elevations from 820 meters to 933 meters above sea level, with the lowest point at 840 meters. While Petra’s monumental carvings were typically made from the middle section of the Umm Ishrin Sandstone Formation, the stone blocks for the building were extracted from its upper part. Notably, two rows of roughly cut footholds can be seen flanking the Nabataean quarry, indicating that workers likely used ladders to reach the higher sections of the quarry.

ad-Dayr Monument

Carved deeply into the cliff face of Jabal ad-Dayr, the facade, traditionally known as the Monastery, is one of Petra's largest and most impressive monuments, measuring 46.77 meters wide and 48.3 meters high. It was constructed based on the design of Al-Khazna, but instead of bas-reliefs, niches were created to house sculptures. Originally, the area in front of the facade was enclosed by a columned portico. Inside, the space features two side benches and an altar against the rear wall. It was likely used as a biclinium for religious meetings and rituals. Construction probably took place during the late 1st century to early 2nd century AD, under King Rabel II. An inscription found nearby suggests it may have been dedicated to the divine King Obodas I (circa 96–95 BC). The monument is believed to have been a significant religious site during its time, serving as a place of worship and gatherings for the community. The combination of architectural elements and historical significance makes it a unique Nabataean monument in Petra. The hall was later repurposed as a Christian chapel, with crosses carved into the rear wall, which is how the monument acquired its name, "Monastery" (dayr in Arabic).

The Great Circle of the ad-Dayr

IMonument and Plateau Project in Petra Archaeological Park, the Monastery (ad-Dayr) stands as the second most visited site, known for its impressive rock-carved plaza that once hosted large crowds during religious ceremonies. Located northwest of Petra’s city center, this site was historically surrounded by advanced water catchment systems, reflecting the Nabataeans’ skillful use of the local landscape to manage seasonal floodwaters sustainably. Recent discoveries by the ad-Dayr Monument and Plateau Project (AMPP), a collaborative effort between Brigham Young University, the Department of Antiquities, and Petra Archaeological Park, have provided new insights into the site. Key findings include the northwest Temenos Slot Access Region, Eastern Water Cisterns, and the Great Circle—a monumental 60-meter pool. This structure features a massive dam, rock-cut walls, and an entrance ramp, utilizing an existing Nabataean quarry to protect the monument from erosional floods originating from the western plateau slopes. The Great Circle functioned both as a quarry for construction materials and a catch basin to safeguard the ad-Dayr Monument complex. These discoveries highlight the Nabataeans' sophisticated engineering skills in water management within Petra’s arid environment. The AMPP's work in restoring and documenting these features, along with exploring other significant Nabataean sites, greatly enhances our understanding of Petra's archaeological heritage.

ad-Dayr Viewpoint

Just past ad-Dayr, the viewpoint provides breathtaking vistas of the white shrine atop Jabal Harun and the arid, rugged mountains stretching westward toward Wadi Araba. From this elevated spot, visitors can marvel at Petra's dramatic landscape, which is characterized by towering cliffs and deep valleys sculpted by ancient rivers. The distant mountains display a stunning array of colors, from warm sandstone hues to cool gray granite, beautifully illuminated by the desert sunlight against a clear blue sky. This tranquil location invites visitors to reflect on Petra’s natural beauty and historical significance, offering a unique chance to contemplate the ancient Nabataean civilization that once thrived in this remote desert region. At sunset, the mountains are often bathed in a golden glow, creating a magical ambiance over the ancient city. The interplay of light and shadow on the rugged terrain is mesmerizing, making it an ideal spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The ad-Dayr viewpoint provides an unforgettable experience, connecting visitors deeply with Petra’s rich history and stunning wilderness.