Ed-Deir

The Deir is the largest tomb façade in Petra and carved out of the mountain, its architecture expresses simplicity and grandeur; measuring 50 meters wide and 45 m high. Despite its name, it was carved as a tomb monument and may have acquired its name from the crosses inscribed inside. The structure of it consists of two storeys and encloses niches in which there must have been sculptures, and is crowned by a magnificent urn.

There is a large chamber in the interior (11.5 by 10 meters) and the light enters it from the doorway. The arch at the back of the chamber indicates that it probably contained a representation of the deity to whom the temple was dedicated, a deity of some importance to the Nabataeans to warrant such an imposing temple.