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The Monastery (also known as al-Deir) is one of the largest monuments in Petra and gives the "Treasury" a run for its money as the most popular site. It is also one of the farthest from the main gate.
Its name, like most Petra structures, does not reflect reality. The "Monastery" is a rather inaccurate nickname, which is based on its remote location and some crosses inscribed in the interior. Althought it may have been later used as a church (or even a hermitage), it was probably a temple of some kind.
The Deir monument is nearly 132 feet wide, 165 feet tall, and is carved deep into the side of the mountain. The door itself is about 26 feet high.
It takes about an hour to get to the Monastery, and you must be ready to climb an ancient rock-cut path with about 800 steps. Don't let that hold you back. A visit to the Monastery is well worth the effort!
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