A Jewel of Petra: The Monastery
You loved our Petra By Night photographs, now Feast your Eyes on The Monastery!
The always impressive Monastery in Petra, Jordan
Some people have said that Petra has been saturated with articles and blog posts recently. We disagree. We can’t get enough of this mesmerizing World Heritage Site and we don’t think that you can either. Dave has been working frantically putting together his “Petra by Day” photographs so that we can share the facts, figures and legends regarding this mysterious historic city.
You will have to wait a few more days for that post, but for now we give you a view of the Monastery. in today’s Snapshot Sunday.
To us, The Monastery is the most impressive building of the entire complex. Reaching 50 metres into the air, it is also the largest in all of Petra. Dating back to the 1st century B.C. it is worth the 45 minute hike to the top. Not only will you be treated to this majestic structure, you will also view magnificent panoramic views of the valleys and rocky landscape of the area of Wadi Araba.
Don’t wast time upon your arrival. You will be tempted to wander around the ruins after witnessing the first and most famous building The Treasury. Instead, head directly to the Monastery right after the Treasury. You will want to get there early before the tour groups arrive. People will tell you to wait until later in the afternoon, but by then it will be too late.
The crowds will have already amassed and you won’t have a chance to see anything in peace and quiet. Instead go to the Monastery before noon and you will be able to capture this treasure free and clear. Contrary to popular belief, we found the conditions to be perfect for photography.
If your lucky, you may spy a Bedouin relaxing by the rocks like we did above.
Once you have checked out the remarkable vistas and view points near the Monastery, you will be free and clear to enjoy the rest of Petra at your leisure for the rest of the day.
Check out our Petra By Night Photostory.
FeedboxComments
37 Responses to A Jewel of Petra: The Monastery
Leave a Reply
Partner with Us
ThePlanetD is one of the top travel blogs on the Internet. We work with brands and tourism boards to help bridge the gap between the corporation and consumer. To find out how you can work with us, visit our Media/Advertise page.Write for Us
Travel Resources
Connect with Us
Log in -
Development by MWL Development -
Designed by Gabfire Themes
Google+
Holy HDR!
Thanks Gary. I decided to use HDR here as it really featured the contours, shape and shadows of this architecturally stunning building.
A very nice picture indeed. Going over the photo made me wonder how ingenious and industrious the people were in that era who were able to expertly carve the monument in sandstone. Thanks for sharing this photo.
Thanks Edelito. I agree, I have no idea how people could build such extravagant structures without modern technology. What is more amazing is that it all has withstood earthquakes over the centuries. We could learn something from our ancient ancestors.
Nice! Gives a certain 3d look to it.
I never get tired looking at photos of this, and I agree with you in that I am loving all these posts on Jordan and can’t read enough! Stunning HDR Dave, just amazing work. I can’t wait to actually see this in person.
Wow! the HDR made it look even more mysterious. Can’t wait to see more on “Petra By Day”!
Terrific shot! I enjoyed hiking to the Monastery, although it was tiring. It made me realize I’ve gotten a bit out of shape
Before I visited, I had no idea there was so much to Petra besides the iconic Treasury building.
Aww stunning!
The HDR makes it almost look like an artist’s sketch. Lovely. Oops, I’m not supposed to use that word, am I?
I need to start playing around with HDR also — lovely shot (and I think your CommentLuv isn’t working right now)
Thanks for the heads up Michael. We’ll check out our comment luv. We’ve been having problems with comment luv and even leaving comments lately has been a challenge for us. I had to change my email address when leaving comments on other blogs.
One more reason to go there in the morning – it won’t be so hot to climb up.
Vi, you are absolutely right about this one. It can get extremely hot in Jordan, the earlier the better for everything and that climb is long and hot all the way up.
I don’t think I have ever seen the view from this low down – and with the HDR it does show the depth of the carving, which is a plus.
And the two guys in the corner help with the scale of the building.
Or, is it a building? What is the definition of a building? Is it a cave with a carved front door? Maybe if they had had a few hundred more years they could have carved away all the rest of the rock – everything that wasn’t the monastery, in fact.
I might have toned tone the color – but that is just my preference. All in all – very educational. Excellent.
Thanks David. haha, good questions, we have the same questions about the buildings of Petra. Yes, they are carved into the rock and it is more like a work of art than a building, but then again they are quite large inside. We were very lucky to have nobody in the shot.
Cool photo. With all these bloggers writing about Jordan I wonder if it will soon become a “must see” place.
Bravo, Dave! That is a fantastic shot. Just what I need for this mopsy Monday.
Glad I could help Randy\
That photo is SO beautiful!
Thanks! Petra is beautiful. I was lucky, there were opportunities for beautiful shots everywhere in Petra.
So gorgeous and I am so jealous that you two got to visit there!!!
You’ll get there soon Cailin, I know it!
Such an amazing pic!!
Jordan is high on our lists so I appreciate all the information…the only fear is that now it’s going to be even more crowded when we finally make it there because it is so beautiful, haha
Haha, so true Andrea. They are doing a great job on their tourism campaign about raising awareness for the country. Some people we know had never even heard of Jordan before, now it has shot up to the top of their bucket list.
Pingback: Walking Amman - The Planet D: Around the World Adventure Couple
Great shot Dave! Your HDR skills are getting quite good!
We agree, the Monastery is the most impressive in the Petra complex
Thanks Cam. I am really digging HDR and starting to understand the nuances of it. Where and when to use it. Still a long way to go, but loving playing around with the camera and post processing.
The Monastery is jaw-dropping. Thanks for sharing this great photo. If you get a chance to go back, see about taking the hidden back trail to the Monastery. If you start hiking early enough, you can arrive at the Monastery at 8:30 in the morning, before anyone else gets there. This has become my new favorite way to get to Petra. I’m taking it again next week and I can’t wait!
I’m enjoying all your awesome Jordan posts. Keep it up!
Thanks for the tips Jon. When we go back we want to spend longer at Petra for sure to explore the little nooks and crannys, just like the one you are talking abou there. Sounds awesome! We have a lot more Jordan posts coming. It is editing the video and photos that are taking time, but there are many more. Stay tuned:-)
Pingback: Petra Jordan, The Lost City by Day - The Planet D: Around the World Adventure Couple
Amazing shot. Petra is very close to the top of my “Must Do” list.
Man, this picture is beautiful.
Pingback: Featured Destination: Jordan
Pingback: El Monasterio, las ruinas de Petra | Viajes con Destino
I usually have mixed feelings about HDR. However, the Monastery looks absolutely stunning in this style. Great shot!
- Maria Alexandra