Petra, Jordan
Coordinates: 30.330600, 35.444300
The Byzantine Church at Petra is a prime example of monumental architecture in Byzantine Petra.
A byzantine church from the late period of the decay of the city glory after roman invasion. This is one of the few places built rather than carved.
It is located in the center of the ancient city, at the North of Colonnaded Street. The ruins contain some trunks of columns and a very well preserved mosaic on the floor.
It is one of three Byzantine churches on the hillside, the others two being the Ridge Church (or Red Church) and the Blue Chapel, the 5th – 6th century chapel north of the main church, so called because it was fashioned with blue Egyptian granite.
The Byzantine Church is notable for its lavish and well-preserved mosaic decoration.
It is the find spot of 140 papyri that have provided scholars with valuable information about life in both Byzantine Petra and in its rural surroundings.
These are referred to by scholars as the Petra papyri.
Mosaics
Mosaics are also found on some portions of the church’s walls. These are one of the most well-known features of the Church.
The mosaics in the aisles depict the seasons, animals, people, pottery, and plants.
A canopy roof protects the mosaics and a few signs explain the building and floors.
Know This
If you can spend two or three FULL days in Petra, it will worth your time visiting it. If you are on a rush to see as much as you can fast, stay on the red main route. It is good but not a must, but that depends on your personal taste.
