Temple of the Winged Lions, Petra

This temple was named after the sculpted lions with wings that were found decorating the column capitals. The interior was lavishly decorated using marble, plaster, and stucco. The temple is dated to 28 A.D. It's destruction was dated to May 19, 363, as a result of the massive earthquake that happened that day.

The Colonnaded street led past the Temple of the Winged Lions on the northern bank of the stream. Excavations have established that it was built around 27 AD. Some workshops for metal and stone have been found in the complex and these were probably in use later in the 1st century AD when the temple was remodeled. The stone-built temple was totally destroyed in the earthquake of 363 AD.

As I have said this was the commercial quarter. Shops lined the street in between the colonnades, and Swiss archaeologists have discovered many artisans' workshops in the valley running down to the stream, which must have been a permanent feature at that time.

There are two great temples here, both in the course of excavation. The "Great Temple" , is to the left, and on the hill opposite you can see "The Temple of the Winged Lions". The photo opposite shows the carving found on the pediment of this temple.

Posted by Lulu

Close to the Byzantine church, not much left from this temple. It’s actually closed and you can only see a few remaining columns.
Built between the 1st century BC and 1st century AC, this temple got his name from the sculpted lions standing on the top of the columns.

Part of the fresco that have been found here are now exhibited in the Nabatanean museum. This museum is located in the same building as the El Basin restaurant (on the way to the monastery). It is definitely worth the visit.