Blue Chapel, Petra

Welcome to the extraordinary ancient city of Petra. I am delighted to be your guide as we explore a chapter of this magnificent city's history that is often overshadowed by the famous rock cut tombs and towering facades. …

Our journey to the Blue Chapel begins here, on the dusty, uneven trail that ascends from the main Roman Colonnaded Street in the heart of the Petra basin. As you take your first steps up this incline, feel the coarse, sun baked…

Before we approach the Blue Chapel itself, we have arrived at the highest point of the ecclesiastical complex, standing just outside the ruins of the massive Ridge Church. Positioned directly on the crest of the hill, this…

Descending slightly from the highest ridge, we now stand beneath a large, modern protective canopy. This imposing tent structure shelters the remains of the Petra Church, a large triple aisled basilica built in the fifth or sixth…

We now step away from the sweeping mosaics of the main cathedral and walk a short distance to the west, arriving at the sunlit courtyard that serves as the immediate approach to the Blue Chapel. Take a moment to stand in this…

We now step across the threshold and enter the main body of the Blue Chapel. Look immediately to your left and your right. …

As we walk deeper into the nave of the chapel, moving between the grand granite pillars, I invite you to lower your gaze and study the ground upon which we are walking. The commitment to the color blue in this sanctuary was not…

We now approach the eastern end of the Blue Chapel, the most sacred and visually commanding area of the entire structure: the altar and the sanctuary. This is the focal point toward which the entire architecture of the building…

As we conclude our exploration of the Blue Chapel and prepare to make our descent back down to the main valley of Petra, let us take one final moment to stand amidst these striking blue columns and reflect on the sweeping arc of…