The "Urn Tomb" is one of many large rock-cut Nabataean tombs at Petra
that were carved directly into the tall sandstone cliffs outlining the Petra Basin.
As with other Nabataean tombs, it bears evidence of later use by Christians in the area.
The access staircase, built on vaults, goes up to a vast atrium edged with a monolithic colonnade.
The frontage is from Hellenistic inspiration with its pilasters and its semi-committed columns.
This tomb was transformed by the Bishop Jason into a church in 447.
Its interior part, one of largest of Petra, was extended for this occasion.

Urn Tomb. 9/13/2000

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