Khirbet et-Tannur
A Nabataean hilltop sanctuary above the gorge of Wadi al-Hasa, reached by a 30–40 minute climb
First altar2nd c. BC
SculpturesAmman · Cincinnati
LocationAbove Wadi al-Hasa
Access30–40 min climb
Introduction
A lonely summit where pilgrims climbed to make offerings.
On a lonely summit above the gorge of Wadi al-Hasa, the Nabataeans built a small temple to which pilgrims climbed to make offerings. It stands alone on the flat top of Jebel et-Tannur, beside the King’s Highway north of Tafila, about 7 km north of Khirbet edh-Dharih.
Its sculptures, among the finest of Nabataean art, were excavated in 1937 and now stand in The Jordan Museum in Amman and the Cincinnati Art Museum; on the hilltop, the walls and the altar platform remain. There is no parking: leave the car where the track ends and climb for 30–40 minutes. The site is open and free.
Best timeOct–Apr · early morning
Time neededAbout 2 hr
TicketFree
From Amman165 km · 2 hr
Combine withKhirbet edh-Dharih · 15 min
Google rating4.8 · Reviews
Highlights · A hilltop sanctuary
A climb, an altar and the gods of Tannur
Four things to look for at Khirbet et-Tannur
Tannur is a climb to a small ruin with a huge view. These are the moments that make it.
01 / 0401 · Landscape
Jebel et-Tannur
The climb
The flat-topped hill above the meeting of Wadi al-Hasa and Wadi La’aban.
Look closely
The ancient path on the south-east ridge.
1 of 4
Step by step
What to see
Three parts of the visit: the climb, the sanctuary on the summit and the carved stones. Pick one to see what to look for.
1 / 301 · Up the south-east ridge
Climb the hill
There is no parking: leave the car where the track ends. The only way up is an ancient path on the south-east ridge, and the climb takes 30–40 minutes.
The summit has no shade, so come early in the morning and carry water.
30–40 minNo shadeNo parking
Look for
- The path on the south-east ridge
- The gorge of Wadi al-Hasa below
- Khirbet edh-Dharih to the south
1 / 602 · On the summit
Explore the sanctuary
A walled, paved forecourt led to a tall, unroofed inner enclosure. At its centre, under the open sky, stood the square altar platform, with a cult niche on its front and a stair up to the sacred flame.
Dining rooms on the north and south sides served pilgrims’ feasts. Burnt offerings of sheep, goats and grain were found.
Altar platformOpen to the skyDining rooms
Look for
- The walls of the forecourt
- The altar platform
- The dining rooms on either side
Dig deeperGods of Khirbet et-Tannur
The only god named in an inscription is Qos, the old Edomite storm god. The main cult statues show a storm god with thunderbolt and bull calves, and a goddess seated on a lion throne, probably Allat with features of Isis.
1 / 703 · Fallen in AD 363
Look at the stones
The great earthquake of AD 363 brought down the shrine and ended worship; the sanctuary was never rebuilt. Column drums and carved blocks still lie on the summit.
The sculptures were divided after the 1937 excavation: Jordan’s share is in The Jordan Museum in Amman, and the American share in the Cincinnati Art Museum. Among them is the relief known as the Vegetation Goddess, a bust framed by foliage and rosettes.
AD 363 earthquakeJordan MuseumCincinnati
Look for
- The column drums
- Mouldings on fallen blocks
Dig deeperA zodiac in two museums
A Victory holding up the ring of the zodiac, with Tyche at its centre, is now split between the Cincinnati Art Museum and The Jordan Museum in Amman.
History & significance
A sanctuary on a summit
Pilgrims climbed to Tannur for more than four centuries, from the first altar of the 2nd century BC until the earthquake of AD 363.
- 2nd c. BCThe first altar is built
- 8/7 BCA dedication of year 2 of Aretas IV
- Early 2nd c. ADThe sanctuary is rebuilt with a sculpted shrine
- AD 363An earthquake brings down the shrine
- AD 1937Nelson Glueck excavates the temple
- AD 2013The full excavation is published
ProfileKhirbet et-Tannur: the full storyThe history, the gods and the sculptures of Khirbet et-Tannur.Read the profile →Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before you go
The temple stands on the summit of Jebel et-Tannur, beside the King’s Highway north of Tafila, about 7 km north of Khirbet edh-Dharih. There is no parking: leave the car where the track ends.
Good to know: the climb takes 30–40 minutes on an ancient path, and the summit has no shade. The site is open and free.
Opening hoursOpen accessVisit in daylight · no shade
Entry ticketFreeNo ticket office
Time to visitAbout 2 hrAbout 2 hours with the climb
From Amman165 kmAbout 2 hours by road
LocationKing’s Highway30.9687° N, 35.7065° EGet directions
Opening hours and prices checked October 2026. Spotted a change? Let us know
On site
What you’ll find at Khirbet et-Tannur
- Viewpoint
Not on site: visitor centre, ticket office, toilets, free parking, museum, guide available, food & drinks, market / shop, hotels · Access: 4x4 needed
When to go
October to April, early in the morning. The summit has no shade.
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Tip: see the sculptures of Tannur in The Jordan Museum in Amman before or after your climb.
Before you go
There are no services at the site.
- Hiking shoesA steep ancient path
- WaterNo shade on the summit
- Sun hat and sunscreenClimb early
Common questions
Quick answers before you set off.
How long is the climb?
About 30–40 minutes from the end of the track. Allow about two hours in all.
Is there parking?
No. Leave the car where the track ends and continue on foot.
Where are the sculptures?
In The Jordan Museum in Amman and the Cincinnati Art Museum. On the summit, the walls and the altar platform remain.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The site is open and free.
Combine with
Tannur pairs with its parent village, Khirbet edh-Dharih. Drive times are from the end of the track.
Explore this site
More from Khirbet et-Tannur
Panoramas, walk-throughs, photos and stories about this site.
ProfileKhirbet et-Tannur: history & architecture
Photo albumKhirbet et-Tannur: A Hilltop Sanctuary in Photos
360°360° panorama360° Panorama of Khirbet et-Tannur’s Nabataean Sanctuary
Travel articleVisiting Khirbet et-Tannur: Hiking to One of Jordan’s Most Isolated Nabataean TemplesNearby
Also on the King’s Highway
From guide to visit
Explore the Nabataean sites with a private guide
Tell us when you’d like to go, and we’ll plan a private day that includes Khirbet et-Tannur and Khirbet edh-Dharih.
