Tomb of Aaron

The tomb of Aaron marks the burial site of Aaron and is the highest peak in the region, about 1350 m above sea level. It is situated on Aaron's mountain (Jabal Haroun), a remote hilltop southwest of Petra. It is believed that when Aaron, the brother of Moses, died, he was buried in the Petra region, in this white-domed mosque, which was constructed in the 14th century.

The Tomb of Aaron consists of a room and a small courtyard. Its white dome covers the main room. Above the shrine's door is the date of its last medieval renewal, i.e., the Islamic year of 719 AH. Since the Nabateans inhabited Petra, this has been a holy shrine for Islam. Notably, the Jordanian authorities consider the Tomb of Aaron a mosque; hence they have forbidden Jewish prayer services there. Physical fitness is essential for the long off-beat hike to this site. Also, the Ruins of a Christian monastery from the Byzantine era are near this landmark. Besides, the Jabal Haroun also offers some picturesque views of the Arava, Petra's mountains, and the Israeli Negev Desert.