Known as the Monastery at the Abata Spring, Deir Ain Abata is built around the cave in which the Prophet Lot was said to have taken refuge with his daughters after the destruction of Sodom.
As the story goes, Lot and his family fled from Sodom and Gomorah after God warned that the city would be persecuted for immoral practices. After sending angels to warm Lot of the upcoming destruction of the city, God ordered them to flee and never look back, however as they left, the Prophet’s wife turned around for a final glance and was instantly turned into a pillar of salt. Today not far from the cave, a salt rock naturally shaped like a human figure stands looking out over the ancient city. Many believe this is the figure of Lots wife.
Now a popular site for Christian pilgrimage, this Sanctuary to the Prophet Lot (as it is also called), consists of the Monastery, a number of hermetic cells, a refectory, a reservoir, mosaic floors, a communal burial chamber and a beautifully restored Byzantine Basilica Church.
Located only 30 minutes southeast of Amman, a trip to the Sanctuary and caves at Deir Ain Abata can be made in conjunction with other important pilgrimage spots including Bethany Beyond the Jordan and Mount Nebo.
