Filming Location
The Holy Grail Temple

Indiana Jones and his father’s search for the Holy Grail takes them to the Temple of the Sun, also known as the Holy Grail Temple. This real temple, carved into stone during the 1st century AD, is situated in present-day Jordan. If you wish to find the exact filming location, continue reading or click on the map pointer in the navigation bar.

“The dog? You are named after the dog? HA HA HA…!”

Sallah

Where Did They Film the “The Holy Grail Temple” Scene?

The Holy Grail Temple, also known as the Temple of the Sun, is actually Al-Khazneh (Arabic: “The Treasury”) in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Referred to as the Lost City, Petra was rediscovered by a Swiss scholar in 1812 after being forgotten for centuries. Today, Al-Khazneh is one of the most well-known tourist sites in Jordan, along with other ancient structures in Petra. The nearest town to Petra is Wadi Musa, the administrative center of Petra, only an hour away by foot. The Canyon of the Crescent Moon from the movie is a breathtaking sandstone canyon called Siq, the main pathway from Wadi Musa to Petra.

The ancient city of Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, and since 2007, it is on the list as one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Visitors can only enter the Lost City with a valid ticket, available at the visitor center in Wadi Musa. The visitor center, marking the starting point of the path from Wadi Musa to Petra, is easy to locate. For more information about tickets and fees, click here.

Hint: Click the map pointer icon in the image area at the top for the exact map location.

The Scenes Filmed at Al-Khazneh in Petra

Indiana Jones and His Party Arrive at the Temple

The first scene at this location shows Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), Professor Henry Jones (Sean Connery), Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) riding through the canyon. Upon arrival at the Temple, they dismount and approach.

Indiana Jones with His Party in Front of the Temple

The scene depicts the party running out as a massive cloud emerges from the temple. Henry calls Indiana “Junior,” prompting Sallah to inquire about the name. Henry explains that Henry Jones Junior is his real name, and Indiana was their dog’s name. Sallah, amused, laughs, while Indiana reminisces about his affection for the dog. Markus shouts that he knows the way, but Henry remembers that Markus even got lost in his own museum, leading everyone to gallop after him.