It is a tripartite basilica, measuring approximately 26 m E-W by 15 m N-S, with three inscribed apses and three corresponding entrances. It was likely constructed in the latter half of the fifth century AD. The church's mosaic floor, preserved to this day, features stunning illustrations. Many of these images are housed within circular medallions and depict a variety of subjects, including animals, birds, humans, vegetation, vessels, and personifications of the four seasons, the ocean, earth, and wisdom. In 1993, a significant discovery was made within the church—a cache of 140 carbonized papyrus scrolls unearthed in a room on the northeast side. Dating back to the 6th century, these scrolls reveal the church's dedication to the Virgin Mary and cover various topics such as real estate transactions, disputes, contracts, marriages, dowries, and inheritance matters. Despite being primarily written in Greek, the scrolls also contain Nabataean and Arabic terms, providing insights into Petra's history and Christian life in the region during the 6th century.