LATROUN MONASTERY

The monastery, also known as the "Monastery of Silence", was founded in 1890 by Trappist monks from the Abbey of Sept-Fons in France. They planted the first vineyard in 1898, soon followed by olive, cereal and citrus groves. Driven out by the Turks during the First World War, the monks returned in 1926 and built the present monastery. In 1948, the area was the scene of heavy fighting during the Battle of Latroun, before coming under Jordanian control. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, the area came under Israeli control, with no damage to the buildings. Near the abbey is an ecumenical community of German origin and the Neve Shalom - Wahat as Salam peace village. Today, a dozen monks continue to give life to this magnificent site while observing the silence that characterizes their order (the Cistercian order of Strict Observance). A large number of visitors come to meditate in the tranquility of the site throughout the year. The abbey store sells wines and spirits, as well as products made on site - honey, olive oil... - or made by neighboring communities. Nearby, in the silence of tall grasses, the remains of a Crusader fortress bear witness to the presence of a fortified castle on a slight knoll. All that remains are a few stones and the remnants of an arcaded wall, but the peace and quiet is perfect and the panoramic view of the surrounding area is truly captivating.