MAR SABA MONASTERY

The Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba is located some 15 kilometers east of Bethlehem, in the Judean desert. It is one of the oldest Christian monasteries, founded and still inhabited by a handful of Greek Orthodox monks. Before going any further into the description of the place, and to warn the female half of mankind: visiting the monastery is strictly forbidden to women. Ladies, you can only observe this complex from afar, from the Tour des Dames, next to the monastery.... As for men, all you need to do is be decently dressed and the door will be open to you, except at lunchtime, and if the monks aren't in the mood that day... Whether you have the privilege of visiting the interior of the monastery or not, the site and the view of the desert are awe-inspiring... and accessible to all!

Founded in the^5th century by Sabas the Sanctified, who was born in Cappadocia in 439 and whose body lies here, this is one of the oldest monasteries in the world still inhabited, and which has enjoyed a continuous monastic life through the centuries. Part of the buildings had to be rebuilt after an earthquake in 1834. Clinging to the side of the cliffs, in a monochrome of ochre, the monastery dominates the steep Kidron valley. Today, it is inhabited by a dozen Orthodox monks, but for seven centuries there were almost 4,000, seeking purifying solitude in this laurel, where monks originally lived in caves in hermitages.