⛪ Mar Saba Monastery (viewed from Palestinian territory)
Palestine
About This Sacred Site
Mar Saba (Holy Lavra of Saint Sabbas) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world, clinging to the cliff face of the Kidron Valley in the Judean Desert. Founded in 483 CE by Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, the monastery has maintained an unbroken tradition of prayer and monastic life for over 1,500 years. The blue-domed complex cascading down the cliff face is one of the most dramatic architectural sights in the Holy Land. The monastery has been a center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism and theological writing, and it played a crucial role in developing the liturgical practices still used by Orthodox churches today. Women are traditionally not permitted to enter.
Key Facts
- •One of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world, founded in 483 CE
- •Clings dramatically to the cliff face of the Kidron Valley
- •Has maintained unbroken prayer and monastic life for over 1,500 years
- •Played a crucial role in developing Eastern Orthodox liturgical practices
- •Women are traditionally not permitted to enter the monastery
Location
Coordinates: 31.7050, 35.3308
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