St. George's Monastery, Bethlehem

Name: St. George's Monastery
Address: Bethlehem, Israel

#5 among attractions in Bethlehem

Monastery

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / シャター / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / シャター / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / シャター / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / シャター / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / シャター / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / シャター / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / シャター / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the ancient and hallowed landscape surrounding Bethlehem, St. George's Monastery stands as a serene testament to faith and history. This cliff-hanging complex, hewn into the rocky hills of the Judean Desert, offers not only spiritual solace but also a breathtaking view of the surrounding Wadi Qelt.

Founded in the late 5th century by John of Thebes, St. George's Monastery has been a beacon of Christian monasticism for centuries. It honors its namesake, St. George of Choziba, and has drawn pilgrims and visitors from all over the world to its storied walls. The monastery was destroyed in the 7th century and later rebuilt by the Crusaders. Since the 19th century, it has been inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks who continue the monastic tradition.

Visitors to St. George's Monastery can explore the ancient chapel, which houses some remarkable icons and religious artifacts. The chapel's walls are adorned with vivid frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. One of the most notable features of the site is the tomb of St. George the Chozevite, which attracts the devout and the curious alike.

The journey to the monastery is an experience in itself. It is accessible via a pedestrian bridge that crosses the chasm of Wadi Qelt, providing a stunning approach to the entrance. The isolation and tranquility of the location make it an ideal spot for reflection and meditation.

St. George's Monastery continues to operate as a working monastery, and the monks who reside there maintain the site with great care. They welcome visitors who wish to share in the peace and beauty of this extraordinary place.

Coordinates: 31°42'12"N, 35°9'41"E

Address

Bethlehem Israel

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Day trips

St. George's Monastery – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Church of the Nativity, Rachel's Tomb, Church of Saint Catherine, Baituna al-Talhami Museum.

2.7 miE
Storied, ancient 4th-century church
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
70 min walk • The Church of the Nativity is a revered historical and religious landmark situated in the heart of Bethlehem, Israel. This ancient church is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, making it a focal point for Christian pilgrims from around the globe.
2.6 miNE
Synagogue
Rachel's Tomb, Bethlehem
67 min walk • Nestled in the ancient city of Bethlehem, Rachel's Tomb stands as a poignant site of spiritual significance and a testament to the enduring legacy of biblical matriarchs. This sacred structure, revered by Jews as a synagogue, marks the burial place of Rachel, the...
2.7 miE
Church, Sacred and religious sites, Historical place
Church of Saint Catherine, Bethlehem
70 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Bethlehem, the Church of Saint Catherine stands as a beacon of faith and history adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, which is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This Roman Catholic church, revered by pilgrims...
2.6 miE
Museum
Baituna al-Talhami Museum, Bethlehem
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2.6 miE
Mosque
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1.1 miSE
Aqueduct
Solomon's Pools, Bethlehem
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2.5 miE
Street
Star Street, Bethlehem
64 min walk • Star Street is one of Bethlehem's oldest commercial streets, connecting the northern part of the Old City to the southern part. Most of the buildings along Star Street were built in the 19th century. Prior to the Second Intifada in 2001, there were 98 shops on Star Street.
2.5 miE
Museum
Badd Giacaman Museum, Bethlehem
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1 miSE
Convention center
Bethlehem Convention Palace, Bethlehem
26 min walk • Bethlehem Convention Palace or Convention Palace Company is a convention center facility in Bethlehem, Palestine. The building includes a main meeting hall, exhibition gallery, theatre, meeting rooms, gardens, interfaith prayer room and cafeteria. There is also a large amphitheater that can host nearly 1,500 people.
2.7 miE
Square
Manger Square, Bethlehem
68 min walk • Manger Square is a city square in the center of Bethlehem in Palestine. It takes its name from the manger where Jesus is said to have been born which, according to Christian tradition, took place at the Grotto of the Nativity, enshrined since the fourth century in the Church of the Nativity.
2.5 miE
31°43'0"N • 35°12'6"E
Bethlehem Museum, Bethlehem
65 min walk • Art gallery, Specialty museum, Museum