The Monastery of Mar Saba, Israel

There is the Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba In Israel, near Jerusalem. The shrine is known to many travelers as the Great Lavra of St. Sabbas the Sanctified. In appearance it resembles a powerful medieval fortress. The monastery was named after its founder and was laid in this place in the 5th century. An amazing legend tells that in search of solitude Sabbas the Sanctified has found a cave, where he spent several years. A few years later, a small church was built near the cave. After that, devotees and followers of a hermit began to settle there.

Construction of the great monastery began a little later, in the 6th century, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. One of the lookout towers of the monastery was built in memory of this significant event; now it bears the name of the great emperor. Since ancient times, the monastery of Mar Saba has being one of the most restricted in the world, as even now women aren’t allowed to enter its territory. The latest large-scale reconstruction of the monastery took place in the first half of the 19th century. Many buildings managed to retain their original appearance.

Like many ancient monasteries, Mar Saba is far from major settlements. It’s situated in the dead area of the Judean Desert, the so-called Valley of Fire. The only opportunity to visit this unique religious landmark is to have a long trip through the vast desert. Women don’t have to refuse from the experience, as there are several viewing platforms for them around the monastery. Next - Monasterio de Montserrat