TheVilige

The monastery was established by Alfonce Ratisbon in the year of 1842.

The nuns are dealing mainly with improving the relationship between Jews and Christians.

The atmosphere at the monastery is very peaceful, totally different from the life outside.
The garden is open for visitors; it is a place where one can relax. Beautiful landscape of the Judean Mountains can be seen from different points at the garden. Do not miss the cemetery, which is also very special.

The “Gorni” Monastery
This monastery is known also by its Arabic name “Mascubia” since it’s churches are similar to those of Moscow.
For many years the “Unfinished church” stood here. Recently the roof of the building was finished. It has the “onion shape” domes, in the Russian style.
The monastery has two entrances: one from Ein Kerem and the other from Hadasa Hospital.

Saint John the Baptist Church
In this place there was a temple attributed to Venus during the Hellenistic period. A sculpture of her is on exhibit at the church.
This church was built above the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church, at the time of the crusaders.
In the church there is a cave believed to be John the Baptist's birth place.
In the basement of the church a “mikve” was excavated, that was in use at the time of the Second Temple. This may be evidence that there were Jews living in Ein Karem at that time.

Church of the Visitation
This site is attributed to John the Baptist's parent’s house, where Mary visited them. According to tradition, one can see there the "stone in which John was concealed",hidden there by his mother, out of fear of Herod’s army.
This church was built above the ruins of an ancient church of the crusaders, in the year 1955. It was designed by Antonio Barluzzi, an Italian architect, who designed many other churches in the Holy Land during the 20th century.

Mary’s Spring

The spring of the village is named after Mary, the mother of Jesus. According to Christian tradition, this was the place where Mary met her cousin Elizabeth, saint John’s mother. Both of the women were carrying their children in their wombs.

Mary drank some of the spring water, and that is why the water of the spring is considered to be holy. Some of the pilgrims who come here, fill small bottles with this water.

The village will provide the unique atmosphere for your stay: romantic alleys, historical churches, gourmet restaurants, and easy paths to the fascinating landscape of Jerusalem's mountains.

The apartment is located in between the city and national parks so you can make the most out of your visit.

Near the apartment (about 2 minutes walk) there are local grocery store, a bus station, a fruit and vegetable shop, some restaurants, a pub, and a famous chocolate and ice cream boutique.