Mar Saba Monastery

The Mar Saba Monastery, built by the Greek Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the world. While it once sheltered 300 monks, their numbers have declined to around 20 nowadays. The beautiful building is set into the rock overlooking Kidron River about 20 min drive from Bethlehem in the desert. The Mar Saba monastery still sticks to strict traditions: the monks live without electricity and running water. However, while men can visit the monastery daily between 8 am and 4 pom (Wednesdays & Fridays closed), women must remain outside. Either they wait enjoying some tea and biscuits provided or they climb up "Women*s Tower" close to the entrance and see the stunning Monastery from above.