Mar Saba Monastery
Mar Saba Monastery
4.5
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Founded in the 5th century, this Greek Orthodox monastery is considered the oldest and one of the strictest in the Holy Land.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
189 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
42
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Amir N
2 contributions
Aug 2022
My partner and I went there with Nidal of Siraj Center after going on the Arab Ar-Rashaida Sunrise hike and it was a marvel to behold and explore!
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BlaineAggie
Tulsa, OK6 contributions
Feb 2023
Getting to go inside this monastery was a life goal. Women cannot enter unfortunately. But, I entered with a group of Eastern European men I was welcomed. They asked my denomination when I entered. They seemed to only want Orthodox or Catholic men. The monks were not friendly, but the view and the history were spell-bindidng. I would recommend highlty.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bethlehem Services for Tourism
Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories9 contributions
Jan 2023
it's one of the most beautiful places ! we can visit the place and take a tour around it so we can take a beautiful photos !
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
smvNYC
New York City, NY284 contributions
Jun 2022
A beautiful monastery, filled with history and wonderful architecture. Only men are allowed in but there are many opportunities to see it even from outside.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Palestine tours
Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories37 contributions
Apr 2022 • Business
A unique experience in the wilderness of Jerusalem to visit mar Saba monastery.. It stands on the cliffs of the valley
I meet tourists at bus station 231 in Bethlehem and then head to the site in my private car
My what's up is 00970598753648
I meet tourists at bus station 231 in Bethlehem and then head to the site in my private car
My what's up is 00970598753648
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Regis F
37 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
You never know when it will be open (went on a Friday and was told on Fridays it is always closed all day). We drove to see it from the opposite side, the view is amazing but the road can destroy your car and upon arrival there were local boys demanding 50 shekels in order to “watch” your car, that is, in order not to damage your car while you were far from it.
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shareef Jibreen Palestine guide
Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories54 contributions
Mar 2022 • Business
Amazing monastery was built on the cliffs of the valley.. You can see the wilderness of Jerusalem and TransJordan from there.. Deserves visiting
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shahar L
Tel Aviv, Israel255 contributions
Mar 2022
So, there are several ways to get to this amazing place. You can get here by car, and then walk a rather short way to the observation point on top of Kidron stream. I did it on foot, from Hyrcania , to the top of mount jebel montar and then- down to kidron valley. The view is simply unbelievable! The monastery (which is 1500 years old!!) is built within the mountain side- Reminded me Rohan from Lord of the Rings- takes your breath away! By the waym fun fact- the Kidron Valley water are actually sewage coming from jerusalem- so don't try to drink/swim in it... Just saying :-)
Written 11 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessica C
Edinburgh, UK80 contributions
Dec 2019
PLEASE BE AWARE MAR SABA DOES NOT ADMIT FEMALES .There's not much else to say but this fact is not always made clear by tour guides/groups. Women have to wait outside whilst the men go in
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phenning2347
Mandalay, Myanmar121 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a must-see, even if you cannot get inside. The surrounding Judean Hills and the Kidron Valley are an amazingly beautiful place to hike, with breathtaking views. The monastery is set amid amazing scenery, with paths and steps going down into a wadi.
Unfortunately the Israeli settlers use the Palestinian desert for their waste-disposal which has left the wadi badly polluted with rubbish and the water contaminated. It is shameful really - and heartbreaking.
Unfortunately the Israeli settlers use the Palestinian desert for their waste-disposal which has left the wadi badly polluted with rubbish and the water contaminated. It is shameful really - and heartbreaking.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Felipe D
1 contribution
I want to go from Jerusalem to the monastery by bicycle and come back the same day or maybe stay one night and come back the next day. Is there any danger in the area? can I go any day?
thanks! (I am from Colombia)
Josh F
3 contributions
I want to get to Mar Saba from Bethlehem with a friend. How much would a taxi cost from there, and would they have to stay at Mar Saba with us?
worldsmymuse
Chicago, IL307 contributions
No idea... it's off road to the lookout on the Israeli controlled side...so you need 4wd not a taxi. And it's West Bank...so you've got some things working against you.
Hello, can I go to Mar Saba Monastery and Wadi Qelt with an organized tour with an Israeli passport? It is in the "allowed" area theoretically, but will there be any problems on the border?! Thank you all!
nestle diane p
Tel Aviv, Israel33 contributions
Yes you can in wadi qelt but there is no border Wadi qelt,unlike in mar saba where you will need to pass the border,and the people there is arab palestinian,so i dont think so if it is advisable for you wherein in the history as well as in the present situation the relation of arab palestinian to jews is not really good and not okay,there still a
Barrier among of u and them.u need to asks some of your other friends
goodtravelithaca
Ithaca, NY40 contributions
I would like to visit Mar Saba from Jerusalem Thursday morning. What would be a reasonable price for a taxi drive there and back plus 1-2 hrs wait at the monastery? How and where do I find a reliable taxi driver who can take me there from Jerusalem? Any other tips? Thank you for your help!
Jason
Mataram, Indonesia471 contributions
We hired a taxi in Bethlehem where we were staying. We went to Herodion and Marsaba. The road is fine. Like you we had no idea about anything. I think we paid 120 shekel including the wait. There is an awesome guy who lives in a cave outside Marsaba. He acts as a guide. Take the walk around the valley to see the monastry from afar and meet the bedoin family there.
Margiec59
Masterton new Zealand4 contributions
You mentioned you went there on a local bus.we were going to hire a vehicle and drive out there but some people have indicated you must have a guide with you .would love to hear how you got there
kind regards
margie
PickyLuxe
Singapore, Singapore98 contributions
Is it worth the visit if you cannot enter the monastery (female Orthodox woman) if you have very few days in Jerusalem
Lars M
Risskov, Denmark2,081 contributions
If you only have very few days in Jerusalem, I would give priority to Jerusalem. The surroundings, the mountains and the desert around the Mar Saba Monastery are very beautiful, but as woman you will not be admitted to enter the monastery.
holyoganj
Ivanjica, Serbia
I would like to knew it is possiblle to visit monastir on Easter 16.04 or on Easter Monday 17.04. This year with one small Greek ortodox group of 6 peope from Serbia...
Thank you from the hearth
MICHAEL S
Da Nang, Vietnam34 contributions
It may be possible. The Brothers there are very friendly and accommodating. Women are not permitted inside.
Mar Saba Monastery, Bethlehem
Frequently Asked Questions about Mar Saba Monastery
- We recommend booking Mar Saba Monastery tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 14 Mar Saba Monastery tours on Tripadvisor
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- (11.75 km) Dar Sitti Aziza
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- Restaurants near Mar Saba Monastery:
- (11.86 km) Al Sufara Restaurant
- (10.76 km) Singer Cafe
- (13.27 km) Sarwa Street Kitchen
- (13.44 km) Blue Hall Music
- (11.80 km) Afteem