Mar Saba Monastery
A 5th C AD monastery, the largest in the Judean desert. The walled complex is built on the southern cliffs of the Kidron creek. It was established by Saint Sabas, and named after him. The monastery started as a place of seclusion of few monks in the caves, led by Mar Saba.
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Overview:
A 5th C AD monastery, the largest in the Judean desert. The complex is built on the southern cliffs of the Kidron creek, and is protected inside a walled area with dozens of structures. It was established by Saint Sabas (Mar Saba), and named after him. The monastery started as a place of seclusion of few monks in the caves, led by Mar Saba. Over the years it was built, expanded, and fortified. During the peak times it housed about 500 monks.
Location:
The site is located 10KM east of Bethlehem, near the desert road to Jerusalem. It is 250M above sea level, hanging over a steep cliff above the Kidron creek. The Kidron starts from the valley between the temple mount and Mount of olives in Jerusalem, and flows eastwards to the Dead sea.
The monastery is located on crossroads: up the creek towards Jerusalem, south-west to Bethlehem (10KM), and east towards Nebi Mussa (19KM) through the Horkania fortress.
History of the place:
Mar Saba was born in Mutalaska, Cappadocia, in 439AD. After living as a youth in Jerusalem, he moved to the Judean desert monasteries. Saba lived about 5 years in a cave near the monastery. The remote site with its local spring was a perfect place for the seclusion.
He helped to establish more monasteries in the desert, including this one. Several other sites in the area are named after him. His influence reshaped the customs and living habits of the monks. After his death in 532 at the age of 93, Saba was buried in the yard of the monastery. By now, the Monastery was a small center for monks. During the years the place was expanded in order to accommodate the hundreds of monks who resided here, and walls were constructed in order to provide protection.
In the Persian invasion (614AD) the monastery was damaged, and restored in 629. After being robbed in 796 its was further fortified in the 9th C AD. The Crusaders expanded the fortifications in the 12C. When the Crusaders left the Holy Land they transferred Saba's bones to Venice, which were returned here only in 1965.
During the Turkish rule the monastery was raided several times by the local Bedouins. It was also damaged in a 19th C earthquake, but was restored in 1840 by the Russians.
Photos:
All photos by
Shay Shtickgold - we thank Shay for his
contribution of the wonderful photos.
(a) General view
View of the monastery, as seen from the north bank of the Kidron creek.
A closer view of the center of the monastery, with its high walls.
(b) Inside the yard of the monastery
This is a closer view of the Monastery, inside the complex, as seen from the upper balcony. Women are forbidden to enter the complex, and can access only one of the exterior towers, built according to tradition by Saba's mother (who was also forbidden to enter the holy grounds).
Some of the structure is built into the cliff. This is the west side of the walled complex. The structure seems to hang on the cliffs, and is embedded into it.
(c) Tomb inside the yard
Inside the yard is an hexagon shaped dome. It is the original grave of Mar Saba, but his bones were removed in the 12th C, returned in 1965, and are now on display in the main church hall.
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The ceiling of the dome is decorated inside with these colorful paintings.
Under the white roof, seen on the floor around the dome, is a room where the monks are buried. |
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Inside the tomb, a painting of the deceased Mar Saba, with the monks gathered around and paying respect to the founder and leader.
(d) The Main Church
The interior of the main church is seen below, the most beautiful hall in the monastery. The floor is shining clean, and is polished with kerosene. On the right side, behind a glass closet, are the bones of the founder. Mar Saba, dressed with garments, continues to watch and dominate the daily life of the monastery.
The hall is dark, and is lit by the natural light that filters in from above. The entire setting of this hall casts a sense of holiness, and is a special experience, rewarding the long journey to the site.
(e) Greek-Orthodox Art
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The Greek-Orthodox art and paintings inside the monastery provide a special atmosphere, as most of the Greek-orthodox churches in the Holy Land. You can't miss the sensations radiated in these rooms.
This painted ceiling (right photo) and wall (photo below) is in the entrance to the main prayer hall. |
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In the monastery there is a collection of many rare icons, books and paintings. Some of these treasures have been relocated to Jerusalem in order to provide them a better protection. The ancient paintings below are displayed in the holiest room.
A view of the guest room where the visitors are greeted with traditional drink and food.
(f) Cave of Mar Saba
The cave of Mar Saba, marked by a cross, is on the facing wall of the creek. It is seen here from the main balcony. According to the tradition, Saba secluded here for 5 years. Around it are more caves, where his assistants lived while building the monastery.
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