- Address: 30 km east of Tel Aviv, Israel;
- Built: in 1927;
- Phone: +972 8-922-0065.
In addition to the huge number of temples, mosques and synagogues, many monasteries have survived in Israel . One of the most popular among the active today is the monastery in Latrun. It is located in a very convenient place - not far from Jerusalem, near a busy road leading from Tel Aviv and Ben-Gurion Airport . Therefore, tourists come here quite often. In addition, you can not only admire the beautiful architecture and look beyond the veil of monastic life, but also buy unusual souvenirs from the memory created by the inhabitants of the sacred monastery.
History of the Latrunsky Monastery
There are several versions of the name of the monastery. One of them is associated with the Knights of the Crusaders who built a fortress on these lands in the 12th century to protect the strategically important road from Jaffa to Jerusalem. In translation from the French La toron des Chevaliers means "knight's hill" or "knight's fortress".
Some historians believe that the Latrun monastery in Israel originated on the site of an old village, in which bishops were still living in biblical times (by the way, it was those who were crucified in a tragic day for all Christians and Jesus Christ). Translated from Latin, the word "latro" means "robber".
For a long time the Latrunian lands were abandoned and deserted. Only at the end of the XIX century, in 1890, the silent monks of the monastic order from the Abbey of Set-Fon arrived, built a small monastery in this place. It did not last long. Like many other religious buildings, Latrunsky monastery was destroyed during the First World War by the Turks. The building of the church was converted into a military camp, and those monks who survived in battles were drafted into the army.
The monastery found new life only in 1919. Silence returned to the ruined walls and rebuilt their monastery. Then the building and acquired modern features. Construction was not easy and was completed only in 1960.
Features of Latrun Monastery
Today in the Latrunsky monastery there are 28 monks of the Order of St. Benedict, as well as several novices from different countries (Belgium, France, Lebanon, Holland). The monks here only take men who have reached the age of 21, and even then not immediately. To join the Latron community, you need to pass a difficult exam, which lasts almost 6 years.
Such harsh rules for admission to the monastery are due to a strict way of life within its walls. To make it clear how serious everything is, just say that every day the monks get up at 2 in the morning and pray until 6 in the morning, get instructions and directions from their father, they do not get breakfast at 8:30. Then the silencers work, and in breaks again they go to the services.
There are also strict restrictions on food (meat is banned) and, of course, the main vow in Latrunsky monastery is silence. Speaking to monks is allowed, but only in specially designated places and exclusively for an important matter. Among themselves novices express themselves "telegraphically".
The fact that there is a lot and work hard is understandable right away. Outside the gate you will be greeted by a beautiful well-tended garden, the whole courtyard shines with cleanliness, and in a small shop located on the territory of the monastery a wide range of various goods is presented, which are produced by the monks themselves. There are also olive oil, and different types of tea, and cognac, and spicy garlic vinegar, and brandy, and most importantly - natural wines. It is said that Napoleon himself brought the first vine to Latrun. Since then, it is actively engaged in winemaking. The monks themselves cultivate the land, take care of the plantations and prepare fragrant intoxicating drinks according to old recipes. Wine from Latrunsky Monastery is a great present from Israel. Also in the store you can buy various handmade souvenirs - olive tree statuettes, postcards, icons, candles.
Information for tourists
- in the cells of the monks the entrance is prohibited;
- Of all the monastic buildings, tourists are only allowed to visit the Church of the Theotokos;
- Opening hours of the Latrun monastery: from 08:00 to 17:30 from spring to autumn (break from 12:30 to 14:30), from 09:00 to 16:30 in the winter (break from 11:30 to 14:30);
- entrance to the territory is free;
- The monastery is closed to tourists on Sundays and on Christian holidays;
- near the gate there is a free parking lot, a toilet, a room where a small video about the history of Latrunsky Monastery is broadcast, as well as tables where you can have a picnic in nature;
- excursion to Latrun can be combined with a visit to several more attractions, which are located within a radius of 2.5 km ( Museum of Tank Forces , fascinating park "Mini Israel" , memorial complex ).
How to get there?
By car, you can reach the monastery in Latrun by route No.1, No.3 or a small regional road No. 424. It is convenient to go from Jerusalem , Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion.
There is a bus stop 800 meters away, where many buses run from Jerusalem, Ashkelon , Ashdod , Rehovot , Ramla (No. 99, 403, 433, 435, 443, 458, etc.).