The Benedictine Monastery in Abu Ghosh has been in the village for about 1,000 years, since the time of the Crusades, and includes the Church of the Resurrection. According to Christian belief, Abu Ghosh stands in Emmaus, the place where Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was resurrected, and the Church of the Resurrection is devoted to celebrating that revelation. The beautiful monastery was active until the end of the 15th-century, and for some 300 years it stood empty, until the Benedictine presence was renewed and the compound was rebuilt and renovated. It is surrounded by lush greenery, and the walls abound with frescoes, some of which date back to the 12th century.
A fountain flows out from a crypt at the base of the monastery. The monastery echoes with music all year round, but twice a year, the public can come and enjoy the choral music festivals that are held there and at the Notre-Dame de l'Arche d'Alliance church at the other side of town. Besides singing, the monks of the monastery engage in a variety of activities, including preparing lemon liqueur and throwing pots at the local studio. All of the products are sold in a store adjacent to the monastery.
