Fascinating place that's really worth the trip. Ancient, well kept buildings inside what look like castle walls but is a thick stone fortification for protection. The interior is beautiful and peaceful. Our only wish is that there was more signage talking about what you're seeing and where to go.
Monastary of the Cross Jerusalem
Photo: Monastary of the Cross Jerusalem
According to Christian tradition, the tree that was used to build the cross of the Crucifixion was located in Jerusalem’s Valley of the Cross, which today stretches between the neighborhood of Rehavia and Givat Ram. It is said that Roman Emperor Constantine the Great consecrated the Valley in the 4th-century, and in the 11th-century, the Monastery of the Cross was built there with the help of the Georgian king.
For several centuries after its construction, the Monastery was the center of Jerusalem’s Georgian community; however, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate took control of the compound by the late 17th-century.Like many Crusader-era buildings, the Monastery was made to last and still stands today, although the original structure constitutes only a small part of the complex. The Crusader section of the Monastery houses a church with a window that overlooks the exact site where the famed tree of the Cross is said to have grown. There are also a few remains from the 4th century – including fragments of a mosaic – a museum and the living quarters of the monks who currently inhabit the Monastery.
The church’s dome is one of the most striking features of the monastery, as are the frescoes, notably the one depicting celebrated Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli.
Photo credit: Deena Levenstein
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 38 traveler reviews"A special place worth seeing"
"Interesting Monastery"
it started as a Georgian monastery and today is inhabited by russian monks and nuns, with a Greek Flag above them, it is extremely interesting to visit and has a very old mosaic in the main church. One of the many atractions in town, and is located, where the trees from where the Cross...
Moreit started as a Georgian monastery and today is inhabited by russian monks and nuns, with a Greek Flag above them, it is extremely interesting to visit and has a very old mosaic in the main church. One of the many atractions in town, and is located, where the trees from where the Cross of Christ was made.
Less"Honoring the Cross of Christ with a Monastery in its Memory"
Sheltering in the valley below the Israel Museum, the Monastery of the Cross easily pre-dates the Museum. Both are worth a visit. The Monastery celebrates the tradition of the tree for the cross of Christ having grown in the valley in which the Monastery is situated. A small, fortified monastery originally...
MoreSheltering in the valley below the Israel Museum, the Monastery of the Cross easily pre-dates the Museum. Both are worth a visit. The Monastery celebrates the tradition of the tree for the cross of Christ having grown in the valley in which the Monastery is situated. A small, fortified monastery originally built by Georgian monks, the Greek Orthodox Church acquired the site when the Georgians ran into financial troubles. Today, a visit to the site is easy. While few monks appear to live at the monastery at present, there is a physical presence. Tourists and pilgrims make the trek, about 2 miles (3 km) from the Old City to the west. The monastery is imposing despite its diminutive size. Thick walls, an even more massive stone framework around the low doorway, radiate defensive power. The monastery contains living quarters, a small shop and area for drinks, a small museum, and the church. While many of the frescos and artworks adorning the walls, pillars, and ceiling of the church have suffered the ravages of time, the church is well maintained and there remains much to admire. The art reflects the Byzantine style prevalent in the Orthodox church and reveals Biblical stories and honors church figures. A small doorway towards the front left side of the church leads to a shrine of celebrating the cross, where a series of images tell the story of how the special tree came to be and eventually came to become the cross of Christ. If driving, one must pass in front of the monastery heading south, turn right on the main road, right again, and immediately turn right into a smaller road fronting a park area. Follow the road to the end and park or go even further onto a dirt track and drive virtually up to the door of the monastery. A quality visit takes about one hour but the site can be visited in 20-30 min.
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