description Mar Saba Monastery Overview
Mar Saba is an Eastern Orthodox Christian monastery situated in the Kidron Valley of the Judean Desert, located in the West Bank. Founded in 483 AD by Saint Sabas of Cappadocia, it is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited monastic communities in the world. The monastery complex is characterized by its austere, fortress-like architecture built into the rocky cliffs of the valley. Historically, Mar Saba was a major center of theology and literature in the Judean desert during the Byzantine era.
insights Ranking position
Mar Saba Monastery ranks #26 of 271 in the Abbey ranking, behind Clairvaux Abbey, ahead of Glendalough Monastery.
help Mar Saba Monastery FAQ
Where is the Mar Saba Monastery located?
The Mar Saba Monastery is situated in the Kidron Valley of the Judean Desert, located in the West Bank. It is built directly into the dramatic, rocky cliffs overlooking the valley, creating a striking fortress-like appearance.
Who founded the Mar Saba Monastery and when?
The monastery was founded in 483 AD by Saint Sabas of Cappadocia. It was established as a laura, a type of monastery where monks lived in individual cells but gathered for communal worship on weekends.
Can women enter the Mar Saba Monastery?
No, Mar Saba is a traditional Orthodox monastery that maintains a strict rule prohibiting women from entering the main complex. Women visitors are only allowed to view the monastery from a designated vantage point outside the walls.
What famous historical figure is associated with Mar Saba?
Mar Saba is famously associated with Saint John of Damascus, who lived and wrote there in the 8th century. The monastery also historically housed the tomb of Saint Sabbas, though his relics were transferred to Venice in the 13th century.
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