Discover the Ancient Mar Saba Monastery

Getting There

• Walking

  From the center of Bethlehem, start at Manger Square, which is a well-known landmark. Head southeast on Star Street (Shuhada Street) until you reach the intersection with Al-Ma'abada Street. Turn left onto Al-Ma'abada Street and continue straight until you reach the bus station. At the bus station, look for a shared taxi (service taxi) that goes towards the town of Abu Dis. These taxis are usually marked with a 'shared taxi' sign and will fill up with passengers before departing.

• Shared Taxi

  Once you enter the shared taxi, inform the driver that you want to go to Mar Saba Monastery. The taxi will take you to the entrance of the road leading to the monastery. The drive will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The driver may drop you off at the main road where the path to the monastery begins.

• Walking

  After being dropped off, you will see a dirt path leading uphill towards the monastery. Start walking along this path. It's about a 30-minute walk to reach the monastery. Follow the path along the cliffs and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape. The path is well-traveled, so you should be able to follow it easily. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be rocky.

• Arrival

  As you approach the monastery, you will see its impressive structure built into the cliffs. Look out for signs indicating the entrance. Keep in mind that the monastery has specific visiting hours, so it's a good idea to check in advance if you wish to enter. Respect the monastery's guidelines and dress appropriately when visiting.