Clinging to a cliff face, overlooking a deep gorge rumored to be the Biblical Valley of the Shadow, is St. George’s Monastery, a hidden treasure tucked away in Wadi Quelt, just a few kilometers from the city of Jericho. This viewpoint onto the monastery – being one of the best in Israel – is accessible when heading out from the Jerusalem-Dead Sea highway. 

Saint George’s Monastery was established in the 5th century by the Egyptian monk John of Thebes (St. John of Choziba) together with five Syrian hermits that were living in caves overlooking Wadi Quelt. They chose the site because of its proximity to the cave where tradition holds that the Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens. In the 6th century the judean desert was home to some 50,000 (!) monks who decided to follow the path of solitude and sanctity.

Today, the Greek Orthodox monastery welcomes visitors, offering a glimpse into its unique story. The monastery is open from Monday to Saturday, offering a free glimpse into this unique and historic place. While generally safe, consider a guided tour for added peace of mind in the are within the Palestinian territory.