A few kilometers away from the city of Beit Shemesh, but light years away from anything that is urban or has to do with the beginning of the 21st century, is the Deir Rafat Monastery. The Arab name- meaning monastery of mercy- preserves the name of the village which was located near by. The monastery was built in 1926 by the Latin Patriarchy, and today it is managed by the Sisters of Saint Dorothy of Italy. The front of the monastery features a statue of the Virgin with a halo and underneath it is the inscription "Regina Palaestinae”. A shaded courtyard with ancient trees looks over plowed fields and low hills. From this courtyard one can enter into the church which displays impressive pillars with capitals, some of them are from a local Byzantine church which was active here in the first centuries CE.
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Hike
|
Tour Duration: About- 7 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
|
|
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Hike
|
Tour Duration: About- 2 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
|
|
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Hike
|
Tour Duration: About- 6 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
|
|
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Guided
Tour Mode: Drive
|
Tour Duration: About- 5 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
|
|
The combination of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) and modern cuisine, a diverse and unique drinks menu and its characteristic atmosphere make... 
|
If you wanted to have a wintery vacation in Paris and could not, go on road number 1 to Jerusalem, park you car at the center of this...
|
The Old City of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, the churches and the minarets from the city’s best observation points. Get your cameras...
|
As a country that has such a long and fascinating history, Israel offers countless archeological sites which tell the story of life...
|
Nevo Winery, which is located in Moshav Mata in the mountains of Jerusalem, has opened recently a new visitor center. The owners, Nevo...
|
Even far away from the busyness of the Old City of Jerusalem there is plenty to see. An unconventional tour on foot from Gai Ben-Hinnom...
|