Deir Rafat Monastery

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.
More Details
it is recommended to verify the opening hours and entrance requirements with the site itself
Opening hours: 
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Sunday: Closed

Jerusalem Most Popular Tourist Sites More Sites
Hurbat Sa’adim (Sa'adim Ruin)  ●  Sacher Park  ●  The Abu Gosh Vocal Music Festival  ●  The Temple Mount  ●  The Jerusalem Light Rail  ●  The Al-Aqsa Mosque  ●  The Haas Promenade in Jerusalem  ●  The Chagall stained glass windows at the Hadassah University Medical Center Synagogue  ●  The Sisters of Our Lady of Zion Convent  ●  The Mamilla Mall  ●  The Austrian Hospice / Guest House in the Old City  ●  The “Mifletzet” (Monster) Park  ●  Nabi Samuel  ●  Herodium (Herodion) National Park  ●  Malha Mall  ●  Mahane Yehuda Market  ●  Bar Giora  ●  The Menachem Begin Heritage Center Museum in Jerusalem  ●  Church of our Lady of the Arc of Covenant in Abu Gosh  ●  Nahal Katlav (Strawberry Tree Stream)  ●  The Benedictine Monastery in Abu Gosh  ●  Deir Rafat Monastery  ●  Heichal Shlomo (Solomon's Temple)  ●  The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu  ●  The Church of the Pater Noster (Our Father)  ●  Aish HaTorah Center  ●  The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens at the Giv’at Ram Campus of the Hebrew University  ●  Gorny Monastery  ●  St. Claire's Convent on Hebron Road  ●  Armon HaNatziv Promenade
Jerusalem Tour Routes and Entertainment Ideas More Tour Routes
A Tour in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Hike
Tour Duration: About- 7 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
A Tour of Ein Kerem
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Hike
Tour Duration: About- 2 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Jewish history in Jerusalem
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Independent
Tour Mode: Hike
Tour Duration: About- 6 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Israeli heritage tour in Jerusalem
Best Season: All Seasons
Type of Tour: Guided
Tour Mode: Drive
Tour Duration: About- 5 Hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Jerusalem The Magazine More Articles
Barood Bar Restaurant
The combination of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) and modern cuisine, a diverse and unique drinks menu and its characteristic atmosphere make... Barood Bar Restaurant
Mehadrin Gourmet
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... Mehadrin Gourmet
The best observation points in Jerusalem
The Old City of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, the churches and the minarets from the city’s best observation points. Get your cameras... The best observation points in Jerusalem
The most recommended archeological sites in Israel
As a country that has such a long and fascinating history, Israel offers countless archeological sites which tell the story of life... The most recommended archeological sites in Israel
Nevo Winery
Nevo Winery, which is located in Moshav Mata in the mountains of Jerusalem, has opened recently a new visitor center. The owners, Nevo... Nevo Winery
A bypass route of Jerusalem
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... A bypass route of Jerusalem
Prima Palace Jerusalem

4-Star Hotels

“Ein Kerem Nof Al HaVadi" (View over the Wadi) Ein Kerem

Family Zimmers

Lev Yerushalayim Hotel

3-Star Hotels

Follow Us on the Social Networks
Members Club
Want to receive Israel Traveler's spectacular newsletter - the Israeli Experience?
 
© All Rights Reserved to israelTraveler Publishers   |   Contact Us   |   About Us  |   Terms   |   Site Map