Ein Kerem Monastery

Ein Kerem is set among hills, valleys, and forests in the countryside on the outskirts of Jerusalem.

The monastery of Our Lady of Sion can serve as a base for visits to the Holy City in one of the most picturesque settings of the region.

The guesthouse, built in 1861 and originally used as an orphanage, is set within the walls of an active working monastery in an ensemble of stone buildings. Visitors can enjoy a quiet and peaceful ambiance, wonderful views and a warm welcome, in a spirit of openness and hospitality.

The main attraction within the monastery walls is the sanctuary of peace found in the gardens, where native plants are abundant. There are 150-year-old cedars of Lebanon, pine, oak and carob trees. Fruit trees include pomegranates, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, grapes and figs. Fruit and vegetables from the garden’s orchard appear at different times of the year on the guesthouse’s dining tables in main courses and desserts.

You can wander down shaded paths among flowers and water features, accompanied by bird song. Or sit in quiet contemplation as you take in the sublime spiritual atmosphere and the views of the Judean hills.

The Chapel, striking for its simplicity and beautiful acoustics, maintains its Christian identity whilst reflecting sensitivity to neighbours and guests of other faiths.

A simple house within the gardens holds a small museum collection on the history of Our Lady of Sion in Jerusalem. This was the home of Alphonse Ratisbonne, also known as Father Mary, who was instrumental in establishing the Congregation’s presence in the Holy Land.

 

Find out more about Notre Dame de Sion’s history in Jerusalem in our timeline.

Ein Kerem is the village where the expectant Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and the birthplace of John the Baptist.

Accommodation

  • Air-conditioned and heated rooms
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • WiFi
  • Countryside views

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  • Bed & breakfast
  • Other meals by prior arrangement
  • Tea and coffee throughout the day
  • Parking for visitors and guests

Enquire about booking

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“Ein Kerem monastery, Jerusalem”
Facilities for groups

Group bookings are welcome. The monastery has two large venues for meetings, concerts, lectures and workshops, and particularly welcomes interfaith and intercultural meetings. Groups can make arrangements in advance for lunch and dinner.

Gardens

Open to visitors Mon–Sat:
9:00–12.30
13.30–15:00
Sun: closed

Chapel

Open during garden hours.
Also available for religious music concerts by reservation.

Father Mary’s house

One rooms is open to visitors during garden hours.

What to do in Ein Kerem

Sisters and staff will be pleased to advise you about excursions in Ein Kerem, to Jerusalem and further afield.

Ecce Homo pilgrim house

If you’d rather stay in the heart of the Holy City, Ecce Homo pilgrim house is just minutes’ walk from Jerusalem’s main Jewish, Muslim and Christian sacred sites.

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