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Monastery of Saint Gerasimus

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Landmark
—°5
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)

Weather…

The Monastery of Saint Gerasimus, locally known as Deir Hajla, is a lush desert oasis situated in the Jordan Valley near Jericho. Established in 455 AD by Saint Gerasimus of Lycia, the monastery is a historic center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. The complex is noted for its spirited exterior and a tranquil inner courtyard filled with lemon trees and bougainvillea, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding Judaean Desert. Inside the main chapel, visitors can admire intricate wall paintings and Byzantine-style icons. The monastery also operates a traditional mosaic workshop, keeping an ancient craft alive within its walls. According to legend, Saint Gerasimus once befriended a lion after healing its paw, and the animal remained his loyal companion. Today, the site serves as a peaceful sanctuary and a significant stop for pilgrims traveling toward the Jordan River.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111316202428303028241814
Rain mm635832156101182952

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Deir Hajla) is an active hermitage in the desert near Jericho, open to visitors. Access includes the church and monastery courtyard.
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Typical hours
The monastery is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and afternoons from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. During services, visitor access is limited.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the inner courtyard and church without flash. Please respect the monks' peace and avoid photos during prayers.
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Time needed
A visit lasts about 30-45 minutes, including time for reflection and photography. The peaceful desert atmosphere invites you to linger.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Russian Museum in Jericho and the cable car to Mount of Temptation. The Byzantine mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The monastery is about 5 kilometers southeast of Jericho on the road to the Dead Sea. A taxi or rental car is best, as public transport is infrequent.
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Insider tip
Bring water and a hat, as the desert heats up quickly. Respect the monastic silence and dress appropriately (long pants/sleeves).

Geography

Coordinates
31.81580, 35.50390

Facts

  • Founded in 455 AD by St. Gerasimus
  • Current buildings mostly date from 1885
  • Located approximately 250 meters below sea level
  • Monastery church is dedicated to St. Gerasimus
  • Contains a crypt where the Holy Family reportedly stayed
  • Known for mosaic and ceramic production

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Baptism SiteBaptism Site5 km · NEExplore →
Dead Sea West ShoreDead Sea West Shore6 km · WExplore →
Jericho Agro-Industrial ParkJericho Agro-Industrial Park6 km · SExplore →
Jericho OasisJericho Oasis6 km · SEExplore →
Jordan RiverJordan River7 km · NWExplore →
Hisham's PalaceHisham's Palace8 km · SEExplore →
Ein es-Sultan SpringEin es-Sultan Spring8 km · SEExplore →
Qumran CavesQumran Caves8 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (5)

Beit HaArava🏺 historical

Ruins of a former settlement in the Jordan Valley, testifying to the Jewish history of the region.

Ein Hijleh🏺 historical

The remains of a Byzantine monastery and orchard oasis in the arid plain near the Jordan River.

kalamon🏺 historical

Historical ruins of the ancient Kalamon Monastery, a center of early desert monasticism in the Jordan Valley.

Saint Jerosimus Monastery⛪ religious

A Greek Orthodox monastery in the Jordan Valley known for its long tradition of desert monasticism.

Al Sheikh Ismael Al Jamal Mosque📍 landmark

A local mosque in the Jordan Valley serving the Muslim community near the Dead Sea.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When can I visit the monastery?
Open during the day, usually 9 am to 5 pm.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free, a small donation is appreciated.
Is the monastery hard to reach?
It is located near the main road to Jericho and is easy to reach.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes, basic restrooms are available.
Can I take pictures?
Please take pictures discreetly or not at all inside the church.
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus: where is it located?
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus is located in Palestinian Territories.
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Beit HaArava, Ein Hijleh, kalamon.
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus: why is it worth visiting?
The Monastery of Saint Gerasimus, locally known as Deir Hajla, is a lush desert oasis situated in the Jordan Valley near Jericho.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

East Jerusalem — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.
Hebron Old City — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Hebron Old City
Hebron's Old City is characterized by narrow alleys and Mamluk architecture.
Nablus Old City — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Nablus Old City
The Old City is famous for its historic market and traditional soap factories.
Nablus — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Nablus
Nablus is situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim and is famous for its traditional soap production.
Ramallah — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Ramallah
Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.
Al-Bireh — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Bireh
Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.
Surif — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Surif
Surif is located in the northwestern Hebron Governorate near the Green Line.
Al-Ram — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Ram
Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.
Halhul — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Halhul
Halhul is located north of Hebron on one of the highest points in the West Bank.
Jericho — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.
Bani Na'im — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Bani Na'im
Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.
Sa'ir — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Sa'ir
Sa'ir is located northeast of Hebron in a deep valley.
Al-Eizariya — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Eizariya
Al-Eizariya is historically known as Bethany and is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
Beit Jala — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Beit Jala
Beit Jala is a predominantly Christian town west of Bethlehem.
Tubas — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Tubas
Tubas is in the northeastern West Bank overlooking the Jordan Valley.

History & landmarks

Old City of Hebron — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Hebron
The Old City of Hebron is a labyrinth of narrow streets and Mamluk architecture centered around the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Old City of Ramallah — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Ramallah
The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.

Nature

Dead Sea West Shore — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Dead Sea West Shore
The west shore of the Dead Sea features salt crystal formations and extreme environments.

More places

Baptism Site — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Baptism Site
This site on the Jordan River is traditionally considered the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Jericho Agro-Industrial Park — Monastery of Saint Gerasimus (Palestinian Territories)
Jericho Agro-Industrial Park
This park is a flagship project for processing agricultural products in the Jordan Valley.