St. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Church

St. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Church is a Catholic monastery and house of worship in Ramla featuring a distinctive square bell tower on its facade. Inside, the building contains a notable altar painting attributed to the Venetian artist Titian, which arrived from Madrid in 1846.

The site was founded in 1396 when Franciscans acquired the land and built a monastery to support pilgrims traveling between Jaffa and Jerusalem. The complex became an important stop along the historical route connecting these two cities.

The church honors Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two figures from Christian tradition who cared for the body after the crucifixion. Visitors can sense their spiritual importance throughout the building in the prayers and devotional practices that take place here.

The monastery grounds house the Terra Santa School, which operates as part of a wider network of educational institutions across the country. The site is open to visitors, though it helps to inquire in advance given that the school remains active.

French General Napoleon Bonaparte stayed at the monastery during his 1799 campaign and reportedly fired shots at a muezzin who disturbed his sleep. This episode reveals a time when the complex also served as accommodation for notable figures passing through the region.

Location: Ramla

GPS coordinates: 31.92667,34.87194

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24