Monastery of the Virgins, Byzantine archaeological site near Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel.
The Monastery of the Virgins is an excavated multi-story structure from the Byzantine period with preserved basement chambers, ground-floor spaces, and residential areas. The ruins reveal how the building was organized and how monks moved through the space.
The monastery was built in the 4th century on foundations laid during the Herodian era and served as an important religious site. It was destroyed during the Persian invasion of 614 and never rebuilt.
Religious objects discovered here reveal the daily spiritual life of the monks, including marble screens, altar pieces, and crosses carved into roof tiles. These artifacts show how faith shaped the routine and space of the community.
Visiting the excavation site requires advance arrangements, and on-site guides explain the structures in detail. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven ground and exposed archaeological surfaces.
Storage jars held preserved lentils and chickpeas, revealing what the monks ate. Such perishable remains are rare and show how food was kept fresh in Byzantine times.
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