Сукијска лавра, Ancient monastic complex in Tekoa, Israel
The monastery stands in a deep valley of the Judaean Desert, featuring multiple caves carved into limestone cliffs that served as living quarters for monks.
Saint Chariton founded this monastery in 345 CE after escaping from bandits, establishing it as one of the earliest Christian monastic communities in the region.
The monastery developed specific prayer schedules and dietary practices that influenced the development of desert monasticism throughout the Middle East.
Visitors can access the monastery ruins through a marked hiking path that starts from the modern settlement of Tekoa and leads through Wadi Khureitun.
The monastery contains a notable architectural element called the Hanging Cave of Chariton, positioned high in the cliff face of the valley.
Location: Tekoa
Inception: 345
Founders: Saint Chariton
GPS coordinates: 31.64700,35.23744
Latest update: May 19, 2025 06:08
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