In the heart of Jerusalem, in the Valley of the Cross, sits a monastery, built in the 11th century, that has fascinated generations of observers and inspired many imaginative tales. The monastery is located in a green valley a few meters form the main road, and is filled with mazes and stunning spaces. You can take a guided tour with a monk to hear stories and explore the numerous large halls in the monastery compound. One hall functions as a museum explaining the history of the monastery, and has on display a printing press from 1875. The monastery has recently opened its doors for visitors, and is a fascinating destination for those who have some time for sightseeing in Jerusalem and enjoy folklore and legends.

Ha-Nevi’im Street

The street’s name - Ha-nevi’im - was given in the beginning of the British Mandate. However the street’s development began in the mid-nineteenth century and was called, “street of the consuls” because of the foreign consuls that occupied the street, and “street of the hospitals” for the same reason. Over the years many well-known people lived on this street, and there is a fascinating story behind the construction of each of its buildings. If you have an hour or two to spare and would like to explore the history of Jerusalem, we recommend you take a stroll around Ha-Nevi’im Street.
Here are some of the highlights which you will find on the street:
The Ethiopian consulate, built by a member of the Ethiopian Royal Family in 1924; the Probstei, built by the German Lutheran Church for the head of their congregation in Jerusalem; the Rothchild Hospital, built in 1887 with a donation from the Rothchild Family, and one of the first hospitals in the city; the Thabor House, the dream house of Conrad Schick, a key figure in the architecture of Israel; the house of Holman Hunt, English painter, built in 1869, during a visit to the holy land, Dr. Helena Kagan, the first female doctor in the city and a famous pediatrician, lived in the house until her death. The famed Israeli poet, Rahel Bluwstein, lived in the cottage in the courtyard; and the English Hospital, originally founded by Anglican missionaries hoping to woo Jewish converts through medical treatment.