Hortus Conclusus Monastery
The Latin term “Hortus Conclusus” means "Enclosed Garden". The Monastery is located in the Valley of the Village of Artas, south of Bethlehem in an agricultural area with breath-taking landscape. In 1895, Bishop Moriono, the Archbishop of Montevideo in Latin America, visited the village. He was greatly impressed by the place and its charm, as well as its rich history inspired by the Song of Songs, which describes the "Enclosed Garden." Therefore, he decided to raise funds to purchase the land and establish a monastery for his congregation.
The Bishop returned to the site in 1897, bought the plot of land, and laid the foundation stone. Construction continued for four years until 1901. The Bishop then returned to Palestine, established the building, and handed it over to the Sisters of the Enclosed Garden, who have been managing the facility ever since.
The monastery is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries in Palestine in terms of its architectural style, location, and green gardens that surround it on all sides. The monastery includes a church, an orphanage, a children’s workshop, and a clinic.