Monastery of the Cross

Within fortess-like walls in a valley in west Jerusalem.

Quite unlike the modern buildings close by which include the parliament and the Israel Museum.

The refectory's tables are stone.

Remaining in the hands of the Greek Orthodox Church although not a flouishing monastery today.

Trdaitionally the site of the tree cut down to make the cross.  Here is Lot watering it.  A long story.

In use as the Greek Seminary until 1906, which is about when this picture was taken.