The Carmelite Convent and the Monastery of the Fathers of the Sacred Heart

On August 20, 1875, ten nuns from the Carmelite Order departed from their convent in the French city of Pau, bound for Bethlehem with the goal of establishing a new Carmelite convent. Among them was Mariam Baouardy—known as Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified—a daughter of Palestine, who selected the site for the convent on "David’s Hill," opposite the hill upon which the Church of the Nativity stands. She envisioned the altar of the new Carmelite convent being situated directly above the "Grotto of David"—the place, according to tradition, where David was anointed king by the Prophet Samuel. This grotto now serves as a burial place for the nuns.

Berthe Dartigaux, who accompanied the nuns on their journey, funded the construction of the church; she later returned to Bethlehem in May 1879 to live with the monastic community. The foundation stone was laid in 1876, and the convent opened a few months later, even as construction continued. Saint Mary herself passed away in 1878, before the building was completed.

The Carmelite nuns lead a cloistered life, dedicating their days to prayer, worship, and contemplation, while also tending to their beautiful gardens and engaging in manual labor.

Within the same complex lies the "Betharram" monastery, belonging to the Fathers of the Sacred Heart, which was built in 1878. The Carmelite convent also includes a guesthouse for visitors. Note: The nuns gladly welcome visitors before 5:00 PM.

Location: Jamal Abdel Nasser Street, Bethlehem

Carmelite Convent – ​​Tel: 02-2742486

Betharram Convent – ​​Tel: 02-2741696