Latrun, Israel.
Travel & Tour
Pictures, Photos, Information & Reviews.

Eve & George DeLange
May 2014.

The Trappist Monastery At Latrun. (a.k.a. El-Atroun). Latroun Abbey is one of the most famous monasteries in Israel. It can be seen from the Tel - Aviv Jerusalem highway. It is south of the highway from the famous Emmaus site. To get there take highway number 1, theTel-Aviv Jerusalem highway, turn off at Latroun Exchange and go south. After about 500 meters you make a left turn going up the hill to the monastery. The monastery is open from 09:00-11:00 and from 15:30-16:30 except sundays and christian holidays. The Trappist Monastery At Latrun was founded by the French, Trappist Monks in 1890. The Trappists are a strict sect of Cistercian monks, who keep keep a vow of silence. They are also known as the Monastery of Silence. In fact, when the Israilies speak of the Latrun Monastery they call it "Minzar Ha'shatkanim" or the monastery of the people who don't speak. The Monks also established a successful vineyard at the site and today produce a fine variety of wines. The Trappist Monastery At Latrun has a small garden, a church you can visit, and it provides a nice view of the Ayalon Valley. Also, you can purchase their local wine, brandy, olive oil, and spices in their small store. You can also visit the nearby Beit Jimal monastery. Also, from the Trappist Monastery, you can visit the Mini Israel and the Armored Corps exhibits. The remains of a Crusader fortress and many scenic views are found on the short trail around the Latrun Monastery. It is of interest to note that the area was near one of the bloodiest battle fields of the Israeli independence war of 1948. The British police station on the opposite hill, occupied by Jordanian forces, was the target of several attacks. After several futile attempts, the Israeli forces withdrew and the place was no-man's land until 1967 when it was taken by Israel along with the West Bank. The Latrun Armoured Corps Museum is nearby. It is an impressive open air exhibit of more than 200 tanks and other armored vehicles. Some of the vehicles date back to World War I, but most of the vehicles took part in the War of Independence (1948) and in the Six Day War (1967). Both Israeli tanks and the hostile armies' fighting vehicles are on exhibit.

The easy way to get to Jerusalem, is to fly into the Ben Gurion International Airport. The airport is close to Jerusalem, which is about 5 miles away. The Ben Gurion International Airport, (IATA: TLV, ICAO: LLBG), also referred to by its Hebrew acronym Natbag, is the largest and busiest international airport in Israel. It was named the best airport in the Middle East by the ACI organisation.[ The airport is located near the city of Lod, 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Tel Aviv. It is operated by the Israel Airports Authority, a government-owned corporation that manages all public airports and border crossings in the State of Israel. The Ben Gurion International Airport is considered one of the world's most secure airports, with a security force that includes both police officers and IDF soldiers. There are several hotels in or near Jerusalem. There are several Guided Tour Agencies offering standard city, and historical tours of Jerusalem, Israel and the surrounding areas. After arranging your flight we would suggest getting your hotel and then letting them arrange tours of the area for you. If you call the hotels Concierge Services ahead of your arrival, all of this can be pre-arranged for you. I do this all the time. It is safe and it works!!! I have never experienced a problem doing it this way! I have links to Priceline.Com on our page so that you can arrange your flight and hotel in the Jerusalem, Israel area.