Saint Nicholas Monastery Jaffa

Christian sites in israel

Saint Nicholas Monastery Jaffa is an Armenian monastery built in the first millennium CE. Located in Old Jaffa, near the harbor and facing the Mediterranean; the monastery consists of a large multi-story complex that includes an Armenian church and living quarters. The monastery is under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem who rents out parts of the complex for residential and commercial purposes. Moreover, the monastery is the setting of the ‘Bonaparte Visiting the Plague Victims of Jaffa’; a painting by Antoine-Jean Gros depicting Napoleon visiting his sick soldiers in the monastery’s courtyard.



The History of Saint Nicholas Monastery Jaffa

Probably the monastery was founded before 1000 CE; the monastery was named for Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. Furthermore, the church gave shelter to pilgrims and seamen looking for a rest on their journey for many centuries. In the 18th century, the monastery was expanded and fortified. During the Napoleonic Campaign in Egypt, the French army requested the aid of the Armenian priests at the monastery. Apparently, the clerics used their secret medicines to cure some of the soldiers. Napoleon personally thanked the Armenian patriarch and gifted him with his own tent and sword. In addition, his visit to the monastery was depicted in the Bonaparte Visiting the Plague Victims of Jaffa painting by Antoine-Jean Gros. You can see the painting below.

Jaffa Clock Tower

Ramesees II Gate 
In This Photo: The Clock Tower Sq. At Old Town Jaffa



So in the painting, Napoleon is seen standing proud among his soldiers and touching his left hand on the chest of one of the patients. In fact, Gros never visited Jaffa so he painted it and the monastery as he imagined it. So in the distant background, Jaffa is described as an eastern city whose houses reach up a hill, and in the near background are the arches of the monastery designed by Gros in an Oriental and Moorish style. The arches are part of an arcade enclosing an inner courtyard of the monastery. The painting is now kept in the Louvre Museum in Paris.



arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Bauhaus architecture in Tel Aviv

RELATED POSTS

Church of the Nativity

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The church was first built in the 4th century and is one of the oldest in the entire ...

Israeli Air Force Museum

The Israeli Air Force Museum (or in short the IAF Museum) in the Negev Desert houses hundreds of models of fighter jets that served in ...

Latrun Abbey

The history of Latrun Abbey (Also known as Latrun Trappist Monastery) starts In 1879, and according to another source in 1875. Then Carmelite nuns purchased ...

Church of the Redeemer

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is the second Protestant church in Jerusalem. Inside there is an interesting archaeological finds!

Hilton Beach

In the heart of Tel Aviv, a city known for its vibrant energy and stunning coastline, lies a haven of relaxation and sophistication: Hilton Beach. ...

Nabi Musa

Nabi Musa meaning "The Prophet Moses" is the name of a site in the West Bank believed to be the tomb of Moses (according to ...

Yamit Water Park

Welcome to Yamit Water Park, a thrilling haven that promises a day of splashes, slides, and smiles in the heart of the Middle East.

Ein Gedi Botanical Garden

The Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens is a stunning destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful and beautiful escape in the Desert.

Jewish Quarter Defenders Monument

The Jewish Quarter Defenders Monument in Jerusalem stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and resilience of the Jewish people!

Nebi Yusha Fort

Nebi Yusha Fort is a place that inspires the emotions of pain, for the price paid for independence, worth visiting if you are in the ...

Need help?

Skip to content