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# Historic Orthodox Monastery Lookout Reopens Near Jericho
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/historic-orthodox-monastery-lookout-reopens-near-jericho/
- Published: 2026-11-10T15:37:14.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-10T15:40:02.000Z
- Description: The reopened lookout offers pilgrims and visitors a renewed opportunity to encounter one of the Holy Land’s most striking reminders of its ancient monastic tradition.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Israel, Monastery, Church opening, Jerusalem, Middle East

**JERICHO, WEST BANK —** Israel’s Tourism Ministry has [reopened access](https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/11/05/israel-reopens-saint-george-monastery-lookout/) to the historic lookout overlooking the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George of Koziba in the Judean Desert, restoring a popular vantage point for Christian pilgrims and other visitors near Jericho.

Built into the steep sandstone cliffs of Wadi Qelt, the fifth-century monastery overlooks a deep desert gorge and is among the region’s most distinctive Orthodox landmarks. Its remote setting has drawn pilgrims and travelers for centuries, particularly those journeying between Jerusalem, Jericho, and the Dead Sea.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/10/5bb8d89791de99cfc5033d548bec9235.webp)On this topicHistoric Greek Orthodox Church in Turkey Set to Open as Museum](https://uoj.news/news/historic-greek-orthodox-church-in-turkey-set-to-open-as-museum/)

The monastery was established by hermits seeking solitude in the Judean Desert and later dedicated to St. George of Koziba. Despite its isolated location, it remains an active monastic community, inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks who maintain the historic complex and receive visitors.

Reaching the monastery involves walking through the rugged landscape of Wadi Qelt, where streams cut through the desert canyon. The reopened lookout gives visitors an opportunity to appreciate the monastery’s unusual architecture and its setting above the gorge without changing the demanding character of the approach to the site.

![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/11/monastery-of-saint-george-11.jpg)

![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/11/monastery_of_st-_george_of_choziba_31.webp)

![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/11/monastery_of_st-_george_of_choziba_35.webp)

![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/11/monastery_of_st-_george_of_choziba_04.webp)

Photos: orthodoxcityhermit.com

The monastery remains an important part of the Orthodox Christian heritage of the Holy Land. Access to the lookout had been [severely restricted](https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalHerald/posts/jericho-israel-has-restored-access-to-the-historic-greek-orthodox-monastery-of-s/1758342606290884/) for nearly three years following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, when security barriers and electronic gates complicated travel along the approach road. The reopening restores access to the viewpoint and route leading to the fifth-century monastery. Security procedures remain in place, but the restored access makes the historic site easier to visit.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/jordan-plans-museum-pilgrims-village-at-jesus-baptism-site/) that Jordan planned a museum and pilgrims’ village at the site of Jesus’ baptism.