Monastery of the Temptation
Religious Site Cliffside monastery above Jericho associated with Jesus' temptation
Perched on a cliff above the Jordan Valley near Jericho, the Monastery of the Temptation attracts pilgrims and visitors for its biblical associations, cliffside architecture and a short cable‑car ride with wide valley views.
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The Monastery of the Temptation is a cliff-side monastery on the slopes above Jericho in the West Bank, traditionally associated with the Gospel account of Jesus’ temptation.
The complex is built into a steep rocky escarpment and offers sweeping views down into Wadi Qelt and across to the Jordan Valley. Visitors typically see chapels, rock-cut cells and terraces arranged on narrow ledges that step down the cliff face.
The site has Byzantine origins as a monastic hermitage and was developed and rebuilt over many centuries; the present monastery complex reflects phases of construction from the Byzantine period through later Orthodox restorations. It has been maintained as a functioning monastic site under the Greek Orthodox Church in its recent history.
Perched on the western slopes of the Judean Desert above Jericho, the monastery overlooks Wadi Qelt and lies within the administrative area commonly referred to as the West Bank, a short drive northeast of the city of Jericho.
- Viewing points: Sits on a cliff face above Wadi Qelt with vertical drops on the valley side, making viewpoints from the wadi and from Jericho both popular.
How to Get to Monastery of the Temptation #
From Jericho city centre, take a taxi or local minibus up the road to the cable car station and ascend; walking routes are steep and exposed and generally appropriate only for fit hikers.
Tips for Visiting Monastery of the Temptation #
- Visit midday for the clearest views over Jericho and the Jordan Valley.
- The monastery is an active religious site-dress conservatively and be discreet during services.
- Combine with a stop at the Mount of Temptation cable car station for a dramatic arrival.
Best Time to Visit Monastery of the Temptation #
Spring and autumn are ideal for combining monastery visits with the surrounding archaeological and desert landscapes.
Weather & Climate near Monastery of the Temptation #
Monastery of the Temptation's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 34°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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