The Monastery of Silence ("Minzar HaShatkanim")

The Latrun Monastery, also knows as the Monastery of Silence ("Minzar HaShatkanim"), was founded in 1890 by the Trappist Order, and is the order’s only monastery in Israel. Life in the Monastery of Silence ("Minzar HaShatkanim") is based on simplicity and harmony with nature, as well as on the vow of silence which the monks took upon themselves, and hence the monastery’s name. This monastery is one of the most magnificently beautiful structures in Israel and it is surrounded with decorative gardens, vineyards and olive groves. At the Monastery of Silence is a winery that has become famous for the quality of its special wine, a wine production facility and a small store which sells wine and olive oil. Near the entrance to the monastery is the "Garden of Brotherhood”, in which stands a tall totem pole shaped carved wood monument, which conveys the idea that all should live according to their own faith, and is decorated with symbols and inscriptions from the three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In the monastery’s courtyard is exhibited an archeological collection which includes findings from the area of Latrun.