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.
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| The Trappist Monastery At Latrun | The Trappist Monastery At Latrun |
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| Inside The Trappist Monastery At Latrun | Inside The Trappist Monastery At Latrun |
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| Virgin Mary Statue Inside El-Atroun Monastery At Latrun | Audrey DeLange Outside El-Atroun Monastery At Latrun |
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| Outside The Trappist Monastery At Latrun | Outside The Trappist Monastery At Latrun |
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