Abu Gosh's (biblical Kiriath Jearim) great treasure is the 12th-century Crusader Church of the Resurrection. For many years the church was used as a stable, then in 1899 the French government purchased the building and handed it over to the Benedictine order. Since 1956 it has belonged to the Lazarists. Like the Crusader Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem's Old City, the Church of the Resurrection was designed with marvelous acoustics for Gregorian chant, but it is less heavily restored and more atmospheric. It is built over an ancient cistern and well that was in use from early Canaanite times. In the wall of the church near the entrance is a stone with the inscription "Vexillatio Leg(ionis) Fret(ensis)" - a reminder that the site was occupied more than a thousand years earlier by a Roman fort.
Twice a year, during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (May-June) and Succot (Sept-Oct), this beautiful church hosts the international music festival which is known for its variety of styles and performers, who arrive from all over the world to attend this magnificent event.
The Israeli Arab village of Abu Ghosh (biblical Kiriath Jearim), is 13 kilometers (8 mi.) west of Jerusalem.
For more information:
Abu Gosh Music Festival
Crusader Church
Shoeva
90855
Israel
Abu Gosh's (biblical Kiriath Jearim) great treasure is the 12th-century Crusader Church of the Resurrection. For many years the church was used as a stable, then in 1899 the French government purchased the building and handed it over to the Benedictine order. Since 1956 it has belonged to the Lazarists. Like the Crusader Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem's Old City, the Church of the Resurrection was designed with marvelous acoustics for Gregorian chant, but it is less heavily restored and more atmospheric. It is built over an ancient cistern and well that was in use from early Canaanite times. In the wall of the church near the entrance is a stone with the inscription "Vexillatio Leg(ionis) Fret(ensis)" - a reminder that the site was occupied more than a thousand years earlier by a Roman fort.