St. Peter's Monastery

St. Peter's Monastery Review

Jaffa is famous for being a true meeting point of East and West, and as soon as you step into this church established by Franciscans more than a century ago, you'll find yourself steeped in a European atmosphere. St. Peter's was built over the ruins of a citadel that dates from the Seventh Crusade, which was led by King Louis IX of France. A monument to King Louis stands today at the entrance to the friary. Napoléon is rumored to have stayed here during his Jaffa campaign of 1799. To enter, ring the bell by pulling the string on the right side of the door; you will probably be greeted by one of the custodians, most of whom speak Spanish and some English. Mass is celebrated every morning at 7 am. On Saturday evenings at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9 the service is in English.