Qumran - Monastery

The monastery-like settlement of the Essenes was originally surrounded by a high wall. No living or sleeping accommodation was found within the complex (the Essenes presumably slept in the neighboring caves), so there is some doubt whether it can in fact be regarded as akin to a monastery.

Near the entrance are the remains of a tower. Beyond this, to the left, is a courtyard, on one side of which (by the tower) is a kitchen and on the other the main building, which is 37.5m/123ft square. Along its south side is the refectory and assembly hall, 24m/79ft long by 4.5m/15ft wide. On the upper floor was a scriptorium. In an adjoining room were found 1,700 pottery vessels and a jar with a lid like those in which the manuscripts were