Lot's Cave Monastery
A Byzantine monastery built over a cave above the southern Dead Sea.
Updated 3 September 2026
On a slope above the southern end of the Dead Sea, a Byzantine monastery was built over a cave that pilgrims identified with the one where Lot took refuge after the destruction described in Genesis. Excavation found a basilica with mosaic floors, a reservoir and monastic buildings, along with evidence that the cave itself had been used far earlier. A museum at the foot of the hill covers the site and the Dead Sea's lowest-point geography.
The main sights
- The cave - the chamber the monastery was built around.
- The basilica mosaics - the floors excavated in the church.
- The hillside setting - the site above the southern end of the Dead Sea.
- The museum below - the interpretation centre at the foot of the hill.
When to go
October to April is the comfortable season. Summer at the Dead Sea's southern end is extremely hot. The site keeps daytime hours.
What to expect
A long flight of steps climbs to the site with no shade. The identification with Lot is traditional rather than established. The museum below keeps irregular hours.
Nearby
Safi is below, and Wadi Numeira is north.
What to pack for Lot's Cave Monastery
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
