Tell Umm Amer

Tell Umm Amer, also known as the Monastery of Saint Hilarion, is an ancient Christian monastic complex located south of Gaza in the Palestinian territories. The archaeological remains of the site span more than four centuries and include five successive churches, extensive bath and sanctuary complexes, finely crafted geometric mosaics, and a large subterranean crypt. The earliest structure on the site dates to the 4th century AD and is associated with Saint Hilarion, a native of the Gaza region and widely regarded as the founder of Palestinian monasticism. The site represents one of the earliest and most significant monastic centers in the eastern Mediterranean. Tell Umm Amer was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.

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