A high wall protected the monastic buildings from Beduin incursions, which were sometimes so ferocious that the place was known as the Monastery of Tigers. Probably founded at the end of the 6C, the compound includes two churches that are curiously laid out. One is dedicated to St Paul (the south part of which is dug into the saint's cave), the other to St Mercury (located above the cave). The tower (6C) has a drawbridge and contains the Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, topped with a wooden dome.