What to See & Do Around the Mount St Joseph Carmelite Monastery

Situated 900 feet above sea level in the East San Jose foothills, this picturesque monastery is one of Silicon Valley’s best-kept secrets. It offers meditation gardens, stunning views of the valley and the perfect secluded place to escape from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. You’ll find this quaint monastery along Clayton Road, just north of Interstate 5. It’s the home of the Discalced Carmelite Friars of the California-Arizona Province and was built in 1962.

The monks of the monastery live a contemplative lifestyle in the tradition of the Order of Carmelites, a group of friars who lived on Mount Carmel in Palestine after the Crusades. They are a religious order that is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, and they’re particularly famous for their devotion to prayer.

Today – Good Friday

At the Mount St Joseph Carmelite Monastery, hundreds of people will hike uphill to the church’s traditional Stations of the Cross, a meditative ritual that reflects Jesus’ final journey to his crucifixion and death two millennia ago. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and wear sturdy shoes, as many stations require a heavy wooden cross.

Road to Resurrection’ at Cathedral of Faith

The Cathedral of Faith in San Jose, one of the Bay Area’s largest Christian churches, is hosting a series of passion plays this week. The free performances are designed to bring Jesus’ suffering and resurrection to life for the congregation and visitors. They’re being performed by about 300 nonprofessional actors and stagehands who are members of the Cathedral’s community. Like the Stations of the Cross, this passion plays relives Jesus’ last days, including his betrayal, torture and crucifixion.

Visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium is a unique destination where visitors can learn about ancient Egypt and explore artifacts from 3,500 years ago. The museum has a replica of an ancient temple, galleries featuring mummies and hieroglyphs, and displays on the study of astrology, alchemy and the occult. The planetarium features an array of 3D shows that explore different aspects of astronomy.

Explore San Jose’s Historic Downtown

San Jose’s downtown is a vibrant area full of historic buildings, restaurants, shops, bars and attractions. Start your exploration with a stroll through St. James Park in the heart of the city, which features a statue of Saint Junipero Serra and a fountain dating back to 1856. You can also visit various historic buildings such as the Peralta Adobe, the San Pedro Square Market and the Museum of Art & History.

In conclusion, there are many more wonders but these are some of the best things to see and do around the Mount St Joseph Carmelite Monastery. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience or just want to get away from it all, the monastery offers something for everyone. So why not take a break from your busy life and explore this enchanting place? You won’t be disappointed!