Monastery of St. John in the Wilderness

The monastery stands on a wooded slope near Ein Karem, featuring a church building constructed next to a spring and ancient grotto.

The monastery site, established in the 6th century, came under Georgian control during the Mamluk period before the Franciscans acquired it.

The monastery contains two caves, including one with a ritual bath fed by spring water and another with frescoes depicting biblical narratives.

Visitors can participate in guided tours throughout the year and attend the annual evening prayer service on June 23rd.

The spring known as Ain el-Habis flows through ancient channels into a stone pool, maintaining centuries-old water collection methods.

Location: Jerusalem

Website: https://custodia.org/en/sanctuaries/ain-karem-st-john-desert

GPS coordinates: 31.76782,35.13194

Latest update: March 3, 2025 16:18