Monastery of St. John in the Wilderness, Franciscan monastery in Ein Karem, Israel
The Monastery of St. John in the Wilderness is a Franciscan monastery located in Ein Karem on a wooded hillside, featuring a church building constructed next to an ancient spring and stone grotto. The structure houses two distinct underground chambers, one functioning as a ritual bath and the other displaying painted biblical scenes on its walls.
The site was first used as a religious place in the 6th century and later came under Georgian control before the Franciscans took it over and reshaped it. The Franciscan transformation gave the monastery its current form and made it an important pilgrimage destination.
The site is venerated as the birthplace of John the Baptist, drawing pilgrims and visitors who come to observe prayers and religious celebrations throughout the year. The decorated chambers inside tell biblical stories that help visitors connect with the spiritual importance of this location.
The site can be visited throughout the year, and guests can join guided tours that lead through the rooms and grounds. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the monastery sits on a hillside and accessing the underground chambers involves stairs.
An ancient spring called Ain el-Habis flows through stone channels built in the same way for many centuries. This simple water system remains active today and reveals how residents collected water here since ancient times.
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