Ein Hemed, National park and archaeological site in Jerusalem District, Israel
Ein Hemed is a national park and archaeological site featuring limestone terraces, water channels, and pools along the Kisalon Stream, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and dense pine forests. The location shows multiple layers of settlement and use spread across different time periods.
The earliest remains at this location come from Roman times, but the most visible structures were built by Crusaders in the 12th century. The fortress then served to control the main route between Jaffa and Jerusalem.
The park displays how people once managed water and land through stone walls and channels built into the hillside. These structures show the practical knowledge that different communities developed over time.
The site has picnic tables, walking trails, restroom facilities, drinking fountains, and designated areas for grilling and camping. It is best visited in the morning when it is less crowded and temperatures are more comfortable.
Water from the Kisalon Stream is directed through a closed system and returned to its starting point, making water management here unusual for this hillside landscape. This approach allows the park to use the water while keeping the natural flow intact.
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