Additional Location Information
Ein Kerem
Luminous olive trees and pink and green almond trees adorn the streets and slopes of the ancient village of Ein Kerem, located on the western side of Jerusalem. The history of this village mirrors the history of Jerusalem. In earliest times it was an agricultural settlement: its name means "Spring of the Vineyard. "
The Chirstian tradition maintained by the many churches in the vicinity relates that John the Baptist was born in Ein Kerem . The Gospels tell that following the Annuciation, the Virgin Mary visited her pregnant cousin Elizabeth in EIn Kerem. Another tradition holds that "Mary's Well" was the meeting place between the Mary and Elizabeth; the mosque which was built above this well signifies that its location is of importance to the Islam tradition too . Seven synagogues representing different far-flung communities have been built in the village and they similarly attest to the cultural mix that has characterized the village since 1948.
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Ein Kerem
Luminous olive trees and pink and green almond trees adorn the streets and slopes of the ancient village of Ein Kerem, located on the western side of Jerusalem. The history of this village mirrors the history of Jerusalem. In earliest times it was an agricultural settlement: its name means "Spring of the Vineyard. "
The Chirstian tradition maintained by the many churches in the vicinity relates that John the Baptist was born in Ein Kerem . The Gospels tell that following the Annuciation, the Virgin Mary visited her pregnant cousin Elizabeth in EIn Kerem. Another tradition holds that "Mary's Well" was the meeting place between the Mary and Elizabeth; the mosque which was built above this well signifies that its location is of importance to the Islam tradition too . Seven synagogues representing different far-flung communities have been built in the village and they similarly attest to the cultural mix that has characterized the village since 1948.
The ancient stone buildings, crowded alleyways, courtyards with trees heavy with the fruits of the Holy Land preserve the unique atmosphere of this village. The town center, however, includes modern coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, a music center and a museum dedicated to the Biblical period. Artists, potters and other artisans and craftsmen live and work within the village and market their works here.
Ein Kerem is situated along the slopes of the meandering Soreq Stream which collects and drains the rainfall of the Jerusalem Hills. It is an excellent base for hikes and bike trips to the various springs, limestone caverns and even dinosaur tracks in the area
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