Mary's Springعين العذراء مريم

Just eight kilometers west of the city center of Jerusalem, is the peaceful neighborhood of Ein Kerem. Its lush green landscape and cozy restaurants and cafes are a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The area also boasts many significant sites in Christianity, including Mary’s Spring. Mary’s Spring is a fresh-water spring that is believed to be the location that the Virgin Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus at the time, sat and drank from the waters while visiting her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Because of this biblical connection, the spring became a place of pilgrimage. The village of Ein Kerem derives its name from the spring - “ein” meaning spring in Arabic and “kerem” meaning vineyard or grove. The spring has been central to life in the area throughout the centuries. During the second temple period a 30-meter tunnel was constructed in order to increase the capacity of the spring. During the 19th century, a mosque dedicated to Omar was built over the spring. Although it is now abandoned, the mosque can still be seen today. The spring went through a long period of neglect, but in 1989  with  the  support  of  Baron  Edmond  de  Rothschild  the  site  was  completely renovated. A plaza was created around the spring, with benches to sit and trees and greenery to offer a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. It is important to note that the water today is contaminated and is not safe to drink. Mary’s Spring is very close to many other important sites around Ein Kerem. The Spring sits between the Catholic churches of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation, and close to many shops and restaurants. It is the perfect spot to sit for a short time during a tour of the area.