Parks and springs in Jerusalem

Parks & Natural Springs

Jerusalem's surrounding Judean Mountains are home to ancient springs and sophisticated irrigation systems dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. These sites, such as Ein Lavan and Ein Haniya, feature stone-built pools and rock-hewn tunnels used for historic agriculture. Located in valleys like Kidron and Refaim, these natural water sources offer insights into the region's hydraulic history and provide cooling pools amidst terrace-farmed landscapes of fig and almond trees.

אפי אליאן / CC BY-SA 3.0

Gichon Spring

Gihon Spring or Fountain of the Virgin, also known as Saint Mary's Pool, is a spring in the Kidron Valley.

Ein Handak

Ancient spring featuring two deep rock-cut tunnels that lead to underground water sources. Located near the village of Even Sapir, it was historically part of an agricultural irrigation system in the Judean Hills.

אבישי טייכר / CC BY-SA 2.5

Ein Lavan

Ein Lavan is a spring located in the outskirts of Jerusalem, 2 km east of the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. It lies in the Judean Mountains.

Bukvoed / CC BY 4.0

Ein Haniya

Archaeological site and spring featuring a restored Roman-era pool and a Byzantine nymphaeum. Located in the Rephaim Valley, the site includes an ancient church and complex irrigation systems within the Judean Mountains National Park.

Ein Seif

Also known as Ein Bamba, this small spring is located on the White Ridge south of Aminadav. It features a shallow pool fed by water flowing from a small rock cave.

Ein El-Baled

Also known as Ein Itamar, this spring is situated on the Israel National Trail. It features a rectangular stone-built pool and remains of ancient terrace farming irrigation systems near the moshav of Ora.