How about a refreshing dip in a natural spring near Jerusalem? Ein Lavan awaits us.
Ein Lavan is a true oasis. It is located on the outskirts of Jerusalem. This spring offers a cool escape. It sits in the Judean Mountains. Ein Lavan is a place of natural beauty.
Ein Lavan springs in the Lavan Ridge. It is just above the northern bank of Nahal Refaim. The area is lush. It is surrounded by fig trees. You will also find walnuts, almonds, carobs and olive trees here. Terebinth and mulberry trees add to the landscape.
Archaeological excavations reveal a rich history at Ein Lavan. The site was used for agriculture in ancient times. Remains include terraces and watchtowers. There are also winepresses and quarries. Rock-cut tombs and irrigation canals have been found. These features tell of continuous human activity. This spans from the Iron Age to the Mandatory period.
The inhabitants of al-Walaja used the spring for agriculture. Findings from the Byzantine and early Muslim periods are abundant. Mosaic stones and pottery fragments are common. A few items date back to the Iron Age. Coins have been discovered here too. One coin dates from 351-361 AD. Another is from the time of Constantine II. Several coins are from 383-395 AD. An Umayyad coin dates after the reform. It is from 697-750 CE. A Mandatory coin from 1943 was also found. Metal items include a bell with an English inscription. A British Army button from the Mandatory period was also found.
In 2015, Ein Lavan was renovated. The Jerusalem Municipality and the Nature and Parks Authority restored the water pools. This was part of the wider Jerusalem Park project. Ein Lavan is now part of the Nahal Refaim National Park.
Ein Lavan is named for its location in the White Valley. The spring area is clean and well-maintained. There are two pools here. One is for swimming. The other is for wading.
Ein Lavan is close to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. It is also near the Jerusalem Aquarium. Ein Lavan does not require advanced booking. This makes it an easy destination. The main pool measures 4 by 8 meters. It is about 1.5 meters deep. A smaller wading pool suits younger children.
Imagine sitting by the pool at Ein Lavan. The scent of sweet figs fills the air. This place offers a refreshing escape.