Slightly hidden near Kibbutz Tzuba lies Ein Tzuba a complicated underground spring flow system. This is a tale of ancient settlements Crusader fortresses and the enduring spirit of the land.
Ein Tzuba is located near Jerusalem in the Judean Hills. Tzuba is also known as Tzova. This kibbutz has a rich history. Tel Tzova a nearby archaeological site reveals a Jewish settlement dating back to the time of King David. Imagine this area during biblical times.
In 1170 the Crusaders recognized the strategic importance of this location. They built a fortress called Belmont to guard the route to Jerusalem. Belmont was conquered by Saladin in 1191. The fortress changed hands marking a significant chapter in the Crusades.
The adjacent Arab village of Suba witnessed fierce fighting during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Its strategic location overlooking the road to Jerusalem made it a crucial point. Israeli armed troops conquered the village during Operation Danny. Most of the villagers fled during the fighting.
In October 1948 an Israeli Kibbutz was established. It was located about one km south of Tsova and later renamed Tzova. Today Kibbutz Tzova offers a tourism complex with various attractions.
The Kibbutz offers marked hiking and cycle paths. Guided walks are organized to local historic and archeological sites. One such site is the Cave of John the Baptist.
In 1999 Reuven Kalifon discovered a cave believed to be the Cave of John the Baptist. It was found during archaeological excavations in the area of the kibbutz orchards. The cave is not far from Ein Karem St. Johns traditional birthplace.
In the 4th and 5th centuries CE Byzantine monks sanctified the cave. They used it as a Christian holy place. The walls feature some of the earliest drawings known in local Christian art. Structures outside the cave date to the Hellenistic period. These structures indicate the cave served as a water reservoir and a place for bathing. Water was collected from the valley and channeled into the cave. It passed through a water-filtering basin. A sluice allowed some water to be channeled into the fields.
Archaeologists discovered a flight of seven steps. These led to an underground man-made rectangular pool of water. Thousands of pottery shards were found at the site. These shards were possibly remnants of small water jugs used in baptismal rituals.
The kibbutz has become an attractive destination. The Tzuba Hotel overlooks the Jerusalem Hills. The Kifzuba Family Entertainment Center offers games and activities. Kibbutz Tzuba is economically successful. It even has a windshield factory.
Ein Tzuba stands as a testament to the layers of history. Ancient settlements medieval fortresses and modern-day life intertwine here. As you explore this site remember the stories etched into the land. The echoes of battles the whispers of prayers and the enduring spirit of Tzuba resonate through time.