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most notable religious sites include: Mary’s Spring: According to Christian tradition, this ancient spring is the very place Mary and Elizabeth, (John the Baptist’s mother), met when they were both pregnant with their sons, the two founders of the Christian faith. There are those who believe that the water here is holy and possesses fertility properties. The spring has a narrow, rock-hewn tunnel, built during the Second Temple period, that visitors can crawl through and explore. The Church of Saint John the Baptist: Deep below the grounds of this Catholic church of the Franciscan order, the remains of an ancient Jewish mikveh were discovered a few years ago. Visitors are welcome to visit them, as well as the church, which is cared for by Father Sabrino who also manages a guest house onsite. Father Sabrino is also a fantastic cook who enjoys preparing Italian delicacies, including pasta dishes, focaccia, pizzas, and more, which he serves in the guesthouse dining room that’s also open to non hotel guests. On Fridays, visitors are welcome to enjoy the dairy buffet he serves in the evening. (For more information: 050-5228370). The Gorny Convent: This Russian Orthodox monastery is composed of three churches. The main one possesses five golden domes visible from far and wide, and breathtakingly beautiful Byzantine frescoes and gold leaf icons inside, covering its entire walls and ceilings. One of the smaller churches is the Convent of Our Lady of Kazan, a more intimate structure where visitors can admire a highly revered Russian Orthodox icon believed to have miraculous properties. The monastery is home to Russian Orthodox nuns who live in small stone houses surrounded by greenery. This is also a great place to enjoy spectacular panoramic

Ein Kerem’s picturesque alleyways I Photo: Shutterstock

The Gorny Convent I Photo: Shutterstock

The Ein Kerem loop trail: I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

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ATMOSPHERE FEBRUARY 2026