+962 7 9635 8199
[email protected]
Ein Karem (also pronounced/spelled Ein Kerem) visits complete Jerusalem tours. Every year, millions of people travel far to this isolated, garden-filled district in southwest Jerusalem, whether it be for the area’s rich religious heritage, charming, affluent surroundings, music and art, or hip restaurants and bars. Therefore, Ein Karem is the location to be in Jerusalem for something unique.
Both Jewish and Christian history are present at Ein Karem. The region was under the jurisdiction of the Tribe of Judah, from which the term “Jew” arose; it is referred to as “BeitaKerem” in the books of Jeremiah and Nehemiah.
In fact, Ein Karem is regarded as one of the top Jerusalem tour locations for Christian pilgrims. For Christians, Ein Karem is well known as the birthplace of John the Baptist. Five churches and monasteries may be found in the village: the Visitation Church, the Notre Dame de Sion Convent, the Greek Orthodox St. John Convent, and the Al Moskovia Russian Monastery (not to be mistaken with a church of the same name in the Old City) (originally called the Gorny Monastery).
A major attraction is also the well-known Mary’s Well, where Mary and Elizabeth are said to have sat and drank when Mary was miraculously carrying Jesus and Elizabeth was miraculously carrying John at the same time.
WHAT TO SEE IN EIN KAREM
Ein Karem’s music and cultural venues are among the city’s attractions. Check out the chamber music performances, piano recitals, and other musical events at the Eden-Tamir Music Center. And if it’s art you’re after, just take a stroll and you’ll pass a number of galleries from the several artists who have settled in Ein Karem since the area is conducive to the creation of beautiful art. On Shabbat, the galleries are frequently open (Saturday).
Speaking of art, the famed Hadassah Hospital, located close across Ein Karem on the other side, is home to the Chagall Windows in its synagogue. Visit these twelve beautiful stained glass masterpieces, each honoring a different Israelite tribe; check the hours before you go.
EIN KAREM RESTAURANTS
In terms of cuisine, Ein Karem is one of Jerusalem’s premier neighborhoods. Here are a few of the best eateries. Numerous eateries may be found, in particular, along Ein Karem Street and Maayan Street (albeit limited kosher options).
Italian cuisine is served at Karma, fine meat is served at the kosher Charlotte, and excellent dairy dishes are served at the kosher Inbal, all on Ein Karem Street.
Bistros serving Italian food at Pundak Ein Karem, Moroccan/French cuisine at Esti & Perla, and bistros Brasserie and Milah can be found on Maayan Street.
On Mavo HaSha’ar Street, there is another café called Sweet Ein Karem that comes highly recommended. Belgian chocolate and genuine gelato from Italy are the stars of this beautiful venue.
ACCOMMODATION IN EIN KAREM
Ein Karem is the best place to stay if you’re looking for a more remote area of Jerusalem, whether you’re planning a night, a weekend, or a longer visit. Try the 5-star boutique Alegra Hotel, which has a fascinating history, or the Notre Dame de Sion Guesthouse, which is renowned for its tranquil gardens and more basic accommodations. For a more private setting, Ein Karem also has a large number of B&Bs. Prices range from midrange to high tier overall.