Ein Prat

Ein Prat Nature Reserve is a charming oasis, where a vibrant stream flows, featuring pretty natural water pools, at the foot of a cliff. This stream is one of the most beautiful ones that cross the Judean Desert and it creates on its way magnificent desert landscape canyons and cliffs. In this oasis one finds flowing springs, the remnants of ancient structures and caves which have become hiding places throughout a long history. Rich flora and fauna in the heart of the desert, breathtaking cliff landscapes- some of which have become mountain climbing and rappelling attractions for  enthusiasts- and an ancient aqueduct which conducted the stream water to Jerusalem in past times. Up the stream is the Chariton Monastery (named after St. Chariton or Khureitun) which was built in the 4th century. The monastery includes individual seclusion cells built in natural caves. According to tradition, in this monastery is found the tomb of St. Khureitun who founded this place. Around the monastery are water cisterns, orchards and agricultural terraces, the remnants of a pilgrims’ hostel and additional structures which attest to this place’s past as a popular pilgrimage site.