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Ein Prat, or Spring of Prat, is the biggest of three perennial springs along Prat Stream (Wadi Qelt), which flows along the northern Judean desert from Jerusalem to Jericho.

History of Ein Prat

ein pratHumans utilized the springs along the Prat stream from prehistorical times. The water was channeled to irrigate fields around Jericho in the Neolithic period, leading humanity into the agricultural revolution. In the classical period, the Hasmoneans and the Herodian family installed aqueducts along the stream to irrigate their date and Balsam groves. The remains of the aqueducts are still visible today. The British pumped the spring water to Jerusalem, but since 1970, the spring and its water have been protected as a nature reserve.

Faran Monastery

Around 330 AD, a Christian monk named Kharitun settled next to the Ein Prat and formed the first monastery in the Judean Desert – Faran monastery. In the following centuries, monks established over 50 monasteries in this region. In 614 AD, the Persians invaded the Holy Land and destroyed Faran Monastery. It would be restored only in the 19th century by the Russian Church.

Danny “the Digger” Herman presenting Ein Prat –

Touring and Swimming at Ein Prat

Today, Ein Prat is a national park that offers a refreshing stop when touring the northern Judean Desert. It is a popular destination, especially in the summer months.

A single Russian monk, brother Anaopheri, maintains the nearby Faran monastery.

A tour of Ein Prat can be combined with a guided day tour of the Dead Sea.

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