The Church of John the Baptist - Ein Karem

Holy Land Christian tours often focus on the birthplaces of some of the most iconic figures in the bible, which is one of the reasons the Church of Jon the Baptist in Ein Karem (the traditional "town in the hill country of Judea" according to Luke 1:39) is such a popular tourism site. Built in the place known as John's birthplace for over 1,500 years, it is surrounded by the remnants of earlier churches. The oldest part of the church can be found downstairs. In the bottom of the church is the cave where Christians gathered to worship early on, on the site where Elizabeth and Zachariah's house stood. Reliefs in the marble feature Jon the Baptist's naming, his birth and when he baptized Jesus in the Jordan. The courtyard is yet another reason to stop by on your Israel tour as it is the perfect place for meditation and prayer.