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En Hemed (Aqua Bella) National Park |
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A delightful corner of nature and springs in the Jerusalem mountains |
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Level of difficulty: easy |
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The beautifully landscaped En Hemed National Park lies just off the busy Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, with inviting lawns, picnic areas and a tributary of the Kesalon Stream flowing across the rocks. During the Crusader period the spring was called Aqua Bella¬––‘beautiful water,’ a name that extended to the entire region. Near the stream is a fortified, two-storey Crusader manor house. An arched gate in the building’s northern wall leads to a central courtyard. One hall contains parts of an olive-oil press, and a staircase leads to the second floor.
A path takes visitors through a grove to a burial cave apparently dating to Second Temple times. There is a magnificent view from an observation point on the road above the valley in which the national park is located. The view illustrates the park's significance as a green lung among the network of roads and communities of the Judean mountain region west of the capital.
The following guided tours are available upon reservation:
Genesis––the creation of the world in seven stations
Nature's right to water
William the Crusader
For tour reservations, phone: 02-623-2191
Special activities and events of various sizes may also be reserved (catering and music not included) as well as overnight camping for groups of over 100 participants. |
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How to get there:
At the En Hemed junction on the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway (no. 1), between the Harel and Shoresh junctions, turn south for a few dozen meters.
10 minutes from Jerusalem; 30 minutes from Tel Aviv
A great place to relax on the way to or from Jerusalem
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| Useful information |  | Length of tour: | 1 hour–all day |  | Best season: | year-round |  | Don't miss: | |  | Other facilities and attractions: | Crusader fortress; abundant seasonal wildflowers, especially buttercups; turning of the leaves in fall; floods after heavy rainfalls; lawns; picnic tables; touring routes; playground equipment |  | Hours: | April–September 8 A.M.–5 P.M.
October–March 8 A.M– 4 P.M.
Fridays and holiday eves, the site closes one hour earlier than the above time.
Last entry to the site one hour before the above closing time.
|  | Phone: | 02-534-2741
For additional information on activities and tours call the INPA at *3639
|  | Fax / Email: | |  | Entrance fee: | Adult: NIS 20; child: NIS 9
Israeli senior citizen: 50% discount
Group (over 30 people): Adult: NIS 17: child NIS 8
Overnight camping (groups of 100 or more): NIS 40 per adult; NIS 30 per child
|  | Entrance to dogs: | |  | Accessibility: | There are paths for the disabled and for wheelchair-users; enjoy a picnic with the family and the accessible playground. | | | |
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