3. Mount of Temptation
About four kilometers northwest of central Jericho, the hillside of Qarantal plays an important role in Christian tradition.
This is a major point of interest for Christian visitors who know the hill as the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus Christ fasted after being baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
In AD 340, St. Chariton built a chapel on the hill summit, and another was built by the cave in which Jesus is said to have sheltered.
The Greek Orthodox Church acquired the site in 1875 and in 1895 built the Sarandarion Monastery (the name refers to the 40 days of Jesus’ fast) halfway up the hill.
4. Wadi Qelt
This lush valley is a tranquil slash of green amid the barren hills. It’s a beautiful spot with gushing freshwater springs and palm trees, and the restful atmosphere has attracted ascetics for centuries.
A number of monastery communities have set up camp here through the years, and Herod the Great built an aqueduct, which was repaired during the British Mandate. The Romans also built a road along this ancient route between Jerusalem and Jericho.
In early Christian times, hermits lived in caves in this wild mountain country, which led to the foundation of St. George’s Monastery here. It’s a great place for a day hike or to just pack a picnic.
