Wadi Qelt and St. George's Monastery

Wadi Qelt is a dramatic canyon that cuts through the Judaean Desert between Jerusalem and Jericho, carrying a permanent stream fed by springs that has made it a lifeline across the desert for thousands of years. The ancient Roman road from Jerusalem to Jericho ran through this canyon, and the walk from the springs at Ein Qelt to Jericho is one of the classic half-day hikes in the West Bank.

Partway along the canyon, the Byzantine Monastery of Saint George of Choziba is built into the cliff face — a spectacular sight, with its white walls and orange dome appearing suddenly around a bend in the gorge. The monastery is still occupied by Greek Orthodox monks and can be visited by the public (check current hours and dress modestly).

The hike through the wadi from near Jerusalem down to Jericho takes 4–5 hours and is a serious undertaking; bring plenty of water and start early to avoid the heat. From the Jericho end, you can take a taxi to the monastery and walk the shorter canyon section.

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A story
St. George's Monastery was founded in the 5th century by a monk named John of Thebes who sought isolation in the canyon. At the height of Byzantine monasticism, it housed hundreds of monks. The Persians massacred them in 614 CE and the monastery fell into ruin; it was rebuilt by the Crusaders and again by the Greek Orthodox Church in the 19th century. The mosaic-covered skulls of the original monks are kept in the chapel.

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