El-Bariyah: wilderness with monasteries

This project covers a widespread area south and east of Jerusalem. It is a montaneous desert habitat in a treeless thin-soiled and arid, eroded limestone plateau drained by wadi toward the dead see. It is dotted with ancient monasteries and holy places. I got a chance to visit that area in june 2013. I covered the southern area with a taxi from Bethlehem, and the eastern area with my rental car (you cannot take a rental car in Area A under full Palestinian control).

In the south:

- Herodion: ruins of a fortified palace erected by Herod, on top a a big hill, offerig magnificiant view on the desert below, and Bethlehem and jerusalem hills above. Can be reached by rental car from Jerusalem or by taxi from Bethlehem.

Looking south, you see the Wadi Khareitun (in Hebrew and on most maps:Nahal Tekoa), and guess the location of the three prehistoric caves).

- Mar Saba monastery, some 20 minutes drive from Bethlehem with a taxi. Cannot be reached with rental car. A Magnificent old fortified monastery clinched on the cliff overlooking the desert. The atmosphere is magical. Women cannot enter the monastery, and I was told that some days, the monk would not let non Orthodox in. I would recommend a visit anyway, even if you cannot enter the monatery itself. A very nice walk goes around the monasery and climb on the hill opposite, offering magical view on the complex.

- Deir Thodosios monastery, on the road between Bethlehem …