Hi,
We stopped at Nahal Zin monk’s cave on our way back from our Vacation in Eilat. Those handmade caves were easily craved in the soft marl rock found around the Sead Sea (and made Atzva goosebumps as we drove along it). It seems the caves were used during two periods:
The caves from the first period (Nabatean: 1st – 3rd centuries AD) are found on the south cliff. Those are burial caves. The caves are the craved in the cave floor and walls. It seems there was also a Nabatean Han (inn) in this area.
The north cliff caves are probably from the Byzantine time (5th-6th centuries AD) and used as a chapel for the monks. The is an isolation chamber in it, and crosses are craved in the cave.
Amir Philosof (1982 – 2001) view point is on another marl nearby. And helps you understand what what you see around.
The whole hike is a very short one, couple of hundreds meters from the car and back. Just keep in mind it is desert and there are no water or shade.
Near by you can also find Caper stream (named after the caper bushes in it), which has a short hiking trail in. About 1.5 km long, it suitable for families and children.
Take care
Gad
The sign on the road about Caper stream and the Monk’s cave
South Cliff
The burial cave on the south cliff
The smaller cave on the south cave
North cliff, the cave can be seen in it
North Cliff of Nahal Zin monk’s cave chapel for monks
And the smaller chamber in it
Atzva hiding the sun
Amir Philosof lookout road sign
The lookout on top of the hill
Atzva climbing the wood stairs to the lookout
Amir Philosof (1982 – 2001)
West, North and East and the plates on top of lookout