Solomon's Pools Tourism

Solomon's Pools are a historic waterway system located southwest of Bethlehem, in the West Bank. Consisting of three large, ancient reservoirs, these pools date back to the Herodian period, around the time of King Herod the Great. The name derives from Solomon, the biblical king, due to a misattribution based on Ecclesiastes 2:6, where Solomon talks about creating pools. However, the actual construction of the pools is attributed to Herod in the 1st century BCE. The pools collected water from nearby springs and aqueducts, playing a crucial role in supplying water to Jerusalem, particularly during the Second Temple period. Over the centuries, they continued to be an important water source for the region. Surrounded by pine and cypress trees, the pools are part of a picturesque landscape, now a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks among locals and tourists alike. These ancient structures, which measure up to 50 feet in depth, have aroused the interest of historians, archaeologists, and visitors curious about ancient engineering techniques. Despite their historical significance, they are in need of conservation work to preserve them for future generations.