DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Solomon's Pools

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°4
Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)

Weather…

Solomon's Pools consist of three massive, open-air reservoirs located about five kilometers south of Bethlehem, representing a peak of ancient hydraulic engineering. Despite the name, most of the structures date back to the Herodian period, with subsequent expansions during Roman and Ottoman times. These pools served as a sophisticated collection and storage system for rainwater and local springs, funneling water through an intricate network of aqueducts to Jerusalem and the fortress of Herodium. The three basins are situated at different elevations to facilitate gravity-fed water flow and possess a combined capacity of approximately 160,000 cubic meters. Adjacent to the pools stands the 17th-century Ottoman fort of Qalaat al-Burak, which was established to guard this vital water supply and the nearby pilgrimage routes. Today, the site is a significant historical landmark set within a tranquil pine grove, offering visitors a unique look at the large-scale infrastructure projects that sustained ancient civilizations in this arid region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101215182225272725221712
Rain mm5942271540102123148

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Solomon's Pools are three ancient water reservoirs south of Bethlehem that are freely accessible. You can explore the entire area on foot.
🕒
Typical hours
The pools have no set opening hours and are accessible any time. Best visited during daylight to see the details.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions. The massive stone walls and the surrounding valley offer great photo subjects.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 30-45 minutes for a walk around the three pools. A stroll along the ancient aqueducts can extend the time.
➕
Combine with
Combine the pools with the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem or the Shepherd's Field. The nearby Mar Saba Monastery is also worth a trip.
🧭
Getting there
The pools are about 5 kilometers south of Bethlehem and easily reachable by car. There is a small parking area by the road.
💡
Insider tip
Bring a flashlight to explore the underground channels. Best to visit the pools in late afternoon for nice shadow effects.

Geography

Coordinates
31.68940, 35.16830

Facts

  • The total capacity of the three pools is approximately 450,000 cubic meters.
  • They were connected to Jerusalem via two extensive aqueducts.
  • Despite their name, the pools date back to the late Second Temple period.
  • An 17th-century Ottoman fortress, Qal'at al-Burak, is located nearby.
  • The system supplied water to Jerusalem for nearly 2,000 years.
  • The lowest pool is the largest, measuring 179 meters in length.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Solomon's PoolsSolomon's Pools<1 km · SExplore →
Wadi el-Loz (Almond Valley)Wadi el-Loz (Almond Valley)2 km · SEExplore →
Beit Jala Cremisan WineryBeit Jala Cremisan Winery3 km · NEExplore →
Dar al-KarimaDar al-Karima4 km · NExplore →
BattirBattir5 km · SEExplore →
Bethlehem Industrial ParkBethlehem Industrial Park5 km · NExplore →
Jerusalem Biblical ZooJerusalem Biblical Zoo5 km · EExplore →
Jebel Abu GhneimJebel Abu Ghneim6 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Solomon's Pools (4)

Convention Palace📍 landmark

The Convention Palace is a notable local attraction in the palestine-solomons-pools-history-v2 area.

Solomon's Pools🏺 historical

Solomon's Pools are significant historical reservoirs forming an archaeological site in the palestine-solomons-pools-history-v2 area.

Shirat David📍 landmark

Shirat David is a Jewish landmark located in the palestine-solomons-pools-history-v2 area.

Wadi Rahhal Mosque📍 landmark

Wadi Rahhal Mosque is a local Muslim place of worship located in the palestine-solomons-pools-history-v2 area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What exactly are Solomon's Pools?
They are three ancient water reservoirs that once supplied the region.
Is it worth a visit?
Yes, for history buffs, the site is architecturally fascinating.
Is the area open to the public?
Yes, the site can be visited, but opening hours vary.
Are there parking options?
Parking is usually easy near the entrance.
How much time is needed on-site?
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for a tour.
Solomon's Pools: where is it located?
Solomon's Pools is located in Palestinian Territories.
Solomon's Pools: what is there to see?
Highlights include Convention Palace, Solomon's Pools, Shirat David.
Solomon's Pools: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Solomon's Pools: why is it worth visiting?
Solomon's Pools consist of three massive, open-air reservoirs located about five kilometers south of Bethlehem, representing a peak of ancient hydraulic engineering.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Palestinian Territories →

Nearby cities

East Jerusalem — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.
Hebron — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Hebron
Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, famous for the Cave of the Patriarchs.
Hebron Old City — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Hebron Old City
Hebron's Old City is characterized by narrow alleys and Mamluk architecture.
Ramallah — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Ramallah
Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.
Yatta — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Yatta
Yatta is in the southern Hebron Governorate and is a hub for livestock and agriculture.
Al-Bireh — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Bireh
Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.
Surif — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Surif
Surif is located in the northwestern Hebron Governorate near the Green Line.
Al-Ram — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Ram
Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.
Halhul — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Halhul
Halhul is located north of Hebron on one of the highest points in the West Bank.
Dura — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Dura
Dura is located in the Hebron Governorate and is a key regional center.
Bani Na&#39;im — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Bani Na'im
Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.
Jericho — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.
As-Samu — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
As-Samu
As-Samu is the southernmost town in the Hebron Governorate.
Idhna — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Idhna
Idhna is located west of Hebron near the Green Line.
Sa&#39;ir — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Sa'ir
Sa'ir is located northeast of Hebron in a deep valley.

History & landmarks

Old City of Hebron — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Hebron
The Old City of Hebron is a labyrinth of narrow streets and Mamluk architecture centered around the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Old City of Ramallah — Solomon's Pools (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Ramallah
The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.