Ein Avdat

This magnificent oasis may be found in the Nahal Zin, or "Zin Valley," the longest wadi in Israel's Negev Desert. Avdat refers to the historical Nabatean city nearby, which was a trading station along the incense route thousands of years ago. Ein is the Hebrew word for "spring," and Avdat refers to the ancient Nabatean city nearby, which was a trading post along the incense route thousands of years ago. Water holes in the desert are always magical, but they were also necessary for existence in this parched environment in antiquity. The area's first permanent human settlements originate from the Byzantine era, when Christian monks resided in caves along the canyon that can still be seen today.

Rooms where the monks lived and prayed, as well as recesses that acted as cupboards, can be found inside these colossal structures. Stairs leading to the springs were also created by the monks. After the Muslim takeover of the region, the caves were abandoned, and they are now part of the Ein Avdat National Park.

Location: Negev, Israel