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Ten (10) km east of Jerusalem, on the main road to Jericho, is Khan Al Ahmar, also known as the Good Samaritan Inn. The Khan is a 16th century Ottoman structure where travelers on this ancient trade route linking the two banks of the Jordan stopped to refresh themselves and their animals. Today, a souvenir shop and a Bedouin tent serving refreshments for tourists occupy the inn. On the opposite side of the road there are visible but inaccessible remains of the church of St. Euthymius. Built in the 5th century, it soon became one of the most important monastic centers in Palestine. The church was built on the site to commemorate the famous story of the Good Samaritan who helped Jesus on his return journey to Jerusalem. The name "the Good Samaritan Inn" is derived from this source. It remained in use until the 13th century when it was destroyed by the Mamluk sultan Baybars because it was on the pilgrimage route to Nabi Musa. The hill beyond the Khan is occupied by the Israeli settlement of Ma'ale Edomim which was esablished in 1978 and is now a city. Israel plans to incorporate this settlement into what it calls metropolitan Jerusalem. Visiting is possible all day long. |
