5 things to know about the Gihon Spring:

  1. Until about 20 years ago, the Gihon was a rhythmic spring, whose waters would spring up (megichim) powerfully from the ground every few hours, and then gradually weaken. Hence the name of the spring – Gihon.
  2. The volume of water coming from the spring is about 75,000 liters per hour – about 50,000 1.5 liter bottles. The quantity of water coming from the spring in a full year is about 650,000 cubic meters.
  3. According to the account in the book of Kings, King Solomon’s coronation took place next to the Gihon Spring.
  4. In Arabic, the Gihon Spring is called Ein Umm Al-Daraj, named for the long staircase that leads to the spring.
  5. Over generations, mystical significance has been attributed to the spring and its waters have been considered to have healing powers.
The Gihon Spring Photo: Max Richardson
The Gihon Spring Photo: Max Richardson