Murad Castle
Nestled alongside the renowned Solomon Pools, the imposing ruins of Qal'at al Burak, also known as Qal'at Murad, stand as a testament to the strategic importance of this ancient water management system. This formidable castle was constructed in the 17th century by the Ottoman Sultan Murad, who recognized the critical role the pools played in safeguarding the water supply to the surrounding regions.
The castle's strategic location and sturdy fortifications allowed it to serve as a vital outpost, tasked with protecting the precious water source from potential threats and ensuring its continued operation throughout the centuries. The castle and the tranquil Solomon Pools are set amidst a serene grove of towering pine and cypress trees, creating a picturesque and historically-rich landscape that has long captivated visitors to the Bethlehem area.
The castle served as a base for an Ottoman military garrison, responsible for overseeing the water channels stretching from Wadi al-Biyar and Ain al-Arroub to Solomon's Pools. The castle includes several rooms for the soldiers to sleep in, a mosque for prayer, and four towers positioned at each corner.
Murad Castle Museum
The Turkish Murad Castle was renovated and furnished to host one of the largest and most valuable collections of the Palestinian history and culture. The Murad Castle Museum feature over 1500 of these precious artifacts that draw from the many chapters of the Palestinian story. The often tumultuous, always fascinating history of Palestine is coming alive through impressive displays of handicrafts, amulets, Bedouin tents, utensils, pottery and more. Parts of the Roman stone Aqueduct, is also displayed in the Museum.