Ein Qarioun (Spring)
One of the most critical water sources in Nablus is the spring located within the old town. This spring is significant both in terms of its substantial water flow and its historical and archaeological value.
The spring is accessed through a narrow, one-meter deep opening. This leads to a tunnel running north-south, with the southern section extending roughly 20 meters into the mountain. The tunnel is irregularly carved into the natural rock, terminating in a small 3x3 meter cave, 2.5 meters high. Water flows from the cave floor and rock fissures on the southern side.
The northern tunnel section extends up to 100 meters, but is blocked by collapses. The tunnel walls were built with stone and have been fully renovated, obscuring any original Roman elements. Several smaller branch tunnels lead east and west, indicating this spring was part of the Roman city's extensive water system.
The tunnel dimensions are approximately 80 cm wide and 150 cm high. During the Ottoman era, the Hashim family, who built a house fronting the spring, added a beautiful vaulted entryway to facilitate access. This 20-meter long, 5-6 meter high, and 5 meter wide porch extends from the house to Al-Ein Square.
In the mid-20th century, the Nablus municipality rehabilitated the spring and tunnel, inserting water pipes to divert flow to the nearby Qarioun pumping station. Recent restoration work has also been completed on the Ottoman-era entryway.
This spring remains an essential water source for the city of Nablus, highlighting its longstanding historical significance and centrality to the local water infrastructure.