The cave of John the Baptist is a relatively new place of pilgrimage in Israel.  Archaeologist Shimon Gibson found this new discovery in 1999. The ancient cave is situated approximately 12 miles from Jerusalem in Kibbutz Tzuba. The Kibbutz is close in proximity to Ein Karem where tradition holds that John the Baptist grew up.

The book of Luke refers to John: “And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.” Luke 1:80

It is believed that the Cave of John the Baptist is a place in the “wilderness” where John lived up until the time of his preaching. On the interior walls of the cave are found some of the oldest Christian carvings- scenes believed to be from the life of the John the Baptist, his body, a disembodied head, crosses, and other Christian symbols.

The man is portrayed standing, with one arm raised and a pastor rod in another hand, wearing very poor clothes. The hagiography drawings still preserved today on the rocky walls of the cave, indicate that a great Christian preacher may have lived there, probably John the Baptist.