One of the most beautiful settings near Jerusalem is Ein Karem, located in the hills next to a little spring. Though a small Judean village, the area is important to Christian visitors because of the memory of a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth who lived in the area in: "a town in the hill country of Judea" [Luke 1:39-40].

Elizabeth had been barren for years when an angel visited her husband and promised that the couple would one day have a child [Luke 1:1-17]. They called the fruit of their union "John". He would be known, for all eternity, as St. John the Baptist.

Fifth-century Christians erected a church above a grotto believed to be John’s home. Rebuilt by the Crusaders, the church was restored in the 17^th century, and decorated in a graceful Spanish style.

Nearby, a site commemorates a visit between Elizabeth and her cousin, Jesus’ mother Mary. " At that time Mary . . .entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! " [Luke 1:39-42]. The shrine was rebuilt as a Crusader church; on top of both and incorporating some of their elements architect Antonio Barluzzi designed the contemporary Church of Visitation.