The Aris Mikva

One of the more unusual tourist spots for men in Safed is the Ari Mikva which is located adjacent to the Old Cemetery and is accessible along a walkway direct from the Arizels grave or just past the Sephardi Ari synagogue there is a stepped path leading down to the Mikva.

There have been various renovations over the years to the site. There is now a building built over the mikva providing minimal changing and toilet facilities. There are no showers or lockers and nowhere to put valuables, but there are hooks to hang clothes or towels. There is an unofficial attendant who rents towels, sells drinks, plays music and generally helps to keep the place tidy. However, as he is not there all the time it is advisable to bring your own towel.

The pool itself is not big, about a 1.5 meter by 1.5 meter and about 1.20 meter deep, and it is in a cave. Therefore, it only holds 4 men at a time. The water is spring water and not heated so while it is refreshing in the summer and it can be rather chilly in the winter.

Admission is free but there are plenty of tzedaka (charity) boxes where you can donate money if you want.

The mikve is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.