Jericho is a city in the West Bank with a population of approximately 20,907 people, serving as the administrative center of the Jericho Governorate in Palestine. Positioned in the Jordan Valley, it is bordered by the Jordan River to the east and Jerusalem to the west, and after the British Mandate in Palestine, Jericho was under Jordanian rule from 1949 to 1967. Since then, it has been under Israeli occupation along with the rest of the West Bank, however, administrative control passed to the Palestinian Authority in 1994.

Archaeological Importance and UNESCO Recognition

Jericho holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cities globally, with remains of over 20 successive settlements dating back 11,000 years. Notably, the archaeological site of Tell es-Sultan, or Old Jericho, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, acknowledged as the “oldest fortified city in the world.”

Geographical Features and Agricultural Importance:

Situated 36 kilometers east of Jerusalem, Jericho lies on the route to Amman and serves as a junction on the highway to the Galilee. Tel as-Sultan, the ancient city of Jericho, is the lowest point on earth at 258 meters below sea level and is the oldest town, dating back over 10,000 years. It developed around Ain as-Sultan, a perennial spring, in an area of fertile soil that attracted hunter-gatherer groups to settle and begin domesticating plants and animals. Ain as-Sultan is also known as Elisha’s Spring, where the prophet Elisha purified the water of Jericho.

Jericho’s moderate climate makes it a popular winter resort, as it is always several degrees warmer than other parts of Palestine due to its low elevation and the height of the surrounding mountains. It is an important agricultural area, producing fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, and it is especially famous for its dates, bananas, and citrus fruits.

What are the Must-see sites in Jericho?

Tell as-Sultan (ancient Jericho), the Oldest City in the World

Extensive excavations have revealed a cultural history of the world’s oldest city spanning over 10,000 years. The earliest artifacts belong to the Natufian culture (10th–8th millennia BC) and include flint tools, indicating a Natufian hunting camp near the spring. Early Neolithic remains include a small settlement with round mud-brick houses, a surrounding wall, and a round tower, representing the earliest known fortification system.

Standing through centuries, the city of ancient Jericho played a major role between the Early Bronze Age and Middle Bronze Age (3200–1550 BC). There are mentions in historical sources and a recent find has the name appear on a scarab from the second millennium BC.

During the late Roman and Byzantine periods, the town shrank to the size of modern Jericho. It was referenced in various classical sources, including the sixth-century Madaba mosaic map, which depicted it with the symbol of a church and a palm tree, accompanied by the inscription, “Of St. Elisha.”

Archaeological excavations over the past century have uncovered significant remains from various sites within the historic core of modern Jericho, illuminating its history during the Byzantine period. Numerous churches from this era have been discovered near Jericho, including Tell al-Hassan, the Coptic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Abuna Anthimos, and Khirbat an-Nitla. In 1962, Byzantine remains, including a colorful mosaic floor, surfaced. Further excavations in 2010 during construction work on the Russian museum in Jericho uncovered additional architectural remains, including a mosaic floor and a series of buildings dating to the early Roman, Byzantine-Umayyad, Medieval, and Ottoman periods.

Mountain & Monastery of Temptation (Deir Guruntel)

The summit of the Mount of Temptation rises sharply to 350 meters above sea level, offering a stunning view of the Jordan Valley, with over 30 caves on its eastern slops that have been inhabited by monks and hermits since the early days of Christianity. This site is traditionally believed to be where Jesus spent 40 days and nights fasting and meditating, during which Satan was tempting him, and in the sixth century, a monastery was built over the cave where Christ is said to have stayed. The path to the monastery is steep and challenging to climb but well worth the effort, or alternatively there is a cable car that ascends the cliff, providing a spectacular view of the surrounding valley.

Hisham’s Palace

Located on the northern bank of Wadi Nueima, about two kilometers north of Jericho in the Jordan Valley, the site is identified with the ruins of Khirbet al-Mafjar. Archaeologists believe it was constructed by Caliph Hisham bin Abd el-Malik (reign 724-743 AD) based on epigraphic evidence, and later embellished by his successor Al-Walid II between 743 and 744 AD. Although not the official residence of the caliph, it functioned as a winter retreat.

A devastating earthquake in 749 AD destroyed the impressive audience hall and bath, but other parts of the site, including the palace, remained intact until the tenth century. During the Umayyad and Abbasid periods (around 730-950 AD), the northern area of the site served as an agricultural estate and the site featured various structures, including a palace, an audience hall with a thermal bath, a mosque, a grand fountain enclosed within a perimeter wall, two main gates, and likely an elite residence. The main buildings, including the palace, audience hall, and mosque, were positioned along the western side of a shared courtyard, featuring a central pavilion covering a pool, and the impressive audience hall, situated to the north of the palace, boasted a remarkable mosaic pavement measuring approximately 30 by 30 meters, adorned with 38 vibrant mosaic designs. 

Hisham’s Palace is an Architectural Marvel

Supported by a system of vaults and domes, the building featured brick vaulting resting on 16 sturdy stone piers arranged in four rows. Elaborate decorations such as carved stucco, stone reliefs, and statues adorned the hall, with painted frescoes embellishing its upper portions. Adjacent to the audience hall, the thermal bath arose on its north side, and a lengthy pool was added along the southern side. The entrance was graced by a statue of the caliph, likely situated above the main entrance, and it’s presumed that the caliph occupied a recess at the far end of the hall.

Situated at the northwest corner of the reception hall lies the diwan, a cozy guest room featuring an apsidal raised platform at its northernmost tip. This room boasted elaborate stucco panels and columns decorating the walls and dome, adding to its opulence, and the floor of the diwan was paved with exquisite mosaics, notably showcasing the renowned depiction of the Tree of Life.

The Sycamore Tree and the Russian Museum

Since 2010, the sycamore tree famously associated with Zacchaeus, who climbed it to catch a glimpse of Christ during his journey to Jerusalem, has found a new home within the premises of the Russian Museum in Jericho.

In a collaborative effort between Palestinian and Russian teams, a salvage excavation conducted from June to September of 2010 on the museum’s grounds unearthed significant artifacts now showcased within its halls. Adjacent to the Russian compound, construction activities revealed remnants of a mosaic floor, prompting further excavation endeavors that unveiled a cluster of structures and mosaic pathways dating back to various historical periods, including the early Roman, Byzantine-Umayyad, Medieval, and Ottoman eras.

The discoveries, coupled with the presence of Byzantine church ruins in the vicinity, underscore Jericho’s pivotal role in the formative years of Christianity, highlighting its enduring significance in early Christian history.

Shahwan House Mosaic

Back in 1936, archaeologists stumbled upon a synagogue situated north of Tell as-Sultan, now housed beneath the Shahwan family residence. The excavation unearthed the remnants of a structured building featuring a rectangular layout, divided into a central nave and flanked by two aisles created by rows of square pillars. The flooring boasted a mosaic pavement adorned with intricate geometric and floral patterns.

Fast forward to 2008, a series of restoration efforts took place, focusing primarily on the preservation of the mosaic pavement. This initiative aimed to revive and maintain the historical and architectural significance of the synagogue, ensuring its legacy through meticulous preservation efforts.

Qumran

Situated approximately 15 kilometers south of Jericho on the western banks of the Dead Sea, this site holds immense historical significance as the discovery site of the renowned Dead Sea Scrolls, found in 1947 when a Palestinian shepherd, in search of a lost goat, stumbled upon them.

The scrolls consist of copies of biblical and apocryphal literature, the Damascus Document, and the writings of the sect, including the Commentaries, the Rule of the Community, and the Scroll of the War of the Sons of Light against the Sons of Darkness. The dates of these scrolls range from the second century BC to 68 AD, but they date mainly from the first century BC. The study of the scrolls developed into an academic discipline known as Qumranic studies, and they provide us with valuable information about the history of Judaism and the early phase of Christianity.

Following the find, several excavations took place on the site and in the surrounding caves and revealed a large complex of buildings, including communal facilities, a sophisticated water system, a library, and a large cemetery.

Wadi Qelt & the Monastery of Saint George (Deir al-Qelt)

Wadi Qelt is a striking natural gorge, stretching 45 kilometers between Jerusalem and Jericho, characterized by towering rock walls. Since the third century, hermits have sought refuge in its seclusion, and today it offers excellent hiking opportunities, particularly during the winter months.

One notable feature of the wadi is the Monastery of Saint George, also known as Deir al-Qelt, an impressive structure carved into the cliff walls. Originally built in the fifth or sixth century, the monastery suffered destruction during the Persian invasion of Palestine, however, much of what stands today is the result of a restoration project that the Greek Orthodox Church undertook in 1901.

The Good Samaritan Inn

Situated 10 kilometers east of Jerusalem along the primary route to Jericho, the Good Samaritan Inn, known as Al-Khan al-Ahmar, is a historic structure dating back to the sixteenth century. Initially functioning as a rest stop for travelers, it now houses a souvenir shop and a Bedouin tent offering refreshments to visitors. Across the road lies the remnants of Saint Euthymius Church, constructed in the fifth century to honor the biblical narrative of the Good Samaritan.

Maqam An-Nabi Musa

Nabi Musa, Arabic for Prophet Moses, holds significant reverence in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as a pivotal prophet, and the Maqam an-Nabi Musa has been a destination for an annual pilgrimage since Salah ad-Din’s era. Constructed in 1269 and positioned in a breathtaking setting 20 kilometers east of Jerusalem, the shrine showcases remarkable medieval Islamic architecture, including a shrine, mosque, minaret, and several rooms, with further enhancements made in 1475.

The Jordan River

Originating from Mount Hermon in Syria, approximately 914 meters above sea level, the Jordan River meanders its way down to the Dead Sea, which lies 396 meters below sea level. Despite spanning just 105 kilometers in a straight line, its winding course stretches about 257 kilometers if fully extended. Since John baptized Jesus in its waters, the Jordan River holds profound significance for Christians, drawing numerous pilgrims annually seeking baptism at this sacred site.

Summary

In conclusion, Jericho stands as a captivating blend of historical significance, archaeological marvels, and natural beauty. Its strategic location in the Jordan Valley, with the Jordan River to the east and Jerusalem to the west, adds to its allure. Despite the complexities of its occupation history, Jericho has persevered, becoming a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage.

The city’s archaeological importance is unparalleled, with Tell es-Sultan recognized as one of the oldest cities globally, dating back over 11,000 years. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its significance as the “oldest fortified city in the world.” Moreover, Jericho’s geographical features, including its position as the lowest point on Earth, contribute to its historical and agricultural importance, making it an essential hub in the region.

From the Monastery of Temptation perched atop the Mount of Temptation to the architectural marvel of Hisham’s Palace and the serene beauty of Wadi Qelt, Jericho offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. Whether exploring ancient ruins, embarking on hiking adventures, or tracing the footsteps of prophets, Jericho invites travelers to immerse themselves in its rich history and natural wonders. As a destination deeply rooted in faith, culture, and tradition, Jericho continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world, ensuring its enduring legacy for generations to come.