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Palestinian city in the West Bank
Photo: A. Sobkowski, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jericho (Arabic أريحا Arīḥā, Hebrew יריחו Yerikho), the "City of Palms", is a small city within the Palestinian Territories close to the northern end of Dead Sea and some 55 km (34 miles) from Jerusalem.
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This site is the center of archaeological digs in Jericho. It was the location of the ancient Jericho of the Biblical times and is located some 2 km north-west of the modern city centre, overlooking the natural spring of Ein Sultan. If you prefer to focus on other things, then it is relatively easy to see the gist of the site from the surrounding roads. The site's car park features not one but two separate fountains both claiming to be Elisha's spring. A since 2023.
The synagogue floor is in the basement of a private house belonging to a Jerusalemite family, the Shahwans, at the end of the street. The family discovered the site and kept maintaining it until the Israelis confiscated the land and the house in 1987.
This winter palace was built by the Umayyad Caliph Hisham Ibn Abdul Malek, before being destroyed by an earthquake soon after completion in 747 CE. The extensive site contains royal buildings, a mosque, water fountains and spectacular mosaic floors. The mosaics are closed for restoration works until mid-late 2020.
Tree of Zacchaeus
Based on archaeological excavations of Byzantine buildings, artifacts of Roman/Byzantine/Islamic periods, ancient mosaics, and there is the Zacchaeus tree in the beautiful park. This tree is referenced in the New Testament due to its association with Jesus' visit to Jericho: "Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. Now a man named Zacchaeus was there; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to get a look at Jesus, but being a short man he could not see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because Jesus was going to pass that way." (Luke 19:1-4, NET Bible).
Mountain of Temptation
A Greek Orthodox monastery atop the mountain where Jesus is believed to have been tempted by the Devil. It houses two Greek Orthodox priests. One arrived from Greece in November 2010 when he was 30, and will stay there for the rest of his life. The other has been there for decades. From this precarious rocky spot, you get a great view of Jericho and the Jordan Valley towards Amman. Hike up to the top of the mountain, or else take the world's longest cable car below sea level from the base of the mountain (see Do below).
Qasr al Yahoud
Located near Jericho on the Jordan River is the site where Jesus is said to have been baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (this site in Jericho is rivalled by another in Northern Israel at Yardenit). It is also believed to be the spot described in the Old Testament where the Israelites crossed the river to enter the Land of Canaan.
This synagogue is thought to be the oldest synagogue in the world. It is part of the "Jericho Royal Winter Palace" complex that was constructed in the Second Temple Period.
Tulul Abu el-'Alayiq
Not very impressive, but interesting if you are in to the topic. Conveniently located on the way in or out Wadi Qelt.
This beautiful ancient synagogue also contains a floor decorated with mosaics.
Deir Hajla
The Greek Orthodox monastery of Deir Hajla near Jericho commemorates St. Gerasimus, whose lavra was nearby. Gerasimus left his family wealth and worldly affairs to become a monk. He departed for the region Thebaid in the Egyptian desert, later again returning to his native Lycia. About the middle of 5th century Saint Gerasimus went to Palestine and settled in wilderness near the Jordan River. There he established a monastery and became known for his righteous life of asceticism and prayer. The story of Gerasimus and the lion, when the saint tamed the animal by removing a thorn from its paw and taught it obedience, became widely known in the Christian world. He is reputed to have attended to the Fourth Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon in 451.The history of the monastery is also linked to another Christian narrative. Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus were said to have found refuge in a cave here during their flight from Herod. An underground chapel was built on the spot where the Holy Family is believed to have spent the night. The crypt floor also contains the bones of monks who were massacred during the Persian conquest of the Holy Land.
دير القديس جورج
A cliff-hanging monastery complex, dating back to 420 AD. It houses the relics of Saint George of Choziba (circa 450–530 AD) and features an ancient chapel and irrigated gardens.
Catholic church.
Jericho Cable Car Company for getting to Mount Temptation Monastery instead of hiking.
This beach on the Dead Sea is managed by the nearby Israeli settlement of Kalya. They usually allow Palestinians to use the beach as well. (Shared) taxis can be organised from Jericho.
Spend the day having fun at the park.
The House of Eggplants
One of the nicer budget options in town and close to the Mount of Temptation and other sites.A retro Arabic house set on a farm, with many cats, chicken and donkeys. Has free bikes to use.
This is just Waleed's office, the real location of the Waleed's accommodation is here. He has a driver that will take people to the building northeast of town. The owner is decent and helpful, although good & nice words cannot make up for the missing comfort and standards this accommodation option is lacking. While the house is still undergoing major construction, the third floor is open. In general, the rooms are noisy due to the other guests and the bad insulation. The place is infested with mosquitos. Hospitality over quality: you have to decide for yourself. The accommodation is conveniently located for trips to the Jordan border and the Dead Sea.
The hostel includes all hotel services and facilities, consists of 22 rooms and 5 suites. Rooms have been designed to fit the visitors' needs. Available are single, double and triple rooms; all equipped with airconditioning, television, device connectors, satellite, refrigerators and internet service.
On the road to Jericho on the left hand side, the Jewish settlement has another budget option around Jericho. They say: "Lying in the hammock in the garden or relaxing in one of our lovely cabins, you will enjoy the enchanting countryside atmosphere of Jericho Inn." Member of ILH.
previously Interncontinental
A 5-star hotel right after the Palestinian checkpoint at the entrance to Jericho. The hotel was built before the second intifada and is one of the nicest in Palestine and also the tallest building in Jericho giving each beautifully appointed room views for miles. The hotel has 3 swimming pools, a water slide and a pool with dead sea water.
Built in the late 1990s the Jericho Resort Village is a 4-star hotel has several swimming pools, fine dining, poolside bungalows and a rooftop spa. The hotel also has a small conference centers and a poolside bar.
From Jerusalem, start at the HaNeviim station outside the Old City, next to Damascus Gate. From there, one must take a bus/van to one of three Palestinian cities, and take a second bus/van to Jericho.
Read in the guideTaxi service in Jericho is easy to find. Make sure to agree on a price with the taxi driver before entering the taxi. Prices for taxi rides inside Jericho shouldn't be more than ₪10.
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