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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.
Deir Hajla or Qasr Hajla is the Arabic name of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Gerasimus, a monastery located in the Jericho Governorate, West Bank, Palestine, west of the River Jordan and north of the Dead Sea.
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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.
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).
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.
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 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.
Jericho Cable Car Company for getting to Mount Temptation Monastery instead of hiking.