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Nestled within the historical tapestry of the Middle East, Jericho stands as an ancient city with a profound legacy that spans millennia. Situated in the West Bank region, along the banks of the Jordan River, Jericho city is often touted as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Its origins trace back to antiquity, and its name echoes through history, encompassing layers of culture, conquest, and spirituality.
Jericho’s significance is deeply rooted in its strategic location and natural resources. Its verdant oasis, nourished by the abundant waters of the spring of Ein Sultan, has been a lifeline for countless generations, enabling agriculture and settlement amidst the surrounding desert landscape. From biblical tales of walls tumbling down to archaeological findings that unveil glimpses of bygone eras, Jericho has captivated the imagination of scholars, explorers, and pilgrims alike.
As the pages of history turned, Jericho’s fortunes waxed and waned under the dominion of various empires and civilizations – from the Canaanites to the Israelites, from the Greeks to the Romans, and beyond. The city’s allure was not merely confined to its strategic and economic importance; it was also a spiritual beacon. Jericho holds sacred significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, each faith weaving its narratives into the very fabric of the city’s identity.
Embark on a journey through the sands of time, uncovering the layers of Jericho’s history, its cultural diversity, its spiritual resonance, and its enduring legacy in the modern world. From its ancient walls to its modern-day challenges and triumphs, Jericho continues to stand as a testament to the resilience of human civilization against the backdrop of a landscape marked by both its arid surroundings and its profound heritage.
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Read MoreThe important places in the ancient city
Tell es-Sultan (ancient Site):
Tell es-Sultan is an ancient archaeological site located near the modern city of Jericho in the West Bank. It is often identified as the location of the biblical city of Jericho and has been the subject of extensive archaeological excavations. The site’s name, “Tell,” refers to a mound or hill formed by the accumulation of layers of human habitation over time.
The Shalom al Israel Synagogue:
The Shalom Al Israel Synagogue, also known as the “Good Peace to Israel Synagogue” or the “Jericho Synagogue,” is an ancient Jewish synagogue located in Jericho, in the West Bank. It is considered one of the oldest synagogues in the world and holds significant historical and religious importance.
Hisham’s Palace:
Hisham’s Palace, also known as Khirbat al-Mafjar, is an archaeological site located near Jericho in the West Bank. This palace dates back to the 8th and Umayyad-era century and is renowned for its remarkable architecture, intricate mosaics, and artistic decorations.
Sycamore Tree of Jericho:
The Sycamore Tree of Jericho, also known as the Zacchaeus Tree, is a famous ancient tree located near the city of Jericho in the West Bank. This tree holds religious and historical significance, particularly in Christianity, due to its association with the biblical story of Zacchaeus.
Krontal Monastery:
The Monastery of Al-Qantul or Minzar Krontal is one of the most important and prominent historical tourist attractions in Palestine in general and the city of Jericho in particular. It is a Greek Orthodox monastery built in the era of Queen Helena on the slopes of Mount Al-Arbaeen at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, which gave it an interesting architectural shape and design.
Wadi Qelt Synagogue:
Wadi Qelt is a valley near Jericho known for its natural beauty and historical significance. It’s home to the St. George’s Monastery, a Greek Orthodox monastery perched on the cliffs of the wadi, but I don’t have information about a synagogue in that specific location.
Herod’s Palace (ruins):
Herod’s Palace, often referred to as the Herodian Palace, is a historic site associated with the architectural achievements of Herod the Great, a Roman client king of Judea. Herod was known for his ambitious building projects, and several palaces were constructed under his reign.
Elisha’s Spring (Ain es-Sultan):
Elisha’s Spring, also known as Ain es-Sultan, is a natural spring located in the city of Jericho in the West Bank. The spring is named after the prophet Elisha from the Old Testament, and it holds religious, historical, and cultural significance.
Cable Car Ride:
Take a cable car ride to the Monastery of the Temptation on the Mount of Temptation for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Hiking and Nature:
Explore the natural beauty of the area by hiking in Wadi Qelt or taking a dip in Elisha’s Spring. The desert landscapes and unique geography make for excellent outdoor activities.
Shopping and Dining:
Jericho has markets where you can shop for souvenirs, crafts, and local products. Try Palestinian cuisine at local restaurants for a taste of the region.
Visiting Qumran Caves:
Explore the Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. It’s a fascinating site for history enthusiasts.
Stargazing:
Due to its relatively low light pollution, the Jericho area can be a great place for stargazing. Bring a telescope or simply lay back and enjoy the night sky.
What to buy?
There are Bedouins selling a variety of goods and items in the site, but the prices for them are expensive more than other places. however, is cheaper there.
What to eat?
Near the main central Square, there are many places for fast food, especially in the direction of the Sycamore Tree or Hisham’s Palace. It is better a visit to Qurantal mountain where Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights before the devil’s temptation to him, where you will find a very great restaurant at the bottom of the mountain. The buffet is agreeable and costs around $15 per head for lunch. Ask to sit outside for an incredible panoramic view. You will have your lunch in front of a nice panoramic bird’s eye view of the city, the mountains of Jordan and the Dead Sea. You can reach this restaurant by using the Cable Car.
Was Jericho the “oldest city in the world”?
Tell es-Sultan was first built around 10,500 B.C.E., making it one of the earliest Neolithic areas in the Fertile Crescent and one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in the history of humankind. In the early Neolithic period, it grew from a rural village of farmers, so that by the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period (8500–6000 B.C.E.) it was a large, organized settlement of approximately 2.5 hectares in size and fortified by a wall and an 8-meter-high stone tower. Scholars have posited various theories to explain the function of the city wall—the earliest in the Near East—and tower; but whatever the intent of these impressive structures, they bear witness to the organization and mobilization of a large community.
TOURS & excursions
Walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge one kilometer long filled with interesting niches, shrines, and carvings. Running alongside the length of al Siq are water channels carved by the Nabateans to provide water to their communities.
The Jericho height affects its moderate climate, which has pleasant, sunny summers and mild, dry winters (with chilly nights) (during which thunderstorms often break out).
Summers are long, lasting from May to September, with July and August being the hottest months. Temperatures range between 23-36° C (75-96° F) and you can expect 50-90% humidity. The good news is that there is air-conditioning almost everywhere you go, from buses and taxis to malls and hotels. However, it is really important to prepare for these temperatures, especially when spending time outdoors. Buy good sun protection, wear long but cool clothes and make sure to drink plenty of water.
Autumn is, for the most part, a continuation of the summer weather. It does get a little cooler and the humidity drops, so it is more comfortable. The season starts in September and at the end of November it starts getting cooler and we might see a little rain, but not too much. September is usually as warm as summer, but the temperatures in autumn are similar to those of spring and range between 16-24° C (60-75° F).
Depending on where you come from you might not even consider the city weather “real winter weather”. This is the wettest time of the year and temperatures range between 6-15° C (42-60° F). Israeli schools have a winter break for Channukah during December, this usually doesn’t affect accommodation, but activities tend to get crowded. Also, tourists from nearby countries use their winter breaks to enjoy the warmer temperatures in this city.
Spring is between March and May, and this is the ideal time to visit this city. You usually won’t see much rain and the temperatures are mild, ranging between 16-24° C (60-75° F), although the nights might still be chilly. Passover falls in April so if you are planning on visiting during this time keep in mind that prices of flights and accommodation will rise and tend to get booked early.