Jericho

أريحا

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities with archaeological layers revealing 11,000 years of history, including the famous Tel Jericho and walls referenced in biblical accounts. The city offers ancient ruins, the Mount of Temptation monastery, and serves as an important cultural gateway to Palestinian territories.

Things to do

• Explore Tel Jericho (Tell es-Sultan) — Walk through the archaeological mound revealing 23 successive settlements spanning 11,000 years, including the famous stone tower from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period.
• Visit the Mount of Temptation Monastery — Take the cable car or hike to this Greek Orthodox monastery perched 350 meters above the city, offering panoramic desert views and spiritual significance.
• Tour the Jericho Museum — See artifacts from Tel Jericho including the famous Pre-Pottery Neolithic skull and pottery displays documenting the city's continuous habitation.
• Visit Hisham's Palace (Khirbat al-Mafjar) — Explore the remains of this 8th-century Umayyad winter palace featuring intricate mosaics, elaborate bathhouse, and geometric tile work.
• Walk through the Old City Souk — Stroll through the vibrant traditional marketplace filled with spice vendors, textile shops, and local crafts reflecting Palestinian culture.
• Visit the Springs of Jericho (Ain es-Sultan) — Visit the natural spring that has sustained the city for millennia, located near Tel Jericho and fundamental to the city's survival.

Food to try

• Mansaf — A traditional Palestinian dish of lamb cooked in yogurt sauce served over rice or bread, representing celebratory Palestinian cuisine.
• Falafel and Hummus — Fresh fried chickpea patties and creamy chickpea puree with tahini, widely available at street vendors and local restaurants throughout the city.
• Musakhan — Palestinian flatbread topped with chicken, caramelized onions, and sumac, a signature dish particularly popular in Jericho's Palestinian restaurants.
• Fresh Dates from Jericho Palms — Jericho's famous date varieties, especially Medjool dates, grown in the fertile oasis and sold at local markets as snacks or in date paste form.
• Knafeh — A warm sweet pastry with shredded phyllo, melted cheese, and honey syrup, a popular Palestinian dessert sold fresh at bakeries and cafes.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Religious and Archaeological Sites — Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and sacred areas, remove shoes when entering religious spaces, and refrain from touching or climbing on ancient ruins.
• Learn Basic Arabic Greetings — Using simple Arabic phrases like 'Marhaba' (hello) and 'Shukran' (thank you) will be warmly appreciated by local residents in this predominantly Palestinian city.
• Visit During Cooler Months — Jericho is the lowest city on Earth and extremely hot in summer; plan visits for October through April when temperatures are more manageable for exploring.
• Check Travel Documentation — As Jericho is in Palestinian territories, ensure your passport and travel permits are in order, and verify current crossing procedures before visiting.