Jericho

أريحا

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Jericho sits at the lowest point on Earth and offers ancient archaeological sites including the Mount of Temptation and the ancient city walls. It's a crucial historical and religious destination that provides deep context for understanding the region's significance.

Things to do

• Mount of Temptation Monastery — Visit this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery perched on a cliff 350 meters above Jericho, traditionally believed to be where Jesus was tempted, accessible by cable car or hiking trail.
• Ancient City Walls — Explore the excavated remains of Jericho's famous Bronze Age fortifications, among the oldest known defensive structures in the world, with on-site museum exhibits.
• Hisham's Palace — Wander through the ruins of this 8th-century Umayyad winter palace located north of Jericho, known for its intricate mosaics and architectural grandeur.
• Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition — View artifacts and information about the ancient manuscripts discovered near Jericho, displaying texts of profound religious and historical significance.
• Jericho Oasis Palm Groves — Walk through the lush date palm plantations surrounding the city to experience the agricultural heart of Jericho and purchase fresh dates directly from farmers.
• Spring of Elisha — Visit this freshwater spring believed to have been healed by the prophet Elisha, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a small mosque.

Food to try

• Jericho Dates — Sample the region's famous Medjool and Deglet Noor dates, considered among the finest in the world due to the unique climate and soil conditions of the Jordan Valley.
• Salatah (Traditional Jericho Salad) — Try this local specialty combining fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sumac with olive oil, uniquely prepared with local herbs specific to the Jericho region.
• Maklouba — Enjoy this upside-down rice dish layered with vegetables and meat, then flipped onto a plate, a staple Palestinian dish with particular preparation traditions in Jericho.
• Falafel — Taste freshly fried chickpea patties served with tahini sauce and pita bread from local street vendors, particularly popular at lunch throughout the city.
• Sugarcane Juice — Drink fresh pressed sugarcane juice, a refreshing local beverage especially popular due to the sugarcane cultivated in the fertile Jordan Valley around Jericho.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Religious Customs — Dress modestly when visiting religious sites like mosques and monasteries, and remove shoes when entering sacred spaces, as this is a deeply spiritual destination.
• Greetings and Hospitality — Palestinians are warm and hospitable; accept offered tea or coffee as a sign of respect, and learn basic Arabic phrases like 'Salaam alaikum' to show cultural appreciation.
• Market Negotiation Etiquette — In local souks and markets, bargaining is expected and culturally appropriate; start at 50-70% of the asking price and enjoy the friendly negotiation process.
• Friday Prayer Considerations — Most businesses close or have reduced hours during Friday midday prayers, so plan activities accordingly and avoid visiting mosques during prayer times unless invited.