Hisham's Palace

قصر هشام

An 8th-century Umayyad palace ruin showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture and craftsmanship with stunning mosaics and geometric patterns. This archaeological gem provides insight into early Islamic palace life during the caliphate.

Things to do

• Explore the Palace Remains — Walk through the excavated foundations and standing walls of the 8th-century Umayyad palace to understand its layout, royal chambers, and administrative spaces.
• View the Bathhouse Mosaics — Examine the remarkably preserved floor mosaics in the palace bathhouse, featuring intricate geometric patterns and floral designs characteristic of early Islamic art.
• Study Ceramic and Stone Artifacts — Inspect displays of pottery shards, marble fragments, and decorative stonework recovered from the site that reveal the palace's former splendor and daily life.
• Photograph the Hunting Mosaic — Capture images of the famous hunting scene mosaic depicting gazelles and hunters, one of the palace's most iconic artistic treasures.
• Attend the On-Site Museum — Review artifacts, architectural reconstructions, and explanatory panels that contextualize the palace within Umayyad imperial culture.
• Walk the Surrounding Gardens — Stroll the landscaped grounds surrounding the excavation site to appreciate the palace's setting in the Jordan Valley and envision its original water features.

Food to try

• Mansaf — A traditional Levantine dish of lamb cooked in a yogurt-based sauce and served with rice or flatbread, representing Palestinian and Jordanian heritage cuisine.
• Jericho Citrus Fruits — Sample fresh oranges, lemons, or grapefruits grown in the Jericho area, which has been renowned for citrus cultivation since ancient times.
• Hummus and Local Vegetables — Enjoy freshly made chickpea hummus paired with vegetables from the fertile Jordan Valley, often served with warm pita bread.
• Kunafa — Try this traditional Palestinian pastry dessert made with cheese and topped with shredded phyllo dough and sweet syrup, sold at local bakeries near the site.
• Falafel — Taste deep-fried balls or patties of seasoned chickpea or fava bean flour, a staple street food available at vendors throughout the Jericho area.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — Wear long pants or skirts and cover your shoulders as a sign of respect when visiting this significant Islamic heritage site.
• Hire a Local Guide — Engage a knowledgeable Jordanian or Palestinian guide to gain deeper context about Umayyad history, architectural techniques, and daily life in the caliphate.
• Visit in Early Morning or Late Afternoon — Arrive early or near sunset to avoid peak heat in the Jordan Valley and experience the site's atmospheric lighting while viewing ancient mosaics.
• Respect Archaeological Boundaries — Stay on marked pathways and do not touch exposed mosaics or artifacts, as oils from hands can damage these irreplaceable 8th-century pieces.