Jericho

Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, sits 258 meters below sea level in the Jordan Valley. This ancient oasis city is home to Tell es-Sultan, an 11,000-year-old archaeological site, the Mount of Temptation with its Greek Orthodox Monastery, and the Ein es-Sultan spring that sustains the city's greenery. Located near the Dead Sea, Jericho's unique position as the lowest city on Earth creates a distinctive climate and geography for visitors to experience.

Getting There and Around

To reach Jericho from Jerusalem, take a bus from the Arab Bus Station near Damascus Gate to either Bethlehem (45-60 minutes, around 30 shekels) or Ramallah (60-75 minutes, about 35 shekels). From there, transfer to a shared taxi (sherut) bound for Jericho (30-45 minutes, approximately 25 shekels). Within the city, taxis are readily available for getting around. Agree on a price before starting your journey; rides within Jericho typically cost no more than 20 shekels. For visits to sites on the outskirts of town, such as Tell es-Sultan or Hisham's Palace, expect to pay 30-40 shekels each way. If you're planning to cross into Jordan, the nearby King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge border crossing is the main point of transit for Palestinians and visitors to the West Bank.

Accommodation and Dining

Jericho has accommodation options for various budgets. The Jericho Resort Village provides comfortable rooms and amenities, while the Jericho Intercontinental Hotel caters to luxury travelers. For budget travelers, the Sami Hostel in the city center has affordable dormitory and private rooms. Jericho is known for its fresh fruits, especially bananas and dates. Local restaurants serve traditional Palestinian dishes, often featuring locally grown produce. Try the shawarma at Shawarma Al-Rwwad, known for its generous portions and flavorful meat. For authentic Palestinian home-cooking, visit Abu Eli Restaurant, which serves dishes like musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac on flatbread) and maqluba (an "upside-down" dish of rice, vegetables, and meat). The Mount of Temptation Restaurant at the foot of the mountain offers views of the city while you eat.

Religious Sites

Jericho holds importance in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. The city appears several times in the Bible, most famously in the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. You can visit the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus is said to have fasted for 40 days and nights. The Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation, built into the mountainside, provides extensive views of the surrounding landscape. Near Jericho, at Qasr al-Yahud on the Jordan River, you can see the traditional site of Jesus' baptism. For Muslim visitors, the Maqam an-Nabi Musa, a 13th-century mosque complex, is believed to house the tomb of Moses.

Natural Features

Despite its desert location, Jericho has abundant vegetation thanks to the Ein es-Sultan spring. This natural water source produces about 1,000 gallons of water per minute, irrigating the surrounding area and creating a green oasis in the arid landscape. You can visit the spring and the adjacent park for a break from the heat. A cable car takes visitors to the summit of the Mount of Temptation for views of Jericho and the Jordan Valley. The city's low elevation creates a mild winter climate that has made Jericho a popular winter resort since the 1920s.

Ancient History and Archaeological Sites

Jericho's history stretches back to 9000 BCE, making it one of the earliest known settlements in the world. The archaeological site of Tell es-Sultan, located 2 km northwest of the modern city center, contains evidence of this ancient habitation. Excavations have revealed multiple layers of civilization, including the remains of the world's oldest known protective wall. In 2023, UNESCO recognized Tell es-Sultan as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its significance as the "oldest fortified city in the world." At the site, you can see remnants of ancient dwellings and fortifications from Jericho's earliest inhabitants.