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Whether you are walking around ancient ruins or observing epic monasteries carved into the Judean mountains, it is impossible not to feel a sense of history in Jericho, which is proudly dubbed the ‘world’s oldest continuously inhabited city' by the local authorities.
It is no idle boast: archaeological evidence traces settlement here back more than 10,000 years, and the ashes of the empires that have fought and conquered Jericho over the millennia can be seen throughout the city.
Jericho may have modernised since then, but small-scale farming is still a way of life for many of its inhabitants, and the city can feel a bit scruffy and unkempt. But, with its palm trees, date plantations and smiley demeanour, it also feels very different to the rest of the West Bank and makes a great stop for a day or two.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Jericho.
Ruins
A short drive north of Tel Al Sultan, this is a spot not to be missed. The sprawling winter hunting retreat of Caliph Hisham Ibn Abd al Malik must have been magnificent on its creation in the 8th century, with its baths, mosaic floors and pillars – so much so that archaeologists have labelled it the ‘Versailles of the Middle East’. It was not fated to last, however – it was destroyed by an earthquake soon after its creation.
Religious Site
At an isolated spot on the Jordan River, on the border between Jordan and the West Bank, stands the reputed spot of Jesus’s baptism by John, which began his ministry. John is said to have chosen the site because it was an important crossroads for passing traders and soldiers, but the same cannot be said today. Guarded by an Israeli checkpoint, the access road passes through minefields before reaching a car park, from which it is a short walk to the river.
Religious Site
One of Jericho's – indeed, the entire West Bank's – most impressive sights is the Monastery of the Qurantul, built on the spot where the Bible says Jesus resisted Satan after his 40-day fast in the desert. It is an incredible feat of engineering, cut into the cliff face with dramatic views over the Dead Sea to Jordan.
Ruins
It is impossible not feel a sense of history strolling around the mounds and ruins at Tel Al Sultan, where remains of dwellings and fortifications dating back some 10,000 years have been unearthed. You will see what look like sand dunes and stairways (the oldest known stairways in the world); underneath, the layers of civilisation beneath go back even further into the mists of history.
Monastery
The spectacular St George’s Monastery is a must-see in Wadi Qelt, built into the cliff face in the 5th century. The paintings inside the main chapel are worth the walk, and parts of the original mosaic floors are visible below perspex screens. Up another flight of stairs there is a beautiful cave chapel. From the car park, it is a gruelling 10-minute hike to the monastery – expect to be hassled by donkey-taxi vendors the entire way.
Historic Site
Located just off the main road from Jerusalem to Jericho, this site is associated with the popular biblical story about the Good Samaritan who, according to the parable, stopped to help a stricken traveller, dressed his wounds and took him to a nearby inn.
Museum
A short walk from the town centre, the Russian Museum traces the history of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Holy Land and has an interesting collection of archaeological finds, including an impressive mosaic, coins and religious artefacts. Its garden is home to the Tree of Zacchaeus, a sycamore believed to be more than 2000 years old that's mentioned in the Bible.
Mosque
About 10km north of the Dead Sea, Nabi Musa is where Muslims believe Moses (Musa in Arabic, Moshe in Hebrew) was buried. A mosque was built on the site in 1269, under Mamluk Sultan Baybar (it was expanded two centuries later), and annual week-long pilgrimages set out from Jerusalem to Nabi Musa – which continue today.