Jericho
PalestineBWh
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
أريحا، أقدم مدينة في العالم | Ariha, the world's oldest city
Why visit
Layer upon layer of human history, the Tell es-Sultan archaeological mound. The Mount of Temptation monastery clinging to a cliff above the city (reached by cable car). Hisham's Palace. Its breathtaking 8th-century Umayyad mosaics. The Dead Sea less than 20 minutes away, and excellent date harvests in autumn. Sycamore tree of Zacchaeus draws Christian pilgrims.
When to avoid
Travel within the West Bank requires careful planning given the ongoing Israeli to Palestinian conflict. Check current advisories, plan around checkpoints, and respect curfews. Summer heat below sea level is brutal, daily highs routinely 40°C+. Bring strong sunscreen and major hydration. Photography of military installations is risky. Friday is the local weekend. Many sites close.