Jericho and Its Surroundings
Jericho
Also known as Ariha in Arabic, it stretches out about a mile east of the tell of ancient Jericho. This biblical city dates back to 10,000 years, and is most famous for the fall of it walls, caused by the holy ram's horn trumpets blown by Joshua's priests. Jericho was the first city to be conquered by the Hebrews after the Exodus. It was razed to the ground and cursed, then rebuilt by Ahabin the 9th century BC. It was later fortified by the Maccabees. Jesus passed through Jericho several times during his ministry, including the time he cured two blind people.
Jericho's population of 17,000 work in local businesses and agriculture, and particularly in the refugee camp of Aqabat el-Jar to the south of the city. The tropical vegetation offers what might be the best citrus and bananas in the world.
Hisham's Palace
| Qasr Hisham (Hisham's Palace) is located on the north bank of Wadi Nueima just outside Jericho. The palace, named after the eighth Omayyad caliph was built during his reign between 724 and 743 AD. It was inhabited by his heir, El Malik II during the winters. The palace is an excellent example of Islamic art and architecture of the eighth century. In 747, the palace was destroyed by an earthquake. |
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Mount of Temptation
| After his baptism in the Jordan river, "Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Ghost to be tempted by the Devil" (Mathew 4). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before being tempted three times by the Satan. According to lore, a mountain west of Jericho is the one which Jesus triumphed over the tempter. The Crusaders called it the "Mount of Forty" while Arabs call it Deir el Qarantal). At the peak is a Greek Orthodox Monastery restored in the 19th Century on the ruins of a Byzantine church. Its foundations contain the cave in which Jesus stayed for forty days. |
Good Samaritan Inn (Al-Khan al-Ahmar)
Located 10 km east of Jerusalem, on the main road to Jericho, al-Khan al-Ahmar is a 16th century structure where travelers on this ancient trade route stopped to rest. Today, a souvenir shop and a Bedouin tent serving refreshments to tourists occupy the inn. On the other side of road are the remains of St. Euthymius Church, built in the fifth century to commemorate the famous story of the Good Samaritan.
St George's Monastery
| Located in the narrow canyon of Wadi Qilt, the blue domes of one of the oldest monastic communities of the Holy Land pierce the arid landscape. Since the beginning of Christianity, these cliffs full of caves have been a refuge to hermits. The monastery's present buildings date back to the 19th century, but has been occupied since the 5th century. The monks do allow visitors and will willingly act as guides. the most spectacular attractions are the 6th century mosaics in the floor of the church of St John. Travelers who walk from Jerusalem to Jericho following bed of Wadi Qilt should be in good physical shape and have plenty of water for the trip through the
desert.
Elnabi Musa
.Nabi Musa in Arabic
means "the prophet Moses" who is recognized as one of the great
prophets of Islam. Maqam Nabi Musa has been the site of an annual pilgrimage
festival since the time of Salah ad-Din. Set in an awe-inspiring landscape 20km
east of Jerusalem, Maqam Nabi Musa is a splendid example of medieval Islamic
architecture. The present shrine, mosque, minaret, and some of the rooms were
built in 1269 AD while successive additions brought the site to its present day
shape in 1475 AD. |
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