Plizio Visual Lab

Mount Ebal

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Mount Ebal, rising to 940 meters, is the highest peak in the Samarian Hills, located north of the city of Nablus (Shechem). Together with Mount Gerizim to its south, it forms a natural gateway overlooking the strategic Shechem Valley. In biblical tradition, Mount Ebal is known as the Mount of the Curse, where Joshua built an altar and reaffirmed the covenant of the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land. Archaeologically, the mountain gained worldwide prominence in the 1980s following excavations by Adam Zertal, who discovered a large stone structure identified by many as Joshua's Altar. The mountain's terrain is characterized by rugged limestone slopes and sparse vegetation, contrasting sharply with the greener slopes of its neighbor, Mount Gerizim. Throughout history, its height provided a commanding view and strategic control over the main north-south routes through the central highlands. Today, while access is often restricted due to political conditions in the West Bank, Mount Ebal remains a site of immense interest for biblical scholars and archaeologists exploring the Early Iron Age. Recent findings, such as an ancient lead curse tablet, continue to spark scholarly debate regarding the historical accuracy of biblical narratives.

Location: Israel
Top sights: Sama Nablus · New Mosque · Aisha Mosque
Nearby: Afula (34 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	13	16	20	24	28	30	30	28	24	18	14
Rain mm	63	58	32	15	6	1	0	1	1	8	29	52

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to the mountain is primarily through local roads near Nablus; due to its location, it is often visited as part of organized tours or with specific coordination.

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Best season

Spring and autumn are the best times for a visit to avoid the extreme summer heat; the clear air of these seasons provides the best views over the Samarian hills.

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Terrain & paths

The mountain features rugged, rocky slopes and high-altitude plateaus, with trails leading to historical sites like the ancient altar found on its ridge.

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What to bring

Reliable hiking boots with good grip are essential for the uneven limestone terrain; carry plenty of water and sun protection as shade is minimal on the slopes.

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Parking

Limited parking is available at specific designated points or at the base near local communities; coordination with local authorities is often recommended for visitors.

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Safety

Check current local security travel advisories before planning a trip, as the area can be subject to access restrictions or requires specific entry permits.

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Time needed

A trip to the summit and back typically takes 3-5 hours depending on the starting point and the time spent exploring the archaeological ruins.

Geography

Coordinates

32.23000, 35.26000

Facts

Mount Ebal stands at 940 meters, making it the highest in Samaria.
The site identified as Joshua's Altar was excavated between 1980 and 1989.
The stone altar structure dates back to the 13th century BCE (Iron Age I).
A small lead 'curse tablet' found in 2022 contains an early proto-alphabetic script.
Mount Ebal is located directly across from Mount Gerizim, separated by a valley.
Archaeological evidence suggests the site was a central cultic place for early Israelites.