Hisham's Palace

Hisham's Palace, also known as Khirbat al-Mafjar, is a premier site of early Islamic architecture located just north of Jericho. Built in the 8th century during the Umayyad Caliphate, the complex was intended as a grand desert retreat and hunting lodge. It is most famous for its extraordinary mosaic floors, particularly the "Tree of Life" mosaic located in a private audience room of the bathhouse. This masterpiece depicts a tree with two gazelles grazing peacefully on one side, while a lion attacks another on the opposite side, symbolizing the duality of peace and war. The complex features a monumental bathhouse, a mosque, and a colonnaded courtyard. Although a massive earthquake in 749 AD severely damaged the palace before its completion, the surviving stonework and the iconic star-shaped window remain hallmarks of Umayyad artistic achievement. Following extensive conservation efforts, the vast mosaic floor of the main hall, one of the largest and best-preserved in the world, is now fully accessible to visitors, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship and cultural synthesis of the early Islamic era.

Nearby cities

East Jerusalem

East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.

Nablus Old City

The Old City is famous for its historic market and traditional soap factories.

Nablus

Nablus is situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim and is famous for its traditional soap production.

Ramallah

Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.

Al-Bireh

Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.

Surif

Surif is located in the northwestern Hebron Governorate near the Green Line.

Al-Ram

Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.

Halhul

Halhul is located north of Hebron on one of the highest points in the West Bank.

Jericho

Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.

Bani Na'im

Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.

Sa'ir

Sa'ir is located northeast of Hebron in a deep valley.

Al-Eizariya

Al-Eizariya is historically known as Bethany and is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.

Beit Jala

Beit Jala is a predominantly Christian town west of Bethlehem.

Tubas

Tubas is in the northeastern West Bank overlooking the Jordan Valley.

Beit Sahour

Beit Sahour is located east of Bethlehem and is traditionally identified with the Shepherds' Fields of the biblical Nativity story.

History & landmarks

Old City of Ramallah

The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.

Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue

This ancient synagogue in Jericho is famous for its well-preserved 6th-century mosaic floor.

More places

Hisham's Palace

Hisham's Palace near Jericho is a major example of Umayyad desert architecture, famous for its intricate floor mosaics.