Hisham's Palace

Hisham's Palace, located just north of the ancient city of Jericho, is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the early Islamic Umayyad period. Built in the 8th century, likely during the reign of Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik or his successor Walid II, the complex was designed as a desert retreat featuring a palace, a mosque, and an expansive bathhouse. The site is world-renowned for its exquisite floor mosaics, most notably the 'Tree of Life' in the diwan, which depicts a lion attacking gazelles, a masterpiece of early Islamic figurative art. Although a massive earthquake in 749 AD partially destroyed the palace before its completion, the preserved ruins offer invaluable insights into the architecture and courtly life of the era. A major restoration project recently unveiled a protective roof over the bathhouse's 825-square-meter mosaic floor, allowing visitors to appreciate one of the largest and best-preserved mosaic pavements in the world. The iconic six-pointed stone star window, reconstructed from fragments, remains a symbol of Palestinian craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Umayyad artistic brilliance.

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

The palace is a significant example of early Islamic architecture.