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Tell es-Sultan

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Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)

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Tell es-Sultan, the archaeological site of ancient Jericho, is widely recognized as the oldest fortified city in the world, with settlement layers dating back over 10,000 years to the Epipaleolithic period. Located in the Jordan Valley near the perennial spring of Elisha, the site provides an unparalleled record of human transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture. Its most iconic feature is a massive Neolithic stone tower, standing about 8 meters high, which is considered one of the earliest examples of monumental architecture in human history. Excavations at the tell have revealed successive stages of urban development, including formidable defensive walls and complex residential structures. In 2023, Tell es-Sultan was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, cementing its status as a cornerstone for understanding the dawn of civilization. A visit to the site provides a profound journey through time, showcasing the very beginnings of urban life, social organization, and early architecture in the Near East.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111316202428303028241814
Rain mm635832156101182952

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Tell es-Sultan is an archaeological park that can be visited for a small fee. You can see the excavated layers and the famous Neolithic tower.
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Typical hours
The park is typically open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, often longer in summer. Fridays may have reduced hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park. The Neolithic structures and the view over the Jericho oasis are especially rewarding.
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Time needed
Allow about one hour for a walk around the tell. With the on-site small museum, you can spend up to two hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Hisham's Palace, the Jericho cable car, and the city of Jericho itself. The springs of Wadi Qelt are also nearby.
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Getting there
Tell es-Sultan is on the outskirts of Jericho, about a 10-minute walk from the city center. Easily reached on foot or by taxi.
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Insider tip
Visit the tell early in the morning to avoid the heat. Bring a hat - the sun is very strong in the Jordan Valley.

Geography

Coordinates
31.87080, 35.44440

Facts

  • The site is located approximately 258 meters below sea level.
  • It houses the oldest known stone tower, dating from around 8000 BCE.
  • Archaeologists have identified 23 layers of ancient civilizations so far.
  • Tell es-Sultan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
  • The first city walls were constructed as early as the 9th millennium BCE.
  • The settlement was established near the abundant Ein es-Sultan spring.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ein es-Sultan SpringEin es-Sultan Spring<1 km · WExplore →
Mount of Temptation MonasteryMount of Temptation Monastery1 km · SExplore →
Jericho Date PlantationsJericho Date Plantations2 km · NExplore →
Hisham's PalaceHisham's Palace2 km · NEExplore →
JerichoJericho2 km · WExplore →
St. George's MonasterySt. George's Monastery4 km · SWExplore →
Al-Auja SpringAl-Auja Spring7 km · EExplore →
Wadi el-Makkuk Nature ReserveWadi el-Makkuk Nature Reserve7 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tell es-Sultan (1)

Ain al-Sultan📍 landmark

Also known as Elisha's Spring, the Ain al-Sultan spring has supplied fresh water to the ancient oasis city of Jericho for millennia.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How much time is needed for a visit to Tell es-Sultan?
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the archaeological site.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The terrain is uneven and sandy, making it difficult for wheelchair access.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Visit early in the morning to avoid the intense midday heat.
Is photography allowed at Tell es-Sultan?
Yes, photography for personal use is permitted throughout the site.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, access to the site requires an entry fee.
Tell es-Sultan: where is it located?
Tell es-Sultan is located in Palestinian Territories.
Tell es-Sultan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Tell es-Sultan: why is it worth visiting?
Tell es-Sultan, the archaeological site of ancient Jericho, is widely recognized as the oldest fortified city in the world, with settlement layers dating back over 10,000 years to the Epipaleolithic period.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

East Jerusalem — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.
Nablus Old City — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Nablus Old City
The Old City is famous for its historic market and traditional soap factories.
Nablus — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Nablus
Nablus is situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim and is famous for its traditional soap production.
Ramallah — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Ramallah
Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.
Al-Bireh — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Bireh
Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.
Surif — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Surif
Surif is located in the northwestern Hebron Governorate near the Green Line.
Al-Ram — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Ram
Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.
Halhul — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Halhul
Halhul is located north of Hebron on one of the highest points in the West Bank.
Jericho — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.
Bani Na&#39;im — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Bani Na'im
Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.
Sa&#39;ir — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Sa'ir
Sa'ir is located northeast of Hebron in a deep valley.
Al-Eizariya — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Eizariya
Al-Eizariya is historically known as Bethany and is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
Beit Jala — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Beit Jala
Beit Jala is a predominantly Christian town west of Bethlehem.
Tubas — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Tubas
Tubas is in the northeastern West Bank overlooking the Jordan Valley.
Beit Sahour — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
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 — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Ramallah
The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.
Ein Sultan Spring — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Ein Sultan Spring
Ein Sultan is the primary natural freshwater spring in Jericho.
Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue
This ancient synagogue in Jericho is famous for its well-preserved 6th-century mosaic floor.

Nature

Ein es-Sultan Spring — Tell es-Sultan (Palestinian Territories)
Ein es-Sultan Spring
The Ein es-Sultan Spring is the primary water source for Jericho, supporting life for 10,000 years.