Jericho is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city with over 11,000 years of history. Located 400m below sea level in the Jordan Valley. In 2023, Tell es-Sultan (Ancient Jericho) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the oldest fortified city. Key attractions: Tower of Jericho (8000 BC) — world's oldest stone building, Hisham's Palace with Tree of Life mosaic (8th century), Mount of Temptation with Orthodox monastery and cable car, Elisha's Spring.
Tell es-Sultan: 10 NIS. Cable car: 60 NIS (round trip), students 15 USD, children 0-3 free. Hisham's Palace: 10-20 NIS. Monastery of Temptation: free. Prices approximate — confirm on site.
November-March — best time: 18-26°C daytime. Summer (May-September) extremely hot: 35-45°C, not recommended for visits. Jericho is 400m below sea level — always several degrees warmer than Jerusalem. In winter it's a popular resort for regional residents.
From Jerusalem: from HaNeviim station (near Damascus Gate) bus 36 or 63 to Al-Ezariya (6.80 NIS), then sherut to Jericho (10-12 NIS). Or from Bethlehem: sherut from bus station lower floor to Jericho central square (20 NIS, 1 hour). From Jordan: from King Hussein Bridge border crossing direct bus to Jericho. Note: check current security situation before travel.
Oasis city amid desert with palms and citrus orchards. Tell es-Sultan — ancient mound with archaeological excavations and viewpoint. Tower of Jericho (8m) visible in excavation — humanity's oldest stone structure. Cable car to Mount of Temptation with panoramic views of Dead Sea and Jordan. Greek Orthodox monastery carved into cliff. Hisham's Palace with huge mosaic (835 sq m) under protective dome. Hot climate — visit in winter.
Cable car — panorama of Jericho, Dead Sea and Jordanian mountains. Monastery of Temptation on cliff. Tell es-Sultan — view of ancient tower in excavation. Hisham's Palace — Tree of Life mosaic from suspended walkways.
Tell es-Sultan: daily 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Cable car: daily, monastery closes earlier (around 2-4 PM on weekdays). Hisham's Palace: daily, confirm hours on site. Recommended to visit in morning due to heat.
faq.subtitle Jericho
Jericho is under Palestinian Authority control (Area A). Regional situation can change. Before traveling, always check current safety advisories from your foreign ministry. Tourists do visit, but it's important to monitor news updates.
Absolutely! It's the world's longest cable car below sea level. 6-8 minute ride with stunning views of green Jericho oasis amid desert, Dead Sea and Jordan mountains. At the top — monastery and cafe with views.
Unique 8th-century mosaic in the Umayyad palace bath complex: lion attacking gazelles under a fruit-bearing tree. The only figurative image at this Islamic monument. In 2021, a huge mosaic floor (835 sq m) was opened under a protective dome — one of the world's largest. Restoration cost 12 million USD with Japanese funding.
Useful tips for visiting Jericho
Arrive early morning (before 10:00 AM) — heat builds quickly. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, hat and sunscreen.
Taxis in Jericho are cheap — rides within city max 10 NIS. Agree on price beforehand. Taxi drivers may offer tours to attractions.
Combine visits: Tell es-Sultan + cable car + Hisham's Palace in one day. 5-10 minutes by taxi between them. Full tour takes 5-6 hours.
Before traveling, always check current security situation in the region. Conditions can change. Consult your foreign ministry and local guides.